Certificate of Service N215

What is Form N215?

The Certificate of Service (N215) is a court form used to confirm that legal documents have been served on the relevant party in a court case. This form is particularly important when applying for possession of a property, as it provides proof that required documents, such as a notice seeking possession, have been properly delivered.

While many possession claim forms already ask for details about service of the notice, courts often require Form N215 as additional confirmation. N215 only evidences that documents were served; you must still use the correct possession notice and procedure for the relevant jurisdiction (England or Wales) before relying on N215 as proof of service.

When is the N215 Form Needed?

• When serving notice to tenants before applying for possession.
• When providing proof of service for legal documents in possession claims.
• If the court requests additional confirmation of service, even when other forms include this information.

How to Use This Form

Use the current N215 downloaded from HMCTS. Complete the numbered boxes as follows:

1. Day served: enter the date when you took the step used to serve the documents.
2. Date of service: enter the deemed service date. Use the table on page 5 of N215 because this may differ from the date in box 1.
3. Documents served: identify each document clearly. Attach copies of any documents not already filed with the court.
4. Person served: give the name of each person or organisation served and, where relevant, their position.
5. Method: tick the method actually used and complete any extra details requested for that method.
6. Address or electronic details: give the address, email address, fax number, DX number or other electronic identification used. Tick the description that explains why you used that place for service.

Complete the court name, claim number and party names at the top of the form. If no claim number has been issued, leave that box blank.

Who Can Sign the Statement of Truth?

The questions on N215 refer to “you” because the claimant, defendant or other serving party is treated as serving the documents, even where someone else performs the physical steps on their behalf. The signatory therefore does not have to have personally posted, delivered, or handed over the documents, but must have reliable information about what happened and honestly believe the facts stated in the form are true.

The statement of truth should be signed in one of the capacities shown on the form: claimant, defendant, litigation friend where the serving party is a child or protected party, or the party’s legal representative. An ordinary letting or property-management agent cannot sign merely as agent. If an agent or process server physically carried out service, obtain their written service record and, where service may be disputed, a witness statement from them.

For a company or other corporation, the statement of truth must normally be signed by someone in a senior position, who must state their office or position. For a partnership, it may be signed by a partner or by someone who controls or manages the partnership business. A legal representative must sign in their own name and provide their firm's name. See Practice Direction 22.

Download Form N215

To access the official Certificate of Service (N215), download it directly from the HMCTS website via the link below:

Download N215 Form from HMCTS

Do You Need to Download This Form?

If you complete possession claim forms using our Court Form Wizard, you do not need to download this form separately. Our step-by-step guidance automatically includes a download link where required, ensuring you submit all necessary documents.

Visit our Court Forms Guide for England or Wales for more guidance on court forms and possession claims.