How long does bankruptcy stay on public record?
Emma Miller
Updated on January 31, 2026
How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report? Credit reporting agencies keep note of a bankruptcy for the longer of: five years from the date you become bankrupt. two years from the date your bankruptcy ends.
How long does a bankruptcy stay on your credit report after discharge?
seven to 10 years
Bankruptcies will remain on a credit report for seven to 10 years, depending on if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 was filed (as opposed to the date the debts were actually discharged). Chapter 13 bankruptcy is deleted from your credit report seven years from the filing date.
Does bankruptcy stay on your record for life?
How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit record? Bankruptcy is recorded on your credit file for at least six years from the date your bankruptcy started.
Is bankruptcy considered public record?
Answer: Unless sealed, all documents filed in a bankruptcy case are available for public viewing. Information contained in bankruptcy case documents is a matter of public record. Credit reporting agencies regularly collect and disclose bankruptcy data to the public.
How long does a bankruptcy stay on your credit report?
Bankruptcies will remain on a credit report for seven to 10 years, depending on if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 was filed (as opposed to the date the debts were actually discharged). Chapter 13 bankruptcy is deleted from your credit report seven years from the filing date.
How long does bankruptcy stay on the public register?
This is when the details of your bankruptcy are normally removed from the public Individual Insolvency Register. However if the official receiver found you acted dishonestly or irresponsibly they may apply bankruptcy restriction undertakings (BRU) which will mean your bankruptcy stays on the public register for longer.
What happens when you file for bankruptcy and it is approved?
If the bankruptcy court approves your application, it will grant an Order Approving Payment of Filing Fee in Installments. Your installment payment due dates will be in that order. You must pay all installments on time or your case is at risk of being dismissed.
When does a bankruptcy stay come into force?
The stay is in force, whether or not anyone has received notice of the bankruptcy. Debtor’s counsel usually wants to notify all parties of the filing, long ahead of any notice of the bankruptcy case that may go out from the bankruptcy court clerk. Some courts have a form used to provide notice to the court of the stay.