Government Contracting
DUNS replaced by UEI in 2022

DUNS was replaced by UEI. Here is what you need now.

DUNS numbers (Data Universal Numbering System, issued by Dun & Bradstreet) were the federal contracting identifier until April 2022, when they were replaced by the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) issued through SAM.gov. DUNS still exists for commercial credit reporting through D&B, but federal contracting now uses UEI. We handle UEI assignment as part of SAM.gov registration, and look up your existing DUNS for free if you need it for credit purposes.

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How it works

How we handle DUNS / UEI, end-to-end.

DUNS numbers (Data Universal Numbering System, issued by Dun & Bradstreet) were the federal contracting identifier until April 2022, when they were replaced by the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) issued through SAM.gov.

1

Identify what you need

Federal contracting: you need a UEI from SAM.gov (DUNS no longer used). Commercial credit: you may want a DUNS from D&B (still issued for credit purposes). Some grant applications: may still reference DUNS but accept UEI.

2

DUNS lookup (if you need it)

If your business had a DUNS before 2022, it still exists in D&B records. We look it up free using your business name and state. New DUNS for new businesses comes from D&B directly.

3

UEI assignment (federal contracting)

Through SAM.gov registration. The UEI is assigned automatically as part of the registration process. See our SAM.gov registration service for the full workflow.

4

Update grant applications

If you have older grant applications that ask for DUNS, replace with your UEI. Grants.gov and most grant systems accept UEI by default since 2022.

What we'll set up for you

A clean handoff, in four steps.

You give us the basics. We handle the state, the IRS, and the compliance clock so you can focus on the business.

01 · Name + Brand

A name that's actually available.

Real-time check against the state register, USPTO trademark database, and matching domains.

02 · State filing

Filed with the Secretary of State.

We submit your Articles, pay the state fee on your behalf, and return the stamped certificate.

03 · Federal IDs

EIN + the right tax setup.

Federal Employer ID with the IRS, plus state tax accounts when your business needs them.

04 · Stay compliant

Registered Agent + deadline tracking.

Your agent on file in every state, with every renewal and annual report tracked in one calendar.

Pricing

Transparent duns / uei pricing.

Government fees pass through at cost. No upsells.

DUNS lookup

$0
Free lookup of existing DUNS.

If your business had a DUNS number before 2022, we look it up using your business name and state at no charge. Useful for commercial credit applications.

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New DUNS application

$0
Apply free at D&B.

D&B issues new DUNS numbers free. Apply directly at dnb.com. We can walk you through the process; the application takes 5-10 days.

Get started
FAQ

About the DUNS Lookup and UEI Assignment Service.

Is DUNS still used for federal contracting?
No. DUNS was replaced by UEI in April 2022. Federal contracts, grants, and subawards all use UEI now. If a federal system asks for DUNS, it is either out of date or asking for legacy data.
Where do I get a UEI?
Through SAM.gov registration. UEI is assigned automatically as part of the SAM.gov process at no charge. See our SAM.gov registration service for the full workflow.
Is DUNS dead?
Not for commercial credit. Dun & Bradstreet still issues and tracks DUNS for credit reporting, supplier risk assessment, and commercial credit applications. Lenders, banks, and trade-credit providers may still ask for DUNS.
How long does a UEI take?
UEI is assigned within 2-4 weeks of submitting SAM.gov registration (along with the SAM.gov approval). It can be requested separately from SAM.gov registration via UEI.gov but most contractors get it through SAM.gov.
Do I need both DUNS and UEI?
If you do federal contracting AND apply for commercial credit, yes. They serve different purposes. If you only do federal contracting, UEI alone is enough. If you only need commercial credit, DUNS alone is enough.
What happens to my old DUNS number?
It still exists in D&B records and is still used for credit reporting. It is just not used for federal contracting anymore. Your UEI is a separate, new identifier.
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