What Form N215 is for
The form that proves to the court when and how you served a claim form or other document yourself.
Who files it: Whoever served the document, when the court did not serve it.
The official form is published by HM Courts & Tribunals Service. Download the current version from GOV.UK rather than reusing an old copy, because the forms change.
When to use it
- You told the court you would serve the claim form on the defendant yourself.
- You served an application, order or witness statement and need to prove it.
- You are requesting judgment in default and the court needs evidence of service.
Deadline and fee
Deadline: Within 21 days of serving the claim form, unless the defendant has already acknowledged or responded.
Court fee: No court fee. (EX50 fee list)
If you are on a low income or benefits you may not have to pay court fees. Apply with Form EX160, Help with Fees. Fees you do pay are added to the amount the other side owes if you win.
Work out the full cost of a claim, including the hearing fee, with the court fee calculator or see the fees for a claim of a given amount.
How to complete it
Every County Court form follows the same rules: use the claim number exactly as it appears on the court’s letters, give full names and addresses for each party, write dates in full, and sign the statement of truth in your own name. A statement of truth is a promise to the court that the contents are true, and a false one is contempt of court.
The toolkit's service tracker records the method, address and date for each document so the N215 fields are filled and the deemed service date is calculated under CPR 6.14.
See the Small Claims Toolkit →Questions people ask
What is the deemed date of service?
For a claim form, the second business day after you complete the step required for the method used, for example posting it first class. Response deadlines run from that deemed date, not the day it arrived.
Can I serve by email?
Only if the defendant, or their solicitor, has said in writing they will accept service by email at that address. Otherwise use first class post, DX, personal service or leaving it at their address.
CourtPilot is an information and document-preparation service, not a law firm. Nothing on this page is legal advice. Court fees change; the figures here were checked against the published EX50 on 2026-08-29.