How to fill in an N1 claim form

GOV.UK describes Form N1 as the form to use "to make a claim against a person or organisation to settle a dispute". The same GOV.UK page carries the notes for claimants (N1A) and guidance for defendants replying to the claim form (N1C, N1D and N1(FD)).

In GOV.UK's guide to making a court claim for money, the person who starts the claim is the claimant and the person or business that owes the money is the defendant.

GOV.UK says you can apply online or by post. Its guide says you can make a claim online unless:

• ✓you do not know how much money you want to claim
• ✓you are making the claim on behalf of more than one person or organisation
• ✓your claim is against 3 or more people or organisations
• ✓you or the people or organisations you are claiming against do not have an address in England or Wales
• ✓your claim is against a government department

GOV.UK says to claim by post if you cannot claim online, and the paper route uses the N1. The form itself says you may be able to issue online, which "may save time and money", and the N1A notes ask you to consider that before you start.

GOV.UK's N1 page offers:

• ✓Claim form: N1 (PDF, 5 pages)
• ✓Notes for claimant: N1A (PDF, 4 pages)
• ✓Claim form: N1, large print (PDF, 6 pages)
• ✓Notes for claimant: N1A, large print (PDF, 7 pages)

GOV.UK does not list a Word version. The form is marked edition "12.24" (December 2024). For an accessible format, GOV.UK says to email hmctsforms@justice.gov.uk.

RepeatForm works with the PDF, not Word documents. It needs a digital, text-selectable PDF. Scans, photos and handwriting are not supported.

The N1A notes follow the order in which the form asks for information, and say to use black ink and block capitals if you fill it in by hand.

Heading. Name the court where you want the claim issued. For a money-only claim to proceed in the County Court, the notes say to enter "County Court Money Claims Centre".

Claimant and defendant. You are the claimant, and the person you are suing is the defendant. The notes ask for each party's full address including postcode, and say a missing postcode needs the judge's permission before the claim can be served. They give naming examples for individuals, partnerships, registered companies and others.

Brief details of claim. A concise statement of the nature of the claim and the remedy sought, for example payment of money.

Value. For a fixed ("specified") amount, the notes say to write it in the "amount claimed" box. For an unspecified amount, they give wording starting "I expect to recover", with three bands: not more than £10,000; more than £10,000 but not more than £25,000; more than £25,000. They also give wording for a claim you cannot value, and for some personal injury and housing disrepair claims.

Preferred court. The form asks for your preferred County Court hearing centre. The notes say the court takes it into account if a transfer is needed.

Defendant's name and address. One claim form is needed for each defendant. The notes say serving outside the UK or the rest of the European Economic Area may need the court's permission.

Vulnerability. The form asks whether you or a witness are vulnerable in any way the court needs to consider, and what support you want considered.

Human Rights Act. A Yes or No question on whether the claim includes issues under the Human Rights Act 1998.

Legal representative's costs. The notes say these fixed sums may only be claimed where a legal representative was instructed to make the claim.

Particulars of claim. Tick whether they are attached or to follow. The notes list a concise statement of facts, details of any interest, and anything else the relevant practice direction requires.

Statement of truth. The notes say it must be signed by you, your solicitor or your litigation friend, and name who signs for a registered company or corporation.

Address for documents. The claimant's or legal representative's address for documents, with optional phone, DX number, reference and email.

Copies. The notes say to keep one copy, and provide one for the court and one for each defendant.

GOV.UK's civil court fees page (EX50, updated 13 July 2026) says that to issue a claim for money the fee is based on the amount claimed, plus interest:

• ✓up to £300: £35
• ✓more than £300 but no more than £500: £50
• ✓more than £500 but no more than £1,000: £70
• ✓more than £1,000 but no more than £1,500: £80
• ✓more than £1,500 but no more than £3,000: £115
• ✓more than £3,000 but no more than £5,000: £205
• ✓more than £5,000 but no more than £10,000: £455
• ✓more than £10,000 but no more than £200,000: 5% of the value of the claim
• ✓more than £200,000: £10,000

GOV.UK's guide says that if you do not know the amount, you use the paper form, estimate it and pay the fee for that band, and that leaving "amount claimed" blank makes the fee £10,000. It says you may be able to get help with fees, and that applying by post means applying for both at once with form EX160 and the N1. Fees change, so check the current EX50 list.

For a claim for a sum of money, the N1A notes say to send it to the Civil National Business Centre, St Katharine's House, 21-27 St Katharine's Street, Northampton, NN1 2LH. A High Court claim, or a claim for anything other than money, goes with the fee to a court office.

GOV.UK says to send a cheque or postal order payable to "HM Courts and Tribunals Service", or a letter asking to pay by card. If you apply for help with fees, send your reference number or application form. RepeatForm does not send or file anything.

GOV.UK says your claim is then sent to the defendant, who must respond, and you are told the date by letter or email. If the defendant disputes a claim of £10,000 or less, you must attend free, court-organised mediation. Without agreement you attend a hearing. The court may send a questionnaire, with an extra court fee.