Conduct Document Reference Number Checking
Q1Where can I find the Document Reference Number (“DRN”)?
- A1
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Each document issued by the e-Courts will be given a unique DRN for identification purpose. DRN is a 12-digit number which is printed on the barcode label normally affixed to the upper right corner of the first page of the document.
A sample document showing the DRN is provided for reference.
Q2Who can use DRN checking service?
- A2
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A party or its legal representative or any person who has received a printout of a document issued by the e-Court in electronic form may use this DRN checking service.
For example, a defendant (or a Solicitor acting on behalf of a defendant) who has received a printout of a Writ of Summons issued by the e-Court in electronic form may use this DRN checking service.
- A3
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You can quote its DRN and ascertain whether there is a document, which is sealed with the seal of the court, carrying that DRN issued by the e-Court through the iCMS.
You may access this DRN checking service in the following ways:
- using “Conduct Document Reference Number Checking” function in the iCMS; or
- calling the 24-hour telephone hotline 2693 0200 in the Judiciary’s Interactive Voice Response System (“IVRS”).
Q4How can I conduct DRN checking through the iCMS?
- A4
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Select “Conduct Document Reference Number Checking” function in the iCMS. Input the DRN and the captcha code. You will then be informed of the checking result.
Please refer to the step-by-step guide on “Conduct Document Reference Number checking” (946 KB) for more information.
Q5How can I conduct DRN checking through the Judiciary’s IVRS?
- A5
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When you are connected to the hotline 2693 0200, please follow the steps below for DRN checking service:
- select a language by keying in either 1, 2 or 3, as appropriate;
- listen to the message on introduction of DRN checking service;
- proceed to DRN checking service by selecting option 2 “enter a DRN for checking” at the main menu; and
- follow the IVRS messages to provide the details for checking.
You will then be informed of the checking result.
Q6Is DRN checking service applicable to all types of proceedings and/or court levels?
- A6
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No. This DRN checking service is only applicable to the types of proceedings and/or court levels where the use of iCMS have been implemented.
Since 6 May 2022, iCMS has been implemented for two types of proceedings, namely Personal Injuries Action and Tax Claim in the District Court. It is being extended to other proceedings in the District Court and other levels of courts by phases.
Please refer to the implementation notice(s) issued by the Chief Justice currently in force for details. The information can be found on the Judiciary’s dedicated webpage.
Q7Can I use DRN checking service to check all types of documents issued by the e-Court?
- A7
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No. This DRN checking service is only applicable to the documents issued by the e-Court through the iCMS. In other words, this DRN checking service is not applicable to documents issued by e-Court through the conventional manual mode.
Attached is a list of applicable documents for District Court civil cases.
Item Document Name 1. Certificate of Assessment of Damages 2. Certificate of Compensation Assessment 3. Certificate of Costs (including Allocatur, Interim Certificate of Costs & Final Certificate of Costs) 4. Charging Order 5. Checklist Review Notice 6. Concurrent Writ of Summons 7. Consent Order 8. Examination Order 9. Final Judgment after Assessment of Damages/Compensation 10. Fourth Party Notice 11. Garnishee Order 12. Injunction 13. Judgment 14. Notice of Appeal 15. Notice of Appointment of Assessment of Damages 16. Notice of Renewal of Writ of Execution 17. Order 18. Prohibition Order 19. Summons 20. Third Party Notice 21. Warrant for bailiff to call upon defendant to give security to produce property 22. Warrant for Committal 23. Warrant of Arrest 24. Writ of Assistance 25. Writ of Delivery 26. Writ of Fieri Facias 27. Writ of Possession 28. Writ of Possession & Fi. Fa. Combined 29. Writ of Restitution 30. Writ of Sequestration 31. Writ Of Subpoena 32. Writ Of Summons Attached is a list of applicable document for Magistrates’ Courts cases.
Item Document Name 1. Summons to Witness Attached is a list of applicable documents for Small Claims Tribunal cases.
Item Document Name 1. Certificate for Enforcement of Judgment in Mainland (Civil and Commercial Matters Cap. 645) 2. Inter-partes Summons 3. Registrar's Certificate 4. Summons to Witness (Form 5) 5. Writ of Fieri Facias
Q8Is DRN checking service free of charge?
- A8
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Yes.
Q9Is there any specified verification period for using DRN checking service?
- A9
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Under normal circumstances, you can conduct DRN checking within 12 months from the date of issuance of the document (“verification period”).
It should be noted that such verification period only refers to the duration of the availability of DRN checking service in respect of the document concerned. It is not related to the validity or authenticity of the document.
- A10
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No. If you wish to view or verify the content of the document, you may conduct document inspection in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations either at the respective Court Registry in person, or via the iCMS.
Q11What information will I get if the DRN quoted is valid?
- A11
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If the DRN inputted is valid, you will receive a confirmation that the document concerned sealed with the seal of the court bearing the inputted DRN was issued by the e-Court. You will be further provided with the related case number.
Q12What can I do when DRN quoted cannot be found using DRN checking service?
- A12
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There are different possibilities e.g. DRN quoted is an invalid number or outside the scope of DRN checking service, or the verification period of the document concerned may have expired.
You may call the respective Court Registry’s hotline or approach the respective Court Registry for further enquiry.