A process with the SEC that allows a single registration statement on Form S-3 (for US domestic issuers) or Form F-3 (for foreign private issuers) to be filed for a public offering where the company has no present intention to immediately sell all of the securities being registered as soon as the registration statement becomes effective. A shelf registration statement can be used to register multiple types of securities, any of which can be issued multiple times at later dates.

A primary advantage of shelf registration is that a company fulfills all registration-related procedures beforehand, so that it can offer securities quickly when funds are needed or when market conditions are more favorable. For more information, see Practice Note, Shelf Registrations: Overview.