How to Get a D-U-N-S Number

A D-U-N-S number is a unique business identifier that’s essential for many companies that want to establish credit and do business with government agencies and businesses around the globe. Created by Dun & Bradstreet® in 1963, a D-U-N-S number is completely free and completely optional, but most businesses, both small and large, can benefit from having a D-U-N-S number. Read on if you’d like to learn more about how to get a D-U-N-S number.

What Is a D-U-N-S Number?

A D-U-N-S (Data Universal Numbering System) number is a unique, nine-digit number that serves as a business identifier. Created by Dun & Bradstreet, a business credit bureau, a D-U-N-S number helps companies establish credibility with potential partners and customers, work with government agencies, and establish business credit, a typical requirement for small business loans, and contracts.

You can use other companies’ D-U-N-S numbers to vet them as suppliers, understand their needs as potential sales prospects, or ensure they adhere to compliance rules if you’re considering them as partners. Your D-U-N-S number is tied to your business’ credit profile, which can make it easier to qualify when you’re applying for a small business loan or vying for contracts with other businesses and government agencies.

Think of your D-U-N-S number as a clear sign of your business’s financial health. You want potential partners, suppliers, lenders, and customers to know they can trust your business to deliver on its promises — and the information you can find about other global businesses via their own D-U-N-S numbers can help you learn more about their creditworthiness, too.

Recommended: Does a Business Loan Affect Your Personal Credit Score?

How to Apply for a D-U-N-S Number Online

You can apply for a D-U-N-S number online, for free, no matter what the age, size, or structure of your business. Here’s how to get your D-U-N-S number:

Step 1: Check If Your Business Already Has One

Before you apply for a D-U-N-S number, Dun & Bradstreet recommends double-checking that you don’t already have one, just in case. You can do so easily by using the D-U-N-S Number Lookup tool online.

Once you’ve confirmed that you don’t already have a number, you can move forward with the actual application process on the Dun & Bradstreet website.

Step 2: Gather Your Business Information

First, you’ll need to choose one of the five options below to categorize your business.

• Your business is U.S.-based.

• Your business is Canada-based.

• You’re an Apple Developer.

• You’re a Google Developer.

• You need a UFI (unique facility identifier) to register with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Based on the option you choose, the application will ask you to supply some information. Here’s what you might need.

• Your company’s legal name

• Your business address (You’ll need to multiple D-U-N-S numbers if your business has multiple physical locations — one per location.)

• Your business phone number

• The name of the owner, president, or CEO

• Your business’ legal structure

• The year your business was founded

• The primary industry of your business

• The number of full- and part-time employees

Step 3: Submit Your Application

After providing the information, you’re clear to submit. You can choose the standard submission at checkout, which is free. This standard process takes up to 30 business days.

If you need your D-U-N-S number faster, you can choose to expedite the process (in which case it will take up to eight business days). Expediting the number costs $229.

Step 4: Receive Your Number

After submitting your application, watch for potential contact from a Dun & Bradstreet rep, who might need to validate your information.

Otherwise, expect to receive your D-U-N-S Number in an email within 30 business days (or eight business days, if you paid to expedite).

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Do I Need a D-U-N-S Number for My LLC?

You don’t legally need a D-U-N-S number for your LLC, but, depending on your business, it could be helpful in some cases – if you want to take out an LLC loan for instance.

For instance, certain vendors and partners, especially big-name companies and government agencies (like the FDA), may only work with you if they can verify your business via your D-U-N-S number.

Additionally, if your LLC will eventually need small business loans (or needs one to cover startup costs), a D-U-N-S number could also be useful. Having the number helps you establish a business credit history, which might boost your business’s loan eligibility.

When Is a D-U-N-S Number Required?

Businesses aren’t legally required to have a D-U-N-S number, but without one, some government agencies and businesses won’t work with your business. Previously, a D-U-N-S number was required for bidding on U.S. government contracts, but this requirement was dropped in April 2022.

However, other governments, including the European Union and Australia, may still use D-U-N-S numbers, as do specific U.S. government agencies, including the FDA. Depending on where you’re doing business and the types of contracts you sign and suppliers you need to work with, you may still need a D-U-N-S number.

Some lenders may require a D-U-N-S number as well. To have access to all the small business loan products your company may need, a D-U-N-S number could be important.

Recommended: What Is the Minimum Credit Score for a Business Loan?

How to Use Your D-U-N-S Number to Build Business Credit

At some point, your business may need a loan, whether it’s for financing machinery or computers, covering payroll, constructing a new building, or acquiring inventory. When bidding on contracts with other businesses or governments, having an established (and solid) business credit history could give you an advantage.

Before that day comes, it’s helpful to have already established and built up your business credit history. Dun & Bradstreet recommends getting started by doing the following.

• Separating your business from you by establishing it as a separate entity, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or S corporation

• Registering for a D-U-N-S number

• Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

• Opening a business bank account

Much like establishing personal credit and boosting your credit score, building and growing your business credit takes time. You can do so by taking these steps.

• Making on-time payments

• Monitoring your business credit score and rating and disputing errors

• Asking companies you do business with to submit trade references (reports on your transactions with them) to Dun & Bradstreet.

You can keep building your business credit by responsibly managing loans when you do eventually borrow money.

The Takeaway

A D-U-N-S number isn’t a legal requirement for businesses, but having one can help you earn contracts with clients, do business with vendors, and get approved for business loans. These numbers are free, and you can get yours in 30 business days (or faster, for a fee).

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FAQ

How long does it take to get a D-U-N-S number?

It takes up to 30 business days to get a D-U-N-S number after you’ve applied, but you can pay a fee to have the process expedited and get your unique company identifier within eight business days.

Is applying for a D-U-N-S number really free?

Yes, applying for a D-U-N-S number is free, regardless of your business size. However, you can pay a small fee to expedite the processing if you need your D-U-N-S number more urgently.

Can a sole proprietor get a D-U-N-S number?

Yes, a sole proprietor can get a D-U-N-S number if it would be beneficial. However, a D-U-N-S number is not required for sole proprietors.

What information do I need to apply for a D-U-N-S number?

To apply for a D-U-N-S number, you may need to supply some or all of the following information: the legal name of your business, your business address (you’ll need separate D-U-N-S numbers for each physical location of your business), your business phone number, the name of the owner (or president or CEO), the business’ legal structure and industry, the year the business was founded, and the total number of full- and part-time employees.

Can I look up my business’ existing D-U-N-S number?

Yes, you can look up your business’ existing D-U-N-S number online, using the D-U-N-S Number Lookup tool at https://my.dnb.com/lookup. You can also look up other businesses you’re evaluating if you know their numbers.

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