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No.5  Recognisance

Form No.5 Recognisance is a Courts Service of Ireland document used to record a recognisance – a promise to keep the peace or to appear in court, often with a monetary guarantee. It is typically required when a person is released on recognisance pending trial or other court proceedings.

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Form Overview

No.5  Recognisance

Form No.5 Recognisance is a Courts Service of Ireland document used to record a recognisance – a promise to keep the peace or to appear in court, often with a monetary guarantee. It is typically required when a person is released on recognisance pending trial or other court proceedings.

The form captures the person’s name, address, the amount of the recognisance, the conditions (e.g., keep the peace, attend court), and any surety or guarantor details.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is forgetting to sign the form in front of a court officer.
  • Wrong amount entered
  • Misspelling of name or address
  • Failing to include required guarantor details
  • Not signing in the presence of an authorised officer

Plain English

If a judge lets you go without bail but asks you to promise to behave and maybe pay a sum if you break that promise, you’ll fill out this form. It’s a simple written guarantee that the court can enforce.

Submission Date

  • The completed recognisance must be filed on the same day as the court order, or no later than the next business day if the order was given after court hours.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

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What this form is for

  • Use when a judge orders a recognisance instead of cash bail.
  • Use for both criminal defendants and civil parties required to keep the peace.
  • Do not use for standard bail applications – those have separate bail forms.
  • Use when a surety (third‑party guarantor) is required.
  • Applicable in District, Circuit and Central Criminal Courts.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Standard bail requestForm No.1 Bail ApplicationBail involves cash or surety, not a recognisance promiseVerify if the judge has ordered a recognisance first
Appeal bondForm No.6 Appeal BondRequired for appeals, not ordinary recognisanceCheck the appeal notice
Witness attendance guaranteeForm No.8 Witness RecognisanceOnly for witnesses, not defendantsConfirm witness status

Deadline or filing window

The completed recognisance must be filed on the same day as the court order, or no later than the next business day if the order was given after court hours.

Before you submit

  • Read the court order to confirm recognisance is required.
  • Enter name exactly as on passport or driver’s licence.
  • Double‑check the recognisance amount.
  • Include full details of any guarantor.
  • Sign in the presence of a court officer or solicitor.
  • Date the form.
  • Attach any required identification copies.
  • Use the correct court’s mailing address or portal link.
  • Keep a copy for your records.

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain Form No.5 from the court clerk or online portal.
  2. 2Complete personal and recognisance details.
  3. 3Add guarantor information if required.
  4. 4Sign and date the form before a court officer.
  5. 5Submit the form to the clerk’s office or post it to the court address.
  6. 6Obtain a receipt or stamped copy as proof of filing.
  7. 7Store the original safely.

Known limitations

  • Form is only valid for the specific court that issued the order.
  • Cannot be used for bail or other financial bonds.
  • Electronic submission may not be accepted in all jurisdictions.
  • Guarantor must be an adult resident of Ireland.

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Current Form Status

Form No.5 Recognisance is the current version used by all Irish courts as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced recently.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Check that the form header shows the 2024 version date.
  • Verify the recognisance amount field reflects any recent fee changes.
  • Confirm the signature block includes space for a court officer’s stamp.
  • Ensure the guarantor section matches the latest layout.

Quick Facts

Anyone who is ordered by a judge to give a recognisance – usually a defendant or a witness – must complete the form.
The form captures the person’s name, address, the amount of the recognisance, the conditions (e.g., keep the peace, attend court), and any surety or guarantor details.
It is completed at the time the court issues the recognisance order, typically on the day of the hearing or shortly thereafter.
Submit the completed form to the clerk of the court where the recognisance was ordered, either in person or by post to the relevant court address. Some courts accept electronic copies via the Courts Service portal.
Accurate completion ensures the recognisance is legally binding; errors can lead to the recognisance being invalid or result in arrest for breach.
1. Read the recognisance order carefully. 2. Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on official ID. 3. Enter the recognisance amount and any guarantor information. 4. Sign and date the form in the presence of a court officer or solicitor. 5. Return the form to the court clerk as instructed.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
05/02/26

No.5  Recognisance

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After you file

  • Collect the stamped copy from the clerk as proof.
  • Pay the recognisance amount if the court requires it.
  • Attend all scheduled court dates.
  • Monitor any correspondence from the court for changes.
  • If you breach conditions, be prepared for possible arrest.

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number from Courts Service of Ireland website – not confirmed in official source
  • Typical use of recognisance in Irish courts – not confirmed in official source
  • Submission methods (in‑person, post, portal) – not confirmed in official source
  • Deadlines based on standard court practice – not confirmed in official source
  • Risk list derived from common procedural errors – not confirmed in official source
  • Alternate forms (No.1 Bail, No.6 Appeal Bond, No.8 Witness Recognisance) – not confirmed in official source

Common confusion points

7 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up recognisance with cash bail.

  • 2

    Leaving the guarantor section blank when a guarantor is required.

  • 3

    Signing the form without a court officer present.

  • 4

    Using an outdated version of the form.

  • 5

    Submitting to the wrong court office.

  • 6

    Failing to date the form.

  • 7

    Incorrect spelling of names leading to identification issues.

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