The Insolvency Register is an official public database that records individuals who are subject to formal insolvency procedures in the UK.
In England and Wales, this is known as the Individual Insolvency Register and is maintained by the Insolvency Service. It contains details of people who are currently bankrupt or subject to other insolvency arrangements.
The register exists to provide transparency in financial and legal matters, allowing individuals and businesses to verify insolvency status when necessary.
The Individual Insolvency Register (IIR) is the official public record of individuals involved in certain insolvency procedures in England and Wales.
It includes people who are:
- Currently bankrupt
- Subject to an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
- Under a Debt Relief Order (DRO)
- Subject to a Bankruptcy Restrictions Order (BRO)
- Subject to an Interim Order
The register is updated regularly and is publicly accessible.
The Insolvency Register exists to:
- Provide public transparency
- Protect creditors
- Allow due diligence checks
- Ensure legal compliance
- Inform financial decision-making
Because insolvency affects financial responsibility and creditworthiness, it is considered a matter of public record.
A typical register entry may include:
- Full name
- Year of birth
- Address (current or recent)
- Type of insolvency procedure
- Date the order was made
- Expected discharge date
- Status (active or discharged)
The level of detail can vary depending on the type of insolvency.
Yes.
The Individual Insolvency Register in England and Wales is public. Anyone can search it online.
However, while it is publicly accessible, the information must be used responsibly and in accordance with relevant data protection laws.
Entries remain on the public register during the active insolvency period.
For example:
- Bankruptcy typically remains on the register until discharge (usually around 12 months).
- IVAs remain visible while active.
- Some restrictions may extend visibility.
After discharge, the entry is removed from the public register. However, insolvency may remain on credit files for up to six years.
For more on duration, see:
You can search the register using:
- Full name
- Partial name
- Date of birth (if known)
Because common names may return multiple results, additional identifying details improve accuracy.
Searching manually may sometimes:
- Produce multiple similar results
- Cause confusion where details overlap
- Require interpretation of insolvency status
For structured verification, some individuals use a professional Bankruptcy & Insolvency Search service to receive a clear digital report.
The Insolvency Register:
- Is an official government-maintained database
- Confirms formal insolvency status
- Focuses on legal insolvency proceedings
A credit report:
- Is maintained by credit reference agencies
- Includes broader financial behaviour
- Shows CCJs, defaults, and insolvency markers
The two systems are separate.
If you need to confirm whether someone is bankrupt specifically, searching the Insolvency Register is more direct than relying only on a credit report.
No.
The Individual Insolvency Register relates only to individuals.
Company insolvency records are handled separately through Companies House and other official publications such as The Gazette.
If you need to check an individual’s bankruptcy status, a structured insolvency search may be appropriate.
Common reasons include:
- Tenant referencing
- Business partnerships
- Contractor vetting
- Lending decisions
- Legal proceedings
- Personal financial checks
Because insolvency status affects financial obligations, verifying it can reduce risk.
If no record appears:
- The individual may not be currently insolvent
- The insolvency may have been discharged
- The details entered may not match exactly
- The case may fall under a different UK jurisdiction
Accuracy of name and identifying details is important when searching.
Yes, in England and Wales the Individual Insolvency Register includes bankruptcy records.
Names are removed automatically once the insolvency period ends. Early removal is generally not possible unless there was an error.
Yes. Insolvency typically affects credit files for up to six years.
Yes, it is publicly accessible.
The Insolvency Register is the official public database of individuals subject to bankruptcy and other insolvency procedures in England and Wales. It provides transparency and allows individuals and businesses to verify insolvency status when making financial or legal decisions.
If you need confirmation of someone’s insolvency status with structured reporting, a Bankruptcy & Insolvency Search can provide clarity based on official public records.