A CCJ drops off your credit file 6 years after the judgment date, whether or not it was ever paid, so once you pass that point it should no longer appear on your report or affect a credit-based decision. That does not mean the whole subject disappears: some mortgage application forms ask directly whether you have ever had a CCJ, separately from what shows on your file, and if the judgment debt was never paid, it may not have simply gone away either.
This page covers what actually happens at the 6-year mark, how to answer application questions honestly, and why an old, unpaid CCJ can still need care. For a judgment that is getting close to 6 years, see remortgaging with a CCJ over 3 years old.
On this page
This page covers
- Credit issue
- County court judgments (CCJs)Usually stays on your credit file for 6 years from the judgment date.
- When it happened
- More than 6 years agoMost issues drop off your credit file after 6 years, though some applications ask whether you have ever had one.
In short
- A CCJ stops showing on your credit file 6 years after the judgment date, whether or not it was paid.
- Some mortgage application forms ask if you have ever had a CCJ, which is a different question from what your file currently shows.
- Always answer these questions honestly, even about a CCJ that no longer appears on your file.
- If an old CCJ was never paid, the debt itself may not automatically disappear, and rules on this can be complex.
Does a CCJ really disappear after 6 years?
From your credit file, yes. A CCJ is removed 6 years after the judgment date, regardless of whether it was paid, so lenders checking your Experian, Equifax or TransUnion report should not see it once that point has passed.
| Question | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Does it still show on my credit file? | No, it should be removed automatically 6 years from the judgment date |
| Does a lender doing a credit check still see it? | It should not appear on the standard credit reference reports |
| Can a mortgage application form still ask about it? | Yes, some forms ask "have you ever had a CCJ" as a direct question |
| Does the underlying debt disappear if it was never paid? | Not automatically. See the section below, and get advice if unsure |
Why some application forms still ask if you have 'ever' had a CCJ
A credit check and a declaration question are two different things. Some application forms ask whether you have ever had a CCJ, rather than whether one currently shows on your file.
Giving inaccurate information on a mortgage application, even about something that has fallen off your credit file, can cause serious problems later if it comes to light, including the mortgage being reviewed or withdrawn. If a form asks whether you have ever had a CCJ, answer truthfully and let your adviser explain the circumstances and how long ago it was.
In practice, a CCJ from this far back, honestly declared, is usually far less of a concern to a lender than a recent one, because it no longer shows and so much time has passed.
What if the CCJ was never paid?
The 6-year rule is about what shows on your credit file, not about whether a debt is legally cancelled. If a judgment was never paid, it does not automatically disappear just because it stops appearing on your report. Whether a creditor can still act to recover an old unpaid CCJ depends on the circumstances, including what has already been done and how much time has passed. This is a complex area of law that varies case by case.
If you are unsure whether an old CCJ is still owed or could still affect you, this is not something to guess at. Free, confidential advice is available from National Debtline, StepChange and MoneyHelper, and for a specific legal question a solicitor can advise on your exact situation.
What this means for a remortgage application now
For most people, a CCJ from over 6 years ago has little practical effect on a remortgage, because it no longer appears on the credit file a lender checks. What matters is being accurate on any application question about your history, and making sure the rest of your file is in good order.
- Check all three credit reports confirm the judgment has been removed
- Keep a note of the judgment date and whether it was ever paid, in case a form asks
- Deal with any doubt about an unpaid old CCJ before you apply, using free advice if needed
- Focus preparation on anything more recent on your file, which will carry more weight
What may still be relevant with a CCJ from over 6 years ago
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Whether it still shows on your file | It should have dropped off all three credit reports 6 years from the judgment date. Check this before you apply. |
| Application form wording | Some forms ask if you have ever had a CCJ, which you should answer honestly regardless of what your file shows. |
| Whether the debt was ever paid | If it was never paid, get this checked rather than assuming it no longer matters. |
| More recent credit history | What has happened on your file since the CCJ usually matters far more than the old judgment itself. |
| Mortgage payment history | A long, clean record since the judgment supports your application more than the CCJ can count against it. |
| Loan to value | How much equity you have now, which sets the LTV band a lender will consider. |
| Income and affordability | Your current income and outgoings, assessed on their own merits. |
These are general points, not lender rules. Each lender sets and changes its own criteria.
Information an adviser may ask for
You don’t need all of this to make an enquiry. It helps to know where to find it, because an adviser is likely to ask about most of it.
- The approximate date of the judgment, for reference if a form asks
- Whether the CCJ was ever paid, and any paperwork you still have
- Recent copies of your Experian, Equifax and TransUnion reports showing it has dropped off
- Details of anything more recent on your credit file
- Your mortgage balance, deal end date and an estimate of your home’s value
- Proof of income and your main monthly outgoings
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you don't pay a CCJ after 6 years?
The CCJ itself stops showing on your credit file 6 years from the judgment date, whether or not it was paid. That is separate from the underlying debt, which does not automatically disappear just because it no longer appears on your report. Whether it can still be enforced depends on the circumstances, so get free advice or legal advice if you are unsure rather than assuming either way.
Will a lender still ask about a CCJ that has dropped off my file?
A credit check should not show it. Some application forms separately ask if you have ever had a CCJ, and you should answer that honestly even though it no longer appears on your credit report.
Do I need to mention an old CCJ if it no longer shows anywhere?
If an application form asks whether you have ever had one, yes. If it only asks about your current credit file, an old CCJ that has dropped off would not need to be listed, but check the exact wording of the question.
Can a creditor still chase me for a CCJ from 7 years ago?
It depends on the circumstances, including what the creditor has already done to enforce it. This is a complex area, so if you are unsure, get free advice from National Debtline or StepChange, or speak to a solicitor for a view on your specific situation.