Apply for a transcript of a court or tribunal hearing

You can apply for a transcript of a court or tribunal hearing if the hearing was recorded.

The court can refuse to provide part or all of a transcript (for example, if details of the hearing are confidential).

Where hearings are recorded

Hearings at the Crown Court and at civil and family courts are always recorded.

Tribunal hearings are not always recorded. Contact the tribunal to find out if it was recorded.

Hearings at magistrates’ courts are never recorded.

How to apply

Download and fill in form EX107 and read the accompanying guidance notes.

Return the form by email or post to the court or tribunal where the hearing took place.

If you want a transcript of a judgment only

You may be able to find a free transcript of a judgment online at The National Archives.

If you cannot find it, fill in form EX107 and email or post it to either:

  • the contact details in section 2d of the guidance notes, if you want a transcript from the Court of Appeal Criminal Division or the Administrative Court
  • the court or tribunal where the hearing took place, if you want a transcript from any other court or tribunal

How long it takes

You can choose how soon you’d like the transcript to arrive from the options on the form.

How much it costs

You’ll usually have to pay for the transcript unless the court believes there are special circumstances (for example, you need the transcript urgently but cannot afford to pay).

The final cost varies depending on the transcript’s size, whether it’s a new transcript or a copy, and other factors. Read the form EX107 guidance notes for full details.

Applying for a free transcript

For civil and family court hearings:

  • download and fill in form EX105
  • send it with form EX107 to the court or tribunal

For Crown Court and tribunal hearings, contact the court or tribunal where the hearing took place to apply.

Complaints

Contact the transcriber first if you are not satisfied with the transcript or the service you’ve received.

If you feel they have not dealt with your complaint properly, contact HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS).

HMCTS Operational Performance and Contracted Services
Post Point 6.13
102 Petty France
London SW1H 9AJ
HMCTSContractedServices@justice.gov.uk

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