Renewing an LEI
Key takeaway: An LEI is not “set-and-forget”. To remain usable for regulated activity, it should be renewed at least annually with your issuing LOU: LOU (Local Operating Unit) — an accredited organization that issues/renews LEIs and validates entity data. (or via a Registration Agent: A service provider that helps entities register or renew an LEI (typically in cooperation with an LOU).) so that your reference data stays verified and your LEI does not become lapsed.
On this page
What LEI renewal means
Renewing an LEI is the periodic (typically annual) confirmation that an entity’s public LEI reference data remains accurate. In the Global LEI System (GLEIS: GLEIS (Global LEI System) — the global framework of rules and institutions that supports issuing and publishing LEIs.), renewal is how data quality is maintained and how market participants know whether an LEI is currently validated.
In practical terms, renewal is a combination of (1) verifying entity data against authoritative sources and (2) paying the renewal fee charged by the issuing LOU: LOU (Local Operating Unit) — an accredited organization that issues/renews LEIs and validates entity data. (directly or via a Registration Agent: A service provider that helps entities register or renew an LEI (typically in cooperation with an LOU).).
When to renew (and why timing matters)
- Renew before the next validation date: don’t wait until the last day if you rely on the LEI for trading or reporting.
- Renew early if data changed: changes in legal name, address, or corporate structure can trigger extra validation steps.
- Renew ahead of regulated events: issuing debt, onboarding with a broker/custodian, or entering a new jurisdiction: The country or legal area whose laws and regulations apply to an entity or activity. often includes LEI checks.
Many venues and counterparties enforce “No LEI, No trade” controls. A lapsed LEI may block transaction reporting, order acceptance, or onboarding workflows.
Step-by-step renewal process
Renewal is usually completed online through your issuing LOU: LOU (Local Operating Unit) — an accredited organization that issues/renews LEIs and validates entity data. or a Registration Agent: A service provider that helps entities register or renew an LEI (typically in cooperation with an LOU).. The exact UI differs, but the process is structurally consistent:
Identify your LEI record
Start with the LEI itself (20 characters). If you don’t have it handy, use a lookup (see LEI Lookup).
Confirm and update entity reference data
Verify the legal name, registered address, headquarters address, and other Level 1 “who is who” data. If ownership reporting applies, Level 2 relationship data may also be involved.
Validation by the issuer
The issuer checks your information against authoritative public sources (e.g., a business registry in your jurisdiction: The country or legal area whose laws and regulations apply to an entity or activity.). If there are mismatches, they may ask for supporting documentation.
Payment and confirmation
After payment, the LEI record is updated in the Global LEI Index coordinated by GLEIF: GLEIF — the organization that coordinates the global LEI system and maintains data quality in the Global LEI Index..
What “lapsed” means and how to reactivate
A lapsed LEI generally means the entity’s reference data has not been re-validated within the expected renewal window. The LEI still exists as an identifier, but many market participants treat it as practically unusable for regulated workflows.
Typical consequences of a lapsed LEI:
- Rejected orders on venues that enforce LEI controls
- Failed regulatory reporting or counterparty onboarding checks
- Operational delays (manual reviews, revalidation requests)
Reactivation is usually straightforward: renew with your LOU: LOU (Local Operating Unit) — an accredited organization that issues/renews LEIs and validates entity data. (or agent), ensure data is accurate, and complete validation. Once updated, the public status reflects the renewed record.
How to check LEI status
The fastest way is to search the LEI in the public Global LEI Index (maintained within the GLEIS: GLEIS (Global LEI System) — the global framework of rules and institutions that supports issuing and publishing LEIs. and coordinated by GLEIF: GLEIF — the organization that coordinates the global LEI system and maintains data quality in the Global LEI Index.) or use a reputable LEI lookup tool. If you want a walkthrough, see LEI Lookup.
Common renewal issues (and how to avoid them)
Most common renewal blockers
- Entity registry details changed: legal name/address updates not reflected in official sources yet.
- Ownership structure complexity: Level 2 relationship reporting requires additional validation and documentation.
- Last-minute renewals: delays occur if the issuer needs clarification or documents.
- Using the wrong issuer workflow: renew with the issuing LOU: LOU (Local Operating Unit) — an accredited organization that issues/renews LEIs and validates entity data. or an agent that can service that record.
Glossary (5)
- LOU
- LOU (Local Operating Unit) — an accredited organization that issues/renews LEIs and validates entity data.
- Registration Agent
- A service provider that helps entities register or renew an LEI (typically in cooperation with an LOU).
- GLEIF
- GLEIF — the organization that coordinates the global LEI system and maintains data quality in the Global LEI Index.
- GLEIS
- GLEIS (Global LEI System) — the global framework of rules and institutions that supports issuing and publishing LEIs.
- jurisdiction
- The country or legal area whose laws and regulations apply to an entity or activity.
Next step: verify your current status
If you’re not sure whether your LEI is active, start with a lookup and confirm status, issuer, and last validation date.