How to dispute a CCJ on Equifax
A CCJ on your Equifax report is about as serious as it gets. But there are legitimate ways to get it removed or updated.
Paid within one calendar month? It can be wiped completely. Didn’t know about the court papers? You might be able to set it aside. Over six years old? It should already be gone.
Key takeaways
- Free to dispute — your legal right under CCA s.159 and UK GDPR.
- Equifax must respond within 28 days.
- Lender has 21 days to respond to Equifax’s enquiry.
- Check your Equifax report free via ClearScore.
How to dispute with Equifax
Equifax receives CCJ data from the Registry Trust. To update or remove a CCJ on Equifax:
Use the Online Help portal and select “Public Information (Bankruptcy/CCJ/IVA)” as the dispute category.
For CCJs paid within 1 month: provide your Certificate of Cancellation. Equifax removes the entry.
For CCJs paid after 1 month: provide your Certificate of Satisfaction. Equifax marks it as satisfied.
Note: CCJs only apply in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Equifax confirms this in their guidance.
Equifax-specific tips
Equifax’s dispute category for CCJs is “Public Information (Bankruptcy/CCJ/IVA)” — not “Financial Account information”. Make sure you select the right category for faster processing.
Evidence you’ll need
- The evidence depends on your situation. Paid within one calendar month? Apply for a Certificate of Cancellation (Form N443, £19 fee). Paid after one month? Apply for a Certificate of Satisfaction (same form and fee). CCJ set aside by the court? Gather the court order. Either way, keep proof of payment (bank statement or receipt).
- Remember: paying the debt alone does not update the Register of Judgments. You must submit Form N443 to the court. Equifax receives CCJ data from the Registry Trust, so the Register must be updated before Equifax can act. Upload your Certificate through the Online Help portal at help.equifax.co.uk/EquifaxOnlineHelp, selecting “Public Information (Bankruptcy/CCJ/IVA)” as the category.
Timeline
CCJ updates depend on the Registry Trust notifying Equifax. After submitting Form N443, court processing takes approximately 2 weeks. Equifax is then notified and updates your report. Total time: typically 2–4 weeks.
Equifax confirms receipt within 24 hours. Because CCJ data comes from the Registry Trust rather than a lender, the usual 21-day lender response window doesn’t apply — Equifax checks against the Register directly, which can be faster. Note that CCJs only apply in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
If your dispute is rejected
If Equifax hasn’t updated your report after you’ve received your Certificate, contact them directly with proof. CCJ data comes from the Registry Trust, so escalation is usually straightforward — Equifax can verify against the Register.
For re-submissions, use the alternative dispute form at disputeuk.zendesk.com. Formal complaints go to [email protected] or call 0800 014 2955. If the Register has been updated but Equifax’s records don’t reflect it, this is a clear data accuracy issue.
Sample dispute letter
For a template letter you can use to dispute a CCJ with Equifax, see our dispute letter templates page.
FAQs
How long does a CCJ stay on Equifax?
Six years from the date of the judgement. If paid in full within one calendar month, it can be completely removed.
Do I need to update Equifax separately after getting a Certificate?
Usually no — the Registry Trust notifies the CRAs. But if Equifax hasn’t updated after 2–4 weeks, contact them with your Certificate.
Does a CCJ apply in Scotland?
No. CCJs apply in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only. Scotland has Decrees under a different legal system.
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