Understand and Utilize EDGAR CIKs, Passphrases, and Access Codes

Oct. 5, 2023

Reminder: Enroll in EDGAR Next

  • Filers should enroll in EDGAR Next during the transition period of March 24, 2025 through September 12, 2025, to avoid interruption in filing.
  • Starting September 15, 2025, all filers will be required to comply with EDGAR Next to file on EDGAR and the current EDGAR login process utilizing passwords will no longer be available. At that time, individual account credentials from Login.gov will be required to access all EDGAR filing websites.

Please see the EDGAR Next page on SEC.gov and the Commission’s adopting release, EDGAR Filer Access and Account Management, Release No. 33-11313 (Sept. 27, 2024), for more information.

After December 19, 2025, the CIK will remain a filer’s unique identifier and the CCC will persist as a code required to file on EDGAR. The password, PMAC, and passphrase will be discontinued.

Jump to sections:

Introduction to the Central Index Key (CIK), Passphrase, CIK Confirmation Code (CCC), Password, and Password Modification Authorization Code (PMAC)

CIK

  • Unique number that EDGAR assigns to identify each filer account.
  • Publicly available.
  • Permanent identifier—may not be changed and never expires.
  • Assigned regardless of whether filings are made electronically on EDGAR or submitted to the SEC in paper.
  • Used with password to log into EDGAR.
  • Used with CCC to file on EDGAR.
  • If filers have forgotten, misplaced, or want to confirm their CIK, they may look it up by searching for their company name on EDGAR company search or CIK Lookup.

For more information regarding EDGAR applicant and filer types see SEC.gov | Understand and Utilize EDGAR Applicant Types.

Passphrase

  • Created by filers during the EDGAR access application process for applications submitted prior to March 24, 2025. The passphrase will not be created in association with applications submitted after this date.
  • Consists of eight characters having at least one number (0-9) and at least one special character (@, #, $, *).
  • Case-sensitive—must be presented exactly as created (either upper or lower case).
  • Never expires but will be discontinued entirely after December 19, 2025.
  • Considered a very sensitive code that should be strictly controlled; access to the passphrase should be limited.
  • If lost or forgotten, a new passphrase can be obtained through December 19, 2025 by following the instructions in Reset the passphrase.

CCC

  • Automatically generated once Form ID is granted and viewable on the dashboard of the EDGAR Filer Management website.
  • Used with the CIK to file on EDGAR.
  • Used with the CIK to retrieve and edit the filer’s data on EDGAR.
  • Consists of eight characters having at least one number (0-9) and at least one special character (@, #, $, *).
  • Case-sensitive —must be presented exactly as created (either upper or lower case).
  • Never expires and can be changed by the filer at any time using the PMAC. See Change the CCC.
  • Visible on the Filer Management dashboard for all individuals authorized to make filings on EDGAR for that filer.
  • Any CCC created prior to March 24, 2025 will automatically reset upon enrollment; the new CCC will display on the Filer Management dashboard and may be customized thereafter by an account administrator.

Use of the CCC in submission headers
The CCC is case-sensitive. If a filer’s CCC contains lower case letters when it is created or changed, the filer must use lower case letters when entering the CCC in the submission. To minimize errors, avoid using the number 1 (one), the lower case letter “l” (el), the number 0 (zero), or the capital letter O (oh).

Providing the CCC to filing agents
A filing agent must use its own login CIK and password to log into the EDGAR filing websites. Filing agents making filings on behalf of a filer must then present the filer’s CIK and CCC to make filings.

Filing agents making filings on behalf of a filer through APIs must also be authorized by the filer as delegated entities on the Filer Management dashboard.

Note: Starting September 15, 2025, Login.gov will be required to access all EDGAR filing websites. In addition, the filer must be enrolled and filing agents must be authorized by the filer as delegated entities on the dashboard to file on EDGAR.

CCC and account security
SEC staff recommends that filers change their CCC immediately if they suspect that it may have been compromised, and periodically change it as a routine security practice. See Change the CCC.

Password

  • Required to log into EDGAR and change the CCC. See note below regarding upcoming EDGAR Next changes.
  • Consists of 12 characters having at least one number (0-9) and at least one special character (@, #, $, *).
  • Case-sensitive—must be presented exactly as created (either upper or lower case).
  • Can be changed at any time. See Change the Password.
  • If lost or forgotten prior to enrollment, can be regenerated as part of a new set of codes (CCC and password). See Generate new and replacement CCC and password.
  • Expires annually from the date created or last changed. Filers must change their password annually via the EDGAR Filing website. To check the filer's password expiration, access the EDGAR Filing website or EDGAR OnlineForms website and review the password's expiration date in red at the top of the screen.
  • Must be securely maintained and disclosure strictly limited to necessary parties.
     
  • Note: Starting September 15, 2025, all filers will be required to comply with EDGAR Next to file on EDGAR and the current EDGAR login process utilizing passwords will no longer be available.
    • On September 15, 2025, individual account credentials from Login.gov will be required to access all EDGAR filing websites and use of the password will be discontinued for filing.
    • After December 19, 2025, password will be completely discontinued and cannot be used to change a CCC. All changes to CCCs must be made on the EDGAR Filer Management website dashboard.

PMAC

  • Allows filers to change their password prior to enrollment.
  • Consists of eight characters having at least one number (0-9) and at least one special character (@, #, $, *).
  • Case-sensitive—must be presented exactly as created (either upper or lower case).
  • Never expires. See note below regarding upcoming EDGAR Next changes.
  • If lost or forgotten, can be re-generated as part of a new set of codes (CCC, password, PMAC). See Generate new and replacement CCC and password.
  • Should be securely maintained and access limited to only one or two persons in an organization.
  • Note: Starting March 24, 2025, the PMAC cannot be reset as part of the transition to EDGAR Next. On December 22, 2025, the PMAC will be discontinued along with password and passphrase.

SEC staff do not have filer passphrase, CCC, password, or PMAC codes on file; if lost or forgotten, filers must generate replacements through the EDGAR system.

The filer is responsible for securely maintaining EDGAR access codes and generating replacement codes if the codes are lost.

If a filer has filing issues, please do not include the filer’s codes in emails to staff.

If a filer has lost or forgotten the CCC and password, please see Generate new and replacement CCC and password.

If a filer has lost or forgotten the passphrase, please see Reset the passphrase.

Generate New and Replacement CCC, Password

Filers must coordinate with all those who need access to EDGAR for the filer before changing any EDGAR access code information! If filers do not, the filer may not be able to file. See How Do I Enroll in EDGAR Next for more information.

Existing Filers with Access Codes Created Prior to March 24, 2025

Existing filers may continue to update their CCC, password, and passphrase after March 24, 2025 and prior to enrollment. Some functions will change, however, depending upon whether the filer has enrolled in EDGAR Next.

Options prior to enrollment

If a filer has lost or forgotten either the CCC or password, the filer may generate a replacement set of these access codes. Filers cannot generate only a new CCC or password; they must generate both replacement codes at the same time.

  • Please note after March 24, 2025, PMACs will no longer be generated with access code token resets.
  • Filers can simply reconfirm the current CCC and/or password rather than change to a new CCC and/or password if necessary to confirm that access codes are current for enrollment.

If a filer knows its current CCC or password, and would like to change it for security purposes, refer to Change the CCC or Change the password. Individuals that have access to the filer’s EDGAR POC email address have the option to reset both the password and CCC at the same time. The EDGAR POC email address can be viewed and updated by following the instructions provided in Editing Company Information in How Do I Maintain and Update Company Information. Filing agents may reset the filer’s EDGAR POC email address with the filer’s authorization.

Filers must have their passphrase to generate a replacement CCC, password, and PMAC. If filers have forgotten their passphrase, see Reset the passphrase.

An account administrator for a filer can generate a new password and CCC:

  1. Log into the EDGAR Filer Management website dashboard with the filer’s Login.gov credentials.
  2. Select Request a password and CCC reset token on the bottom right of the page.
  3. Input the filer’s CIK and the reason for the request and select Request Token.
  4. Within a few minutes, an email containing a security token will be sent to the EDGAR POC email address on file for the CIK.
  5. Select Reset password and CCC on the bottom right of the page.
  6. Enter the CIK, the token from the email sent to the EDGAR POC, filer’s new password and new CCC.
  7. Make sure to save the new access codes in a secure location. Filers will need the CCC to enroll in EDGAR Next and the password to make filings prior to September 15, 2025.
  8. Once a CIK is enrolled in EDGAR Next, the CCC and password must be updated on the EDGAR Filer Management website. After enrollment, the filer will be unable to make CCC or password updates on Retrieve/Edit Data. All other information in Retrieve/Edit Data will remain available for review and updating.

New Filers—Form ID Application Granted Prior to March 24, 2025

If the filer’s Form ID application was accepted prior to March 24, 2025, an email was sent to the EDGAR POC with the filer’s CIK. If the CCC and password have not been created, follow the instructions above on how to generate a new CCC and password on the EDGAR Filer Management website.

New filers—Form ID Application Granted on or after March 24, 2025; Enrolled Existing Filers

  1. Log into the EDGAR Filer Management website with the Login.gov credentials.
  2. Select the Filer name associated with the CIK.
  3. Select Manage CCC & Password.
  4. To change the CCC:
    1. Select either Generate CCC, or
    2. Enter a new CCC in the boxes above Create Custom CCC and confirm the new CCC by selecting Create Custom CCC.
    3. The new CCC can be viewed by authorized filers by selecting the box Show CCC or by selecting Account Details at the top of the page.
    4. Select Reset password and CCC on the bottom right of the page.
  5. To change the Password:
    1. Enter a new password in the boxes above Set New Password and confirm the new password by selecting Set New Password.
    2. Remember to store the new password as it is not viewable EDGAR Filer Management website. The box Show new password only allows filers to see the password prior to confirmation.

Reset the Passphrase

If a filer has lost or forgotten its passphrase, the filer may reset it on the EDGAR Filer Management website by following these instructions.

Passphrase Reset

  • Filers can reset the passphrase by requesting a passphrase reset token be sent to the filer’s EDGAR point of contact (EDGAR POC) email address.
  • Filers who cannot access the current EDGAR POC email address may update the email address by following instructions provided in How Do I Maintain and Update Company Information. Filing agents may reset a filer’s EDGAR POC email address with the filer’s authorization.

To request a security token to reset the passphrase:

  1. Log into the EDGAR Filer Management website with Login.gov credentials.
  2. Select Enroll in EDGAR Next. Select Passphrase Reset.
  3. A new window will pop up. Select Request a passphrase reset token from the pop-up window.
  4. Type in the CIK that requires a new passphrase and add a Reason for the update (e.g., forgot my passphrase).
  5. Select Request Token. Within a few minutes, an email containing a security token will be sent to the contact email address on file for the CIK.
  6. Return to Enroll in EDGAR Next, select Passphrase Reset, then select Reset Passphrase in the popup window.
  7. Manually type the CIK and security token from the email sent to the EDGAR POC and create a new passphrase.
    1. The new passphrase must be exactly eight (8) characters. It also must contain one of these four (4) special characters - @, #, $, * - and at least one number and one letter.
  8. Type the passphrase again to confirm and then select Reset Passphrase.
  9. Make sure the new access codes are saved in a secure location. Filers will need the passphrase to enroll in EDGAR Next.

Once a CIK has been enrolled in EDGAR Next, the use of passphrase is discontinued.

Lost Passphrase—Submit Form ID for Existing EDGAR Account

  • Do not submit a Form ID if a filer has lost its passphrase unless the filer is unable to reset the passphrase by requesting a security token (including by updating the EDGAR POC email address, as explained above).
  • Filers must submit a signed and notarized Form ID, as detailed on the EDGAR Filer Management website, to regain access to the filer’s CIK.
  • SEC staff will review the Form ID application. Filers are encouraged to submit the request well in advance of the first required filing to allow sufficient time for staff to review the request. Plan ahead and consult How Do I Prepare and Submit My Form ID for current Form ID average processing times. During its review, SEC staff may request additional information from the filer related to the request. Approval is not guaranteed.

To submit a Form ID for an Existing EDGAR Account:

  1. Log into the EDGAR Filer Management website with the Login.gov credentials.
  2. Select Apply for EDGAR Access.
  3. Select Existing EDGAR Account.
  4. The section will expand with three options. Enter the filer’s CIK and indicate the reason the applicant is seeking access to an existing EDGAR account.
  5. Follow the instructions on the page. For additional guidance see How Do I Prepare and submit my Form ID application.
  6. New account administrator information will automatically update if the Form ID is granted. SEC staff will use the information about account administrators, including name, email, and/or phone number, to contact the applicant. If access codes are generated, filer information can be changed by updating company information on Retrieve/Edit Data on the EDGAR Filing and OnlineForms websites.
  7. EDGAR will return an accession number to confirm that the Form ID request has been submitted for manual review. Record the accession number for future reference.
  8. Plan in advance: Consult How Do I Prepare and submit my Form ID application, for current Form ID average processing times. Notification of the outcome of staff’s review will be sent to the EDGAR POC email contact on file. Approval is not guaranteed.

Change the CCC

SEC staff recommends that filers change their CCC immediately if they suspect that it may have been compromised, and periodically as a routine security practice. Changing the CCC periodically enhances the security of the EDGAR account.

Coordinate with all those who need access to EDGAR for the filer before changing any EDGAR information! If all who need access to EDGAR are not updated, the filer may not be able to file.

Existing Filers Prior to EDGAR Next Enrollment

Filers must have a current CCC and password to change their CCC. If filers have forgotten or lost the CCC or password, they may generate a new CCC and password by consulting Generating new and replacement CCC and password.

To change the CCC on either the EDGAR Filing or EDGAR OnlineForms websites:

  1. Enter CIK and password.
  2. Select Retrieve/Edit Data.
  3. Enter CIK and CCC numbers.
  4. Select Change CCC.
  5. Enter CIK number.
  6. Enter password.
  7. Enter new CCC.
  8. Confirm new CCC.
  9. Select Change CCC.

Change the Password

The EDGAR password expires 12 months after it was created or last changed, and it must be changed before the expiration date. The expiration date of the password is visible in red at the top of the screen when a filer accesses the EDGAR Filing or EDGAR OnlineForms websites.

Coordinate with all those who need access to EDGAR for the filer before proceeding to change any EDGAR information! If all who need access to file are not updated, the filer may not be able to file.

To change the password, filers must have the current password and PMAC. If the filer has forgotten or lost the current password or PMAC, the filer must generate a replacement password and CCC. See Generating new and replacement CCC and password.

To change the password on either the EDGAR Filing or EDGAR OnlineForms websites:

  1. Enter CIK and password.
  2. Select Retrieve/Edit Data.
  3. Enter CIK and CCC numbers.
  4. Select Change Password.
  5. Enter CIK number.
  6. Enter old password.
  7. Enter new password twice.
  8. Enter PMAC.
  9. Select Change Password.

Last Reviewed or Updated: March 24, 2025