Understanding SEC EDGAR

CIK — Central Index Key

A unique, permanent 10-digit number the SEC assigns to each individual or entity that files on EDGAR. Unlike the CCC, it's public — it appears in every filing header and is used together with your CCC to file. It never changes, and if you forget it, you can look it up by name (company or individual) through EDGAR company search.

CCC — CIK Confirmation Code

An 8-character code (with at least one number and one special character) used together with your CIK to authorize filings and retrieve or edit data. It's case-sensitive, never expires, but can be changed by the filer at any time. You'll generate one after receiving your CIK from a Form ID application, or any time you want to reset it for security.

Form ID

The application filers use to request EDGAR access. New filers use it to get their first CIK; filers who've lost access to an existing account use it too, selecting "existing account" instead of "new." A simple forgotten CCC, on the other hand, can often be recovered directly through the EDGAR Next dashboard without a new Form ID.

EDGAR Next

The SEC's current framework for filer access and account management, requiring individual Login.gov credentials and multi-factor authentication.

EDGAR Filer Management

One of EDGAR's three websites — the one where filers enroll in EDGAR Next, manage their dashboard, generate a CCC, and submit a Form ID for new or lost access.

EDGAR Filing Website

The second of the three websites — where most forms are actually submitted, including bulk and EDGARLink Online filings. It doesn't handle Forms 3, 4, 5, or D.

EDGAR OnlineForms Website

The third website, used for forms filled out directly online rather than assembled elsewhere — ownership Forms 3, 4, and 5, Form 144, Schedules 13D and 13G, and Form D. It also handles retrieving/editing filer data and transmitting XML submissions.

XBRL

Extensible Business Reporting Language — an XML-based format used to tag financial data for standardized, machine-readable reporting.

iXBRL

Inline XBRL — embeds XBRL tags directly into a human-readable HTML filing, so one document works for both people and machines.

Login.gov

The federal identity verification service every individual now uses to authenticate before accessing EDGAR.

Accession Number

A unique reference number EDGAR assigns to each submission, used to track its status after filing.