> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.eq-earth.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.eq-earth.com/registry/retirements/create-a-beneficial-owner.md).

# Create a Beneficial Owner

A beneficial owner is the legal entity or individual on whose behalf ECUs are retired. Every retirement must be attributed to one, so the claim goes to its rightful owner. You need at least one beneficial owner before your first retirement. If you retire on behalf of several clients, create a beneficial owner for each of them.

{% hint style="info" %}
Beneficial owners are disclosed publicly on the Registry with each retirement. Use the entity's or person's official name.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Before you start:** your Registry account must be approved. See [Account Review and Approval](/registry/your-account/account-review-and-approval.md).
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Log in

Log in to the Equitable Earth Registry.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open Beneficial Ownership

Open the **Beneficial Ownership** link, under **Account** at the top of your homepage.

![](https://2569783243-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FED6lPsyoF2iHXq92LOvD%2Fuploads%2FouBqOwSSxWXUmfsAbSvL%2Fretirement-01-beneficial-ownership-link.png?alt=media)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Start registration

Choose **Beneficial Ownership Registration**, then select **Start Registration**.

![](https://2569783243-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FED6lPsyoF2iHXq92LOvD%2Fuploads%2FtYIdTY0GCywLEeMDWq35%2Fretirement-02-start-registration.png?alt=media)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Name the beneficial owner

Enter the Beneficial Owner Name and select **Submit**.

![](https://2569783243-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FED6lPsyoF2iHXq92LOvD%2Fuploads%2FbKaX0VZFvBxTSrdv0DPz%2Fretirement-03-owner-name.png?alt=media)
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

The beneficial owner is now available in the drop-down when you [retire ECUs](/registry/retirements/retire-ecus.md).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://help.eq-earth.com/registry/retirements/create-a-beneficial-owner.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
