The bailiff must show the warrant and their ID


When a debtor or anyone that appears to be in charge of the premises asks a bailiff to show the warrant or his identity, the bailiff must show it.[1]

You can request before the bailiff attends, or later.[2]

A bailiff's ID is his enforcement certificate, a white laminated card with a mugshot, measuring six inches tall by two-and-a-half inches and signed by a judge. [3]

A bailiff showing a police-like badge and warrant card, then he did not show his ID and commits an offence. [4]

The warrant may be on a device, and you have a right to take a picture, then ask the bailiff to wait outside until its authenticity is established.

The law does not require warrants to have a wet-ink signature.

Magistrate's Court fines, the warrant has the HM Court Service logo and seal.[5]

Showing a fake warrant does not count as showing authority to enter premises.[6]

Bailiffs sometimes point to their body-worn camera with a company name on it, but that is not Authorative ID, or an enforcement power.

If the bailiff breaches the enforcement provisions, the debtor may apply to the court for the return of controlled goods, and any money taken.[7]

Always support your claim with a video recording.



[1] Paragraph 26(1) of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[2] Paragraph 26(2) of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[3] Section 64 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[4] Section 90 of the Police Act 1996
[5] See HM Court Service Warrant of Control for unpaid court fines
[6] Section 7 of the Fraud Act 2006
[7] Paragraph 66 of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007