Form D89 UK: Bailiff Personal Service Request Guide

What this document is

Form D89 is the official court form used in England and Wales to ask a court bailiff to personally serve documents on a named respondent. Personal service means the papers are physically handed over by an authorised officer rather than sent by post or email, which gives the court clear evidence the respondent has received them.

The form is generally used alongside existing proceedings, so you will already have a case number and issued documents before you submit it. It sits within the Family Court and civil court framework and is particularly common where the respondent has been difficult to contact, where the rules require personal service, or where the applicant is concerned the papers might otherwise be ignored.

The form itself is a request, not a guaranteed service: the bailiff will attempt service at the address given, but success depends on the quality of the information you provide about the respondent and their whereabouts. If the bailiff cannot locate the person, alternative steps may be needed.

How to use this document

1. Check that bailiff service is the right route. Before completing D89, confirm that personal service is required or appropriate in your case. In many family matters, first class post is the default, and bailiff service is used where post has failed or where the rules specifically call for it. If this applies, gather your case number and copies of the documents that need serving.
2. Collect detailed information about the respondent. The bailiff needs enough detail to identify the correct person at the door. This includes full legal name, date of birth, a physical description covering height, build and any distinguishing features, a recent photograph where possible, and any vehicle details. The more specific you can be, the higher the chance of successful service.
3. Disclose anything that affects safety or approach. The form asks about the respondent's known behaviour, mental health, involvement with police or social services, and any firearms history or convictions. This is not about judging the person, it is so the bailiff can plan the visit safely. Leaving this section blank when relevant information exists can create real risk.
4. Complete the statement of truth and your contact details. You must sign to confirm the information provided is true to the best of your knowledge. Knowingly making a false statement on a court form is a serious matter and can lead to contempt proceedings. Include your address, phone numbers and email so the court can reach you about progress or payment.
5. Deal with the court fee. Indicate how you intend to pay and whether you are applying for Help with Fees. If you have already made an online Help with Fees application, enter the reference; otherwise you may need to submit the separate application form. Payment options generally include phone, online and cheque or postal order, with the amount payable set by the current court fees schedule on gov.uk.

Common questions