Download and complete EAC1
State whether the application is for a first certificate or renewal. Renewal applicants must also give the granting court and current expiry date.
Enforcement agent certification
Applying for an EAC1 Bailiff Certificate
A practical guide to applying for your first certificated enforcement agent certificate or renewing an existing certificate in England and Wales.
Application form
EAC1 for first applications and renewals
Current court fee
£387 — check EX50 before applying
Security
£10,000 bond lodged or confirmed
Hearing
Personal attendance is required
What the certificate means
EAC1 is the court application—not a training certificate
A person who intends to act as a certificated enforcement agent under Schedule 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 applies to the County Court using Form EAC1. The same form is used for a first certificate and for renewal.
The judge must be satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person and has sufficient knowledge of the law and procedure relating to taking control of goods. Evidence of qualifications, relevant employment and continuing professional education may help demonstrate that competence.
Important distinction:
a certificated enforcement agent is not the same as a County Court bailiff, a civilian enforcement officer or an authorised High Court Enforcement Officer.
Application process
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How to apply for or renew an EAC1 certificate
These steps follow the current EAC1 form. The form itself and any directions from HMCTS or the court take priority.
Complete the identity and business sections
Provide your home address, principal business address, employment or self-employment details, and the organisations for which you may act.
Answer the suitability questions
Deal accurately with previous certificate refusals or cancellations, convictions, insolvency events and judgments. Explain any “yes” answers fully and factually.
Obtain the required evidence
Arrange the register search, references, photographs and copies of the prescribed forms. Time the criminal-record evidence carefully for the hearing.
Send the application to the CNBC
Send the completed pack and fee to the Civil National Business Centre address printed on the current EAC1. Choose one of the listed hearing centres.
Attend the County Court hearing
You must attend. Bring the criminal-record evidence required by the form and ensure the £10,000 bond is lodged or, for a renewal, properly confirmed on the court file.
Documents
What to include with the application
The current EAC1 warns that an incomplete application will not be considered and may be returned. Use the checklist in Part 4 of the form rather than relying on an old application pack.
Completed and signed EAC1
Certified register-search result
Two written references
Two passport-size photographs
The current court fee
Copies of all prescribed forms listed in EAC1
Certified qualification or CPD evidence relied upon
Continuation sheets and explanations where needed
One-month rule:
the register search submitted with the application must be no more than one month old. The criminal-record certificate must also be no more than one month old, but the current EAC1 says it is submitted at the hearing centre on the day of the hearing.
Timing and hearing
Plan backwards from the certificate expiry date
A renewal should be prepared early enough to avoid a gap in certification. Do not obtain the one-month documents so early that they expire before the relevant submission or hearing date.
Prepare the core pack
Complete the form, approach referees, assemble prescribed forms and identify the evidence you will rely upon to show competence.
Order time-sensitive evidence
Make sure the register-search result is within one month when submitted. Arrange the criminal-record certificate so it is within one month at the hearing.
Submit and await directions
The EAC1 states that an application can be heard 38 days after the application notice is exhibited. HMCTS will confirm the hearing arrangements.
Attend with hearing-day documents
Be ready to answer questions about your fitness, knowledge, work and proposed use of the certificate. Bring every original or certified document directed by the form or court.
Avoidable problems
Common reasons an application pack goes wrong
- Using an outdated EAC1 or paying an old fee
- Missing certified copies or failing to certify them properly
- Supplying a register search that is more than one month old
- Obtaining the criminal-record certificate too early for the hearing
- References that do not address legal knowledge and experience
- Omitting one or more prescribed taking-control-of-goods forms
- Giving incomplete explanations for judgments, insolvency or convictions
- Assuming prior certification guarantees renewal
Official and related resources
Check the source documents
The official form and current court-fee guidance should always be checked immediately before an application is made.
Frequently asked questions
EAC1 certificate FAQs
Is Form EAC1 used for both first applications and renewals?
Yes. The current EAC1 has separate boxes for a first certificate and a renewal. A renewal applicant must also state where the existing certificate was granted and when it expires.
Do I need a DBS certificate for EAC1?
You need qualifying criminal-record evidence issued under Part V of the Police Act 1997. The current form says it must be no more than one month old and submitted at the County Court hearing centre on the hearing date. Follow the exact wording of the current form.
Do I need a formal bailiff qualification?
The judge must be satisfied that you have sufficient knowledge of enforcement law. The EAC1 invites evidence such as a debt-enforcement qualification, employment history and continuing professional education. Any training evidence should be genuine, current and relevant to the work you propose to undertake.
How much is an EAC1 application?
At the date this page was reviewed, EX50 listed the certificated enforcement agent application under the County Court non-money fee, currently £387. Fees change, so check EX50 before applying.
Is the £10,000 bond paid to the court?
The court must be satisfied that the required security is in place. The current form refers to a bond totalling £10,000 being filed at the hearing or, for a renewal, an existing subsisting bond being verified on the County Court file. Check the arrangement with your bond provider and the court in advance.
Can UK Bailiffs approve or issue an EAC1 certificate?
No. Certificates are granted by the County Court. UK Bailiffs publishes this page as practical information for the enforcement sector and does not decide applications or provide court administration.
Need enforcement support?
Looking to instruct certificated enforcement agents?
UK Bailiffs provides commercial enforcement, possession and specialist property support across England and Wales. Every instruction is reviewed before acceptance.
Reviewed 6 September 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice or HMCTS guidance. Always use the latest EAC1, check the current court fee and follow any directions issued by the Civil National Business Centre or the hearing court.
