How to Get an LEI
Process Overview: Obtaining a Legal Entity Identifier involves selecting an accredited LEI issuer (an LOU or Registration Agent), submitting required entity data, undergoing validation, and paying the applicable fees. The process is managed within the framework of the Global LEI System (GLEIS).
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Step-by-Step Registration Process
Registering for an LEI follows a standardized procedure, primarily conducted via the online portals of GLEIF-accredited Local Operating Units (LOUs) or their Registration Agents. While specific interfaces vary, the fundamental steps are:
Select an LEI Issuer
Choose an LOU or Registration Agent from the official GLEIF list. Factors to consider include cost, service levels, multi-year options, and support. (Our LEI Providers comparison section is coming soon).
Submit Entity Data
Complete the application form, providing accurate Level 1 reference data: Legal Name, Registered Address, Headquarters Address, Jurisdiction, Legal Form, Entity Status. Ensure data matches official records.
Data Validation
The issuer verifies submitted data against official public sources (e.g., business registries). This confirms the entity's legitimacy and uniqueness. Additional documentation may be requested if discrepancies arise.
Payment
Pay the registration fee as required by your chosen issuer. Fees vary by provider and registration duration (e.g., 1 year, 3 years, 5 years).
LEI Issuance & Publication
Once validated and paid, the LOU issues the unique 20-character LEI (e.g., 549300KG1I1HKP304225) and publishes it with the reference data in the Global LEI Index, making it publicly available.
Required Information & Documentation
While issuers primarily rely on public registries for validation, be prepared to provide or confirm the following Level 1 data. In some cases, supporting documents might be requested:
- Legal Name & Registered Address
- Headquarters Address (if different)
- Jurisdiction of Formation & Legal Form (e.g., LLC, Ltd, GmbH)
- Entity Status (e.g., Active, Inactive)
- Official Business Registry Number (if applicable)
Note: Specific document requests (like Articles of Incorporation) depend on the issuer's process and the entity's circumstances.
Timeframes and Costs
Registration Time
LEI issuance speed varies by provider and data complexity. Many issuers offer registration within 24 hours, some even faster, assuming data validates easily against public sources.
Registration Costs
Fees for LEI registration and renewal are set by the individual LOUs or Registration Agents and vary. Consider multi-year registration options for potential cost savings.
The Importance of Annual Renewal
An LEI must be renewed annually to remain active in the Global LEI System. Renewal involves verifying current entity data and paying the renewal fee. A lapsed LEI can cause issues with regulatory reporting and financial transactions. Managing renewals proactively is essential for compliance.
Ready to Register?
While this knowledge base provides information, LEI registration is performed through accredited LOUs or Registration Agents. Choosing the right provider impacts cost and service.