Frequently Asked Questions

Lobbying Disclosure Help

Required Software and Forms

Am I required to buy software to use the electronic Lobbying Disclosure forms?

No. The Reader software is free of charge from Adobe. You may use Adobe Reader version 6.02 through 7.0x and separate versions are available for MAC and PC users.

Download Adobe Reader

Do I need to install additional Adobe Reader components?

No, only Adobe Reader is required.

Can I use my older forms with Adobe Reader version 7?

No, the signing and filing process has been modified to accommodate version 7, and older versions of the forms will not work properly if you are using Adobe Reader 7. You must download a new form.

If you would like to use templates that were created during the last filing period, you can, but you must use Adobe Reader 6.02 - you cannot upgrade to version 7.

See Which forms are compatible with my version of Adobe Reader? for more information.

Digital Signatures

How long will it take to get an ACES signature?

After you apply online, the ACES vendor will mail a document to you. As soon as you receive the document, you may download your new digital signature. This process could take anywhere from as little as 2 to 4 business days to as long as 2 weeks.

May I use my digital signature certificate for other purposes?

Yes. A subscription certificate may be used for a document if the receiver will accept the certificate at the same level of trust.

How can I print a copy of the LD report that includes the signature line?

The signature line does not appear on the form until after you have run the Form Complete process. This process will validate the content of the form and prepare it for printing.

It should be noted that paper filings are only accepted by the Senate. House filings must be submitted electronically, except for filing amendments proceeding July 1, 2004.

Can I move my ACES digital signature to another PC or a laptop?

Yes. If you need to move your digital signature to another PC or a laptop, you can use the Certificate Export Wizard within your browser to create a backup of your digital signature and the Certificate Import Wizard to install it on another computer.

The support site for each vendor is listed on the Contact page of the Clerk's Lobbying Disclosure website.

Filing Registrations, Reports, and Amendments

Can I file electronically if I am registering to do lobbying for the first time?

If you are registering with the House, you must submit your LD-1 form electronically. Your House ID will be included in your confirmation email and used for all future filings.

Instructions on how to fill out the LD-1 form for new registrations are listed on the Register page of the Clerk's Lobbying Disclosure website

If you are registering with the Senate, you must submit your LD-1 form on paper. When you receive your Senate ID, you may use it to file your future forms electronically.

Can I file electronically to add a new client or update my registration?

If you are already registered with the House and Senate, you can use the LD-1 form to register a new client.

Instructions on how to fill out the LD-1 form for new client registrations are listed on the Register New Clients page of the Clerk's Lobbying Disclosure website

Can I file an old report or amendment electronically?

Electronic filing is limited to filing reports for the periods beginning July 1, 2004 and later. If you wish to file or amend a report for an earlier period, you may use the electronic form to fill out the data, and then print the form for paper filing.

What information will I need to prepare the form?

It is very important that you enter the registrant name, client name and House ID exactly as it is registered with the Clerk. The form requirements have not changed, and the form will look like the current form after you have completed everything and prepared it for filing.

Where do I go for help with the form?

Technical and line by line instructions on how to complete each form are available from the Help page on the Clerk website. Online tutorials are also available to guide you through the steps to complete, save, sign, and file your forms. If you can't find an answer on the Help pages, you may call the Legislative Resource Center at 202-226-5200 for assistance.

Submitting Forms Electronically

Can I use the electronic House Lobby Disclosure forms to file with the Senate?

You can file new client registrations and activity reports with the Senate if you have a current Senate ID and password. You must file first time lobbying registrations with the Senate on paper.

How will I know if my filing is complete after I have submitted it?

You will receive a separate web response from the House and the Senate when you file electronically.

If you are filing with the House you will also receive an e-mail from the Office of the Clerk indicating the status of your electronic filing. If your digital signature fails the signature validation at the ACES certificate authority, your filing has not been accepted, and you must sign the filing with a valid signature and submit it again. If your digital signature is valid, but the combination of the registrant name, client name and House ID that you submit do not match current records, the Legislative Resource Center staff will contact you about corrections to the filing.

See What happens after I submit my form?—House filing process for more information

If you are filing with the Senate and you have entered the wrong ID or password, the message "Invalid Senate ID and/or Password" is displayed. Please contact the Senate Office of Public Records for help.

See the Instructions on e-filing with the Senate for more information

Filing with the Senate

For answers to frequently asked questions regarding lobby disclosure filings with the Senate, please see the Senate FAQ.

Question Topics

Lobbying Disclosure Help