The EDGAR passphrase is used in generating EDGAR access codes. After completing a Form ID and receiving a CIK, a filer uses the CIK and their passphrase to generate the EDGAR CCC and password. After a filer begins to use EDGAR, the passphrase can be used to generate a new set of access codes consisting of a CCC, Password, and Password Modification Authorization Code (PMAC). The passphrase is not used for logging into EDGAR or during any filing processes. However, since EDGAR passwords expire the passphrase will be the only way to generate replacement codes.

A lost passphrase can cause problems if you have forgotten your password, PMAC or CCC since you will be unable to generate a new set of these access codes without it. Requesting that a passphrase be reset requires completing a form on the EDGAR Filer Management website.

With the implementation of a two-phase authentication for resetting the passphrase, the EDGAR System will send a security token to the contact e-mail on file for the account requesting the reset. This security token will be needed to complete the reset request. If the security token is not available to the filer because it was e-mailed to a defunct e-mail address or to an e-mail address that the filer can’t access, the user will need to request a manual review of the application. The SEC has warned that completing the Passphrase Update request without the token will result in significant delays, which may be longer than 48 hours and can potentially affect a filer’s ability to submit filings timely.

Filers should log onto EDGAR now to update their contact information. It is good practice in general to have up-to-date contact information on the EDGAR System but with this change forthcoming, you should be sure your contact information is correct just in case you need to reset your passphrase in the future.

Sources

Changes to EDGAR Passphrase Update (www.sec.gov)