Learn / updated 2026-10-03

What is an LEI (Legal Entity Identifier)? Format, use and lookup

A Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) is a 20-character alphanumeric code that identifies a legal entity taking part in financial transactions. It is defined by the ISO 17442 standard and issued by accredited local operating units under the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF).

What the data contains

The public record for an LEI includes the legal name, the legal form, the registered address, the registration authority and number, the status of the entity and of the LEI registration (for example issued, lapsed or retired) and the dates of the last update and next renewal. A second layer of data describes parent relationships where they are reported.

LEI, VAT number and registration number

These identifiers answer different questions:

• the registration number is issued by the national company register and identifies the company in that country;
• the VAT number identifies the company for value-added tax;
• the LEI is a global identifier meant to be the same wherever the company is looked up, and it links back to the registration number.

Because the LEI carries the registration authority and number, it is a useful bridge when you must match a company across countries.

Who has one

Companies that trade in financial markets or report under certain regulations need an LEI, and many other companies hold one voluntarily. A company without an LEI simply does not appear, so a missing LEI is not evidence that a company is not real.

How to look one up

You can search by LEI or by name. The global index is open data, and Ambolt's LEI lookup returns the record with the status and the registration details. EntityResolve also adds the LEI to a register match when the company has one.

Frequently asked questions

Does an LEI expire? The registration has to be renewed, normally once a year. A lapsed LEI is shown as lapsed in the record.

Is it free to look up? The public data is open. Obtaining an LEI for a company costs a fee set by the issuing operator.

Can the LEI replace a registry check? No. It points to the register entry; the register remains the primary source for the legal status of the company.

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Informational only, not financial, legal or tax advice.