Table of Contents
The D-U-N-S number is a nine-digit business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet® to help business entities establish credibility, improve visibility, and potentially be available for opportunities such as loans, partnerships, and contracts. Read on to learn more about what a D-U-N-S number is used for and how to get one.
Key Points
• A D-U-N-S number is a unique nine-digit identifier that Dun & Bradstreet assigns to a business so it can establish credibility and visibility for loans, partnerships, and contracts.
• A company can look up its own D-U-N-S number to review its credit record, and it can look up others to check the credit histories of other businesses.
• An employer identification number (EIN) differs from a D-U-N-S number because the IRS issues the EIN for tax purposes, while Dun & Bradstreet issues the D-U-N-S number for business identification.
• The unique entity identifier (UEI) replaced the D-U-N-S number as the primary identifier for federal procurement in 2022, though many state and foreign agencies still require a D-U-N-S number.
• Applying for a D-U-N-S number for your business is free through Dun & Bradstreet, and normal processing can take up to 30 business days, with expedited service available for a fee.
D-U-N-S Number Meaning
A Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) number is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned to a business by the commercial data and business analytics company Dun & Bradstreet. It’s meant to identify businesses and is separate from personal identities.
What Does D-U-N-S Stand For?
D-U-N-S stands for Data Universal Numbering System. The acronym also makes it easier to remember the name of the company that issues the number.
How a D-U-N-S Number Works
A D-U-N-S number is a nine-digit unique identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet to a business from anywhere in the world that requests it. Each number is linked to a D&B business credit profile, which tracks the business’s credit behavior, payment history, and financial stability. Companies can look up their own D-U-N-S number to check their business credit record. They can also look up the numbers and credit histories of other companies.
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What Is a D-U-N-S Number Used For?
A D-U-N-S number establishes your business in the Dun & Bradstreet database and allows other companies, government agencies, and financial institutions to confirm that your company is an active business. Other businesses can use your D-U-N-S number to approve credit, explore partnerships, and make contracting decisions.
Business Credit and Lending
Some large companies ask for a D-U-N-S number on applications to become a supplier or to obtain credit. A D-U-N-S number may not necessarily be one of the stated business loan requirements.
However, you might still want to include your D-U-N-S number in your application for a small business loan or other funding.
Why? It’s possible that providing a D-U-N-S number could improve your business loan chances. It might allow lenders to quickly access your credit file and see if you have at least the minimum credit score for business loans.
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Government Contracts and Partnerships
Prior to 2022, many U.S. government agencies required D-U-N-S numbers from their contractors. However, a D-U-N-S number is no longer generally required for U.S. federal government contracts, as the unique entity identifier (UEI) issued by the federal government is now the accepted entity identifier. Nonetheless, many state, local, and foreign government agencies still require a D-U-N-S number for things like vendor registration.
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D-U-N-S Number vs EIN
A D-U-N-S number and an EIN (employer identification number) are different. An EIN is a federal ID number issued to a business by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is used for tax purposes. It’s required for many business structures and sometimes for sole proprietors who want to avoid using their social security number for their business. It can sometimes be possible to get small business loans with just an EIN.
A D-U-N-S number, on the other hand, is issued by Dun & Bradstreet, a private company. It is used for business identity and credit reporting, and it’s not required for federal tax purposes.
D-U-N-S Number vs UEI
The unique entity identifier (UEI) is a 12-character code assigned by the General Services Administration (GSA) through the System for Award Management (SAM). UEI replaced the D-U-N-S as the primary identifier for businesses working in federal procurement in 2022.
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How to Get a D-U-N-S Number for Your Business
Applying for a D-U-N-S number is free through Dun & Bradstreet. First, use the D-U-N-S Number Lookup tool to see if your company is already in the database. Then choose the option that best fits your company from the following:
• I have a U.S.-based business
• I have a Canada-based business
• I am an Apple developer
• I need a unique facility identifier (UFI) to register with the FDA
• I am a Google developer
Next, fill out the information requested. Based on your choice, you may need to provide some or all of the following information:
• The legal name of your business
• Your business address (Note: If you have multiple locations, apply for a separate D‑U‑N‑S number for each location.)
• Business phone number
• The name of the business owner, president, or CEO
• The legal structure of the business
• The year the business was created
• The primary business industry
• The total number of full- and part-time employees
You may be contacted by a representative of Dun & Bradstreet to validate your information. Once your information has been authenticated, the process is over. You’ll receive your D-U-N-S number in an email from Dun & Bradstreet.
The Takeaway
A D-U-N-S number is free to get and provides an identifier for your business. It’s not mandatory, but it can help you in a variety of ways. Some government agencies, foreign governments, and other entities want companies they do business with to have one. The number can also be helpful when you’re establishing a business credit record or applying for business loans.
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FAQ
Do all businesses need a D-U-N-S number?
No, businesses are not required to have a D-U-N-S number to own and operate the business. However, you may need a D-U-N-S number if your business wants to work with certain companies or government agencies.
Is a D-U-N-S number the same as a tax ID?
No, a D-U-N-S number is not the same as a tax ID. A tax ID is issued by the federal government (specifically, the IRS) and is used for tax purposes. A D-U-N-S number is issued by Dun & Bradstreet, a private commercial data and business analytics company.
How long does it take to get a D-U-N-S number?
Normal processing to get a D-U-N-S number can take up to 30 business days. Alternatively, you can purchase an expedited D-U-N-S number, which will take eight business days or less.
Is getting a D-U-N-S number free?
Getting a D-U-N-S number is free. To obtain one, you can apply with Dun & Bradstreet.
What replaced the D-U-N-S number for federal government contracts?
The unique entity identifier (UEI) replaced the D-U-N-S number as the primary identifier for businesses in federal procurement in 2022. A UEI is a 12-character code assigned by the General Services Administration (GSA) through the System for Award Management.
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