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What is a CCJ register
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The Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines is a public database of court judgments issued against companies and individuals. Lenders search it before making a credit decision. This guide explains what the register contains, what lenders see, and how to address entries before applying for business finance.
What the register records
The Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines records:
- County Court Judgments (CCJs) — issued in England and Wales
- High Court judgments
- Administration orders (personal debt management)
- Fines registered as judgments
Each entry shows: the debtor name and address at the time of judgment, the judgment amount, the date of judgment, and whether the entry is satisfied (paid) or unsatisfied (unpaid). Entries remain for six years, unless paid within one calendar month of the judgment (in which case they can be removed entirely).
Satisfied vs unsatisfied: what the difference means
Satisfied CCJ
- Debt has been paid in full after the judgment was entered
- Entry remains on the register for 6 years but shows as “satisfied”
- Less damaging in credit assessments than unsatisfied
- Can apply for certificate of satisfaction as evidence of payment
Unsatisfied CCJ
- Debt has not been paid (or paid but certificate not applied for)
- Remains for 6 years and is a significant adverse credit marker
- More serious than a satisfied entry in most lender assessments
- Paying the debt and applying for satisfaction is the remedy
Special case: If the debt is paid within one calendar month of the judgment date, you can apply to have the entry removed from the register entirely (not just marked satisfied). This is the strongest outcome.
Five steps to address CCJ register entries before applying
- Search the register for the company. Trust Online (operated by Registry Trust) allows register searches by company name and postcode. A basic company search costs a few pounds. This is what any lender running a credit check will see.
- Check each entry: satisfied or unsatisfied? Note each entry, its date, and its status. Unsatisfied entries need to be resolved before applying. Satisfied entries over six years old will have expired from the register.
- Pay any outstanding judgment debts. Contact the creditor or the court to arrange payment. Keep a receipt or confirmation of payment. You will need this to apply for satisfaction.
- Apply for a certificate of satisfaction. Apply to the issuing court. There is typically a small court fee. The court updates the register to show the entry as satisfied. Keep the certificate.
- Allow time for the update to reach credit bureaux. The register update flows to credit reference agencies but not instantly. Allow two to eight weeks before the updated status appears on the company’s bureau report. Apply for finance after the propagation, not immediately after paying.
CCJ register questions
What is the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines?
The Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines (commonly called the CCJ Register) is a public register maintained by Registry Trust Limited on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. It records County Court Judgments (CCJs), High Court judgments, administration orders, fines, and other judgment types issued in England and Wales. A search of this register tells a lender whether any judgment has been entered against a company or individual.
How do lenders use the CCJ register?
Lenders search the register as part of their credit assessment. A CCJ entry against the company is a significant adverse signal — it means the company has been formally ordered by a court to pay a debt and the creditor has pursued a judgment rather than accepting a private settlement. An unsatisfied CCJ (unpaid) is more serious than a satisfied one (paid after judgment). Most business credit reference agencies incorporate judgment data into their credit reports, so lenders may see it even if they do not search the register directly.
How long does a CCJ stay on the register?
A CCJ remains on the register for six years from the date of judgment, regardless of whether it is paid. However, if the judgment debt is paid in full within one calendar month of the judgment date, the entry can be removed from the register entirely — not just marked satisfied. If paid after one month, it remains but is marked as satisfied, which is a better status than unsatisfied. After six years, the entry is removed automatically.
How is a CCJ marked as satisfied?
Once the judgment debt is paid in full, the debtor (or creditor) can apply to the court that issued the judgment to have it marked satisfied. The court will verify payment and update the register. This process typically takes a few weeks. A certificate of satisfaction is issued. The satisfied status will flow through to credit bureau records over time — the update is not instant at the bureau level.
Can I search the register myself?
Yes. Registry Trust operates the Trust Online service, where searches of the register can be carried out for a small fee. A company search requires the company name and registered address. This is the same data source that lenders use. Searching before applying is useful — it confirms what any lender will see, and allows time to address entries before they affect an application.
Ready to apply?
Check the register, resolve outstanding entries, and apply when the picture is clean. Decisions typically arrive the same working day.