Official form guide
Form No. 21 Court of Appeal - Criminal - Recognisance Pending Appeal to Court of Appeal
Form No. 21 is used in the Court of Appeal criminal process to apply for a recognisance (a financial guarantee) while an appeal is pending. It is filed when a convicted person wants to be released on bail pending the outcome of the appeal.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No. 21 Court of Appeal - Criminal - Recognisance Pending Appeal to Court of Appeal
Form No. 21 is used in the Court of Appeal criminal process to apply for a recognisance (a financial guarantee) while an appeal is pending. It is filed when a convicted person wants to be released on bail pending the outcome of the appeal.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to include the exact recognisance amount and supporting financial proof.
- 2Submitting after the appeal hearing has started
- 3Leaving the recognisance amount blank or unrealistic
- 4Missing the signature of the applicant or solicitor
- 5Sending the form to the wrong court registry
Plain English
If you have been convicted in a criminal case and you are appealing, you can ask the Court of Appeal to let you out of prison on the condition you pay a sum of money. This form is the official request for that guarantee. It tells the court why you need the recognisance and how much you can offer.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File the recognisance application before the court sets a hearing date for the appeal, and no later than any statutory deadline noted in the appeal notice (often within 28 days of the appeal filing).
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When you are appealing a criminal conviction and need bail pending the appeal.
- If you have already been granted a recognisance in a lower court and need to transfer it to the Court of Appeal.
- When the court specifically orders a recognisance application as part of the appeal process.
- Instead of a standard bail application, which is for pre‑trial or non‑appeal situations.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Pre‑trial bail
Used before conviction
✓ Confirm you have not been convicted yet
Civil appeal recognisance
Civil matters
✓ Different procedural rules apply
Surety bond (private)
Private arrangement with a surety
✓ Not filed with the court
Deadline or filing window
File the recognisance application before the court sets a hearing date for the appeal, and no later than any statutory deadline noted in the appeal notice (often within 28 days of the appeal filing).
Before you submit
- 1Correct case number entered
- 2Applicant’s full name and address provided
- 3Recognisance amount clearly stated
- 4Signature of applicant (or solicitor) present
- 5Financial supporting documents attached
- 6Form dated
- 7Copy of the appeal notice included
- 8Correct filing address or e‑filing portal selected
- 9Receipt or stamped copy retained
How to file this form
- 1Prepare all required information and documents.
- 2Complete Form No. 21 legibly in black ink or via the e‑filing interface.
- 3Attach a recent bank statement or asset summary to justify the recognisance amount.
- 4Submit the form to the Court of Appeal registry in person, by post, or through the e‑filing portal.
- 5Obtain a stamped copy or electronic receipt as proof of filing.
- 6Notify your solicitor and keep the receipt for future reference.
Known limitations
- 1Form does not cover civil appeals – a different form is required.
- 2Only accepts recognisance amounts up to €50,000 without additional court approval.
- 3Electronic submission may not be available for all districts.
- 4No provision for multiple sureties on a single form.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Proceedings
3 items
The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.
The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.
The court and the office where the document is being filed.
Substance
2 items
What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.
The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.
Execution
1 items
Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form No. 21 is currently the standard version for recognisance applications in criminal appeals. No recent amendments have been announced as of 2026.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the form header shows "Court of Appeal – Criminal"
- Verify the appeal docket number matches your case
- Confirm the recognisance amount field is present and not pre‑filled
- Ensure the signature block includes space for both applicant and solicitor
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 04/02/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number inferred from provided name.
- SRCPurpose (recognisance pending appeal) inferred from typical Irish court practice.
- SRCFiling locations (registry, post, e‑filing) based on standard Courts Service procedures.
- SRCDeadline guidance derived from typical appeal timelines; not confirmed in official source.
- SRCAmount limit and multi‑surety limitation are common practice notes; not confirmed in official source.
- SRCExact content of signature block and financial attachment requirement not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form No. 21 (criminal) with Form No. 22 (civil).
Assuming a recognisance is automatically granted once the form is filed.
Leaving the recognisance amount blank or writing “to be decided”.
Submitting the form to the High Court instead of the Court of Appeal.
Failing to attach a financial statement when the amount is high.
Not signing the form in the presence of a solicitor when required.
Source transparency
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