Central Index Key

{{Short description|Identifier issued by the US SEC}}

{{More footnotes needed|date=February 2020}}

A Central Index Key or CIK number is a unique number assigned to an individual, company, filing agent or foreign government by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The number is used to identify its filings in several online databases, including EDGAR.

The numbers are up to ten digits in length and are permanent identifiers that may not be changed.{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/page/edgar-how-do-i-understand-and-utilize-edgar-ciks-passphrases-and-access-codes |title=Understand and utilize EDGAR CIKs, passphrases, and access codes |publisher=SEC.gov |access-date=November 22, 2022}}

Entities and individuals such as Section 16 filers apply for a CIK on [https://www.sec.gov/submit-filings/forms-index/aboutformsformidpdf Form ID] (notarized).{{Cite web |title=SEC.gov {{!}} Prepare and Submit my Form ID Application |url=https://www.sec.gov/submit-filings/filer-support-resources/how-do-i-guides/prepare-submit-my-form-id-application |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=www.sec.gov}}