EDGAR filer information > How do I? > Understand and utilize EDGAR applicant types

When applying for EDGAR access (Form ID), the first piece of information you will be asked for is your applicant type.

Applicant refers to the individual or company that needs to file with the SEC. Thus, if you represent an individual or company, the applicant is not you but rather the individual or company that you represent.

It is important to review the Applicant Types drop-down list and select the appropriate type. If none of the filer types apply to the individual or company who will be making submissions using the new central index key (CIK) number, then select filer.

  • The filing agent applicant type must be used only by a financial printer, law firm, or other person, who will be using the access codes to submit a filing or portion of a filing on behalf of a filer.
  • Indicate whether you are filing for an individual (person) or a company.

The following are definitions for each of the applicant types.

  • Clearing Agency—Any person that is a "clearing agency" as defined in Section 3(a)(23) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (See 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(23)).
  • Filer—Any person or company on whose behalf an electronic filing is made that is not otherwise covered by another applicant type.
  • Filing Agent—A financial printer, law firm, or other person, which will be using these access codes to send a filing or portion of a filing on behalf of a filer.
  • Funding Portal—A broker acting as an intermediary in a transaction involving the offer or sale of securities offered and sold in reliance on Section 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act, that does not: (1) offer investment advice or recommendations; (2) solicit purchases, sales or offers to buy the securities displayed on its platform; (3) compensate employees, agents, or other persons for such solicitation or based on the sale of securities displayed or referenced on its platform; or (4) hold, manage, possess, or otherwise handle investor funds or securities.
  • Institutional Investment Manager (Form 13F Filer)—Any person that is required to file a Form 13F under Section 13(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (See 15 U.S.C. 78m(f)(6)(A)).
  • Investment Company, Business Development Company or Insurance Company Separate Account—Any person that meets the definition of "investment company" in Section 3 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (See 15 U.S.C. 80a-3), or otherwise registers an offering of its securities on a registration form adopted by the Commission under such Act, including management companies, face-amount certificate companies, unit investment trusts, business development companies, and insurance company separate accounts (including any separate account which would be required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 except for the exclusion provided by Section 3(c)(11) of such Act and which files a registration statement on Form N-3 or Form N-4).
  • Large Trader—Any person that is a "large trader" as defined by Rule 13h-1(a)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (See 17 CFR 240.13h-1(a)(1)).
  • Municipal Advisor—Any person that is a "municipal advisor" as defined in Section 15B(e)(4) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (See 15 U.S.C. 78o-4(e)(4)).
  • Municipal Securities Dealer—Any person that is a "municipal securities dealer" as defined in Section 3(a)(30)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (See 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(30)).
  • Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization—Any person that is a "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" as defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (See 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(62)).
  • Non-Investment Company Applicant under the Investment Company Act of 1940—Any person submitting an application for an order seeking an exemption under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
  • Security-Based Swap Data Repository—Any person that is a "security-based swap data repository" as defined in Section 3(a)(75) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (See 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(75)).
  • Security-Based Swap Dealer and Major Security-Based Swap Participant—Any person that is a "security-based swap dealer" or a "major security-based swap participant" as each term is defined in Sections 3(a)(71) and (67) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (See 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(71) and (67)).
  • Security-Based Swap Execution Facility—A trading system or platform that is a "security-based swap execution facility" as defined in Section 3(a)(77) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (See 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(77)).
  • Training Agent—Any person that will be sending only test filings in conjunction with training other persons.
  • Transfer Agent—Any person that is a "transfer agent" as defined in Section 3(a)(25) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (See 15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(25)).  

Please note these definitions are meant to facilitate the correct selection of Applicant Type and are not intended to amend or otherwise change any provision of the federal securities laws or the regulations promulgated thereunder. To the extent that a definition cross-references a particular statute, such definition shall also include any rules or regulations promulgated by the SEC further refining the statutory definition.

You should also be aware that the information required is not the same for all applicants and that Form ID is customized based upon whether the applicant is a company or individual.

Note that Clearing Agency and Municipal Securities Dealer should not be selected as Applicant Types. If either value is selected, then EDGAR will display a pop-up window and change the Applicant Type selection to Filer once the pop-up window is closed.

Please note that additional instructions and guidance are provided within the online Form ID application itself.