N323 Warrant of Control
Once you have obtained judgment in your favour, you can use Form N323 to apply for a Warrant of Control. This instructs court bailiffs to collect money or seize goods belonging to the debtor.
N323 Warrant of Control Form
About Warrant of Control
Once you have obtained judgment in your favour, you can use this form to apply for a Warrant of Control (formerly called Warrant of Execution). This will instruct the court's bailiffs to try and obtain money or seize goods belonging to the defendant.
Need Help Completing?
More details on how to fill in this form are provided in our enforcement guide.
View Enforcement Guide →How the Warrant Process Works
The warrant of control process involves several steps from application to potential recovery:
Complete Form N323
Fill in the warrant application with judgment details
Pay Court Fee
Submit the form with the required fee
Court Issues Warrant
Court sends warrant to enforcement team
Bailiffs Contact Debtor
Enforcement agents attempt to collect payment
Timeline
The process typically takes 2-6 weeks from application to completion, depending on the debtor's response and available assets.
What Bailiffs Can and Cannot Take
Bailiffs have specific rules about what goods they can seize to recover your debt:
Can Be Taken
- Electronics (TV, computer, gaming consoles)
- Vehicles (cars, motorcycles, caravans)
- Jewelry and watches
- Furniture and household goods
- Tools and equipment (if not essential for work)
- Collectibles and antiques
Cannot Be Taken
- Essential household items (basic furniture, clothing)
- Tools of trade up to £1,350 in value
- Items belonging to other people
- Essential medical equipment
- Children's items and toys
- Pets and guide dogs
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Most common enforcement method
- Bailiffs have legal powers to enter property
- Can result in quick payment to avoid seizure
- Covers full judgment amount plus costs
Disadvantages
- Upfront fee required
- No guarantee of recovery
- Debtor may have no valuable goods
- Process can take several weeks
When to Consider Alternatives
A warrant of control may not be the best option if:
- • The debtor is employed (consider attachment of earnings)
- • You know they have bank accounts (consider third party debt order)
- • The debtor has no valuable goods
- • The debt amount is small relative to the costs
- • The debtor is elderly or vulnerable
Download Warrant of Control Form
The link below will take you to the official form on GOV.UK:
Form N323
Apply for a warrant of control to recover money you're owed after a court order
Official form for applying for enforcement action by court bailiffs
Interactive Legal Chatbot
Quick Facts
Also Known As:
Warrant of Execution
Timeline:
2-6 weeks typically
Success Rate:
Varies by debtor's assets
Prerequisites
- ✓ Must have court judgment
- ✓ Debtor failed to pay
- ✓ Court fee required
Best For
- • Debtors with valuable goods
- • Homeowners with assets
- • Businesses with equipment