Check LEI Status – Verify If an LEI Is Active or Lapsed
Quick Answer
Enter a company name or LEI code into the LEI Search tool to instantly see whether the LEI is ISSUED (active), LAPSED, or RETIRED. Data is sourced in real time from GLEIF. LEI Search is provided by LEI Worldwide, an official GLEIF Registration Agent.
Understanding LEI Status Codes
GLEIF defines several registration statuses for LEIs. Understanding them is critical for compliance:
| Status | Meaning | Accepted for Reporting? |
|---|---|---|
| ISSUED ✅ | Active — reference data validated within the last renewal period. | Yes |
| LAPSED ⚠️ | Not renewed by the annual deadline. Data no longer guaranteed current. | No — most regulators reject |
| RETIRED 🔴 | Entity dissolved, merged, or LEI issued in error. Cannot be reactivated. | No |
| PENDING TRANSFER | Being transferred between Local Operating Units. Remains valid. | Yes |
| CANCELLED | LEI was revoked by the LOU, usually for data quality issues. | No |
| ANNULLED | LEI was issued in error and removed from the active registry. | No |
Why LEI Status Matters
Under EMIR, MiFID II, and other regulations, transactions reported with a lapsed or retired LEI may be rejected by trade repositories. This can result in fines and compliance breaches. Regularly checking LEI status ensures your counterparties are in good standing.
Use the LEI Watchlist to monitor status changes automatically with email alerts.
How to Reactivate a Lapsed LEI
- Search for your entity on LEI Search to confirm the current status.
- Visit LEI Worldwide's renewal page.
- Submit updated reference data and pay the renewal fee.
- The LOU validates the data and changes the status back to ISSUED (typically within 24 hours).
Bulk Status Checking
Need to verify LEI status for hundreds of counterparties? Use the LEI Renewal Compliance Tracker to bulk-upload LEIs and monitor their statuses, renewal dates, and expiration alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my LEI is active?
Enter your company name or 20-character LEI code into the LEI Search tool at leisearch.com. The result card shows the current GLEIF registration status: ISSUED (active), LAPSED (expired), or RETIRED (dissolved/merged).
What does a lapsed LEI mean?
A lapsed LEI means the entity did not renew by the annual deadline. The LEI still exists in the GLEIF database but is no longer validated. Most regulators (ESMA, FCA, CFTC) reject transaction reports referencing a lapsed LEI.
Can I reactivate a lapsed LEI?
Yes. Visit LEI Worldwide's renewal page, submit updated reference data, and pay the renewal fee. The LOU validates the data and changes the status back to ISSUED, typically within 24 hours.
How often should I check LEI status?
At minimum, check counterparty LEI status before executing trades and at least quarterly for ongoing relationships. Use the LEI Watchlist for automated monitoring with email alerts at 60, 30, 15, 7, and 1 day before expiry.
What is the difference between LAPSED and RETIRED?
LAPSED means the LEI was not renewed on time but can be reactivated. RETIRED means the entity has been dissolved, merged, or the LEI was issued in error — retired LEIs cannot be reactivated.
Do regulators accept lapsed LEIs?
No. Under EMIR, MiFID II, and Dodd-Frank, trade repositories may reject transaction reports referencing a lapsed LEI. This can result in fines and compliance breaches.