The image forming system comprises an accessory device and an image forming apparatus, the accessory device for storing device identification information for identifying its own device, and the image forming apparatus to which the accessory device is connected. The image forming apparatus stores the device identification information of the accessory device included in the image forming system. Further, the image forming apparatus receives a participation notification which requires participating in the image forming system from a new accessory device including the device identification information. If the device identification information included in the received participation notification is not stored, the image forming apparatus stores the information. If already stored, the image forming apparatus discards the participation notification.