What is 'SEC Form S-1' SEC Form S-1 is the initial registration form for new securities required by the SEC for public companies. Any security that meets the criteria must have an S-1 filing before shares can be listed on a national exchange. Form S-1 requires companies to provide information on the planned use of capital proceeds, detail the current business model and competition, and provide a brief prospectus of the planned security itself, offering price methodology and any dilution that will occur to other listed securities.