# What is a CIK number?

Canonical: https://sec-api.dev/questions/what-is-a-cik-number

> A CIK (Central Index Key) is the unique number the SEC assigns to every company, fund and person that files on EDGAR. It is up to ten digits and is often written with leading zeros, for example 0000320193 for Apple. The SEC’s current ticker file maps 10,423 tickers to CIKs.

A ticker can change or move to a new entity after a merger; the CIK stays with the filer. Store CIKs as strings so the leading zeros survive spreadsheets and JSON number parsing.

Individuals who file Forms 3, 4 and 5 also have CIKs, which is how two insiders with the same name stay distinct.

API: GET https://sec-api.dev/api/v1/companies?query=AAPL&limit=5

- [Ticker to CIK API](https://sec-api.dev/ticker-to-cik-api)
- [Company directory](https://sec-api.dev/companies)

---
Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Data is reproduced from public SEC filings and datasets. Not investment advice.
API: https://sec-api.dev/docs · ChatGPT app: https://chatgpt.com/plugins/plugin_asdk_app_6ae0ef2436ac8191941dae8a4d732669 · Free key: https://sec-api.dev/sign-up