Step 1 — format check
- Confirm the LEI is 20 characters.
- Remove spaces; use uppercase.
- Reject values with disallowed characters.
Step 2 — status check
- Use a recognized LEI data source to confirm the LEI exists.
- Capture the returned status (active/lapsed/retired terminology depends on the data source).
- Record the timestamp and any reference identifiers returned.
Step 3 — entity match
- Compare the returned legal name and jurisdiction to your customer record.
- Investigate material mismatches (different entity, reorganizations, or data not updated).
- Store evidence used to resolve mismatches.
What LEI does not prove
An LEI identifies a legal entity in the LEI system; it does not prove VAT registration, customs registration, or authorization scope outside LEI reference data.
Related pages
LEI verification overview | When to use VAT vs EORI vs LEI
