DUNS · Dun & Bradstreet

Get your D-U-N-S number, without the 45-day wait.

D&B will issue you a DUNS for free, but processing typically runs 30-45 business days. We file the same request through D&B's expedited channel and shepherd it through verification in 5-7 business days.

Register D-U-N-S

D-U-N-S®
07-893-1245
Business nameNorthstar Capital LLC
RegisteredMarch 2026
SAM.gov UEIcross-linked
Dun & Bradstreet
DUN & BRADSTREET D-U-N-S NUMBER 12-345-6789 REGISTERED ENTITY Acme Holdings, LLC DELAWARE · ESTABLISHED 2024 $0 · FREE REQUIRED FOR SAM.GOV · FEDERAL GRANTS

Two paths · pick your speed

Self-service via D&B

Free, but expect 30-45 business days for non-expedited processing.

Free
  • You file directly with D&B's iUpdate portal
  • 30-45 business days standard processing
  • You handle any D&B verification back-and-forth
  • You manage the SAM.gov UEI cross-link separately
Start on D&B →

When you actually need a DUNS

1
Federal contracting (SAM.gov)SAM.gov now issues a UEI directly, but most federal contracting paperwork still asks for both UEI + DUNS for legacy systems.
2
SBA loans + grantsMost SBA loan applications, grant programs, and economic development credits require a DUNS at application.
3
Fortune-1000 vendor onboardingLarge enterprises (Walmart, Amazon, Apple, government primes) often require DUNS during supplier onboarding.
4
Business credit buildingD&B's PAYDEX score is one of the three major business-credit ratings (along with Experian and Equifax Business). DUNS is the foundation.
5
International tradeMany international banks, customs brokers, and supply-chain platforms use DUNS as a global business identifier.

Common questions

What is a DUNS number?

A DUNS number is a business identifier issued by Dun and Bradstreet, historically used for federal contracting and still used for commercial credit reporting and supplier risk, so it identifies your business to lenders and vendors. We flag when a DUNS helps and how it relates to the federal UEI. See DUNS and UEI.

Is a DUNS number still used for federal contracting?

No: DUNS was replaced by the Unique Entity ID in April 2022, so federal contracts, grants, and subawards now use the UEI, and a DUNS is no longer used for federal work. We flag the current requirement so you register with the identifier that actually applies. See SAM.gov.

Do I still need a DUNS number?

For commercial credit, it can still matter: Dun and Bradstreet uses the DUNS for business credit reporting and supplier assessments, so lenders and vendors may still ask for one, while federal contracting needs the UEI instead. We flag when a DUNS helps your business credit.

How do I get a DUNS number?

Dun and Bradstreet issues DUNS numbers, generally at no charge, and we can guide you through obtaining one, since it can take some time to be assigned. We flag the process so you get a DUNS where it helps your commercial credit, separate from your federal UEI.

What is the difference between DUNS and UEI?

A DUNS is Dun and Bradstreet's commercial identifier, while the UEI is the federal identifier assigned through SAM.gov that replaced DUNS for contracting, so they serve different purposes now. We flag which your goals require so you obtain the right identifiers.

Does a DUNS help my business credit?

It can: Dun and Bradstreet builds a business credit file around the DUNS, so having one and reporting tradelines to it supports a commercial credit profile lenders and vendors check. We flag how a DUNS connects to building business credit so you use it where it helps.

Do I need both a DUNS and a UEI?

If you pursue federal contracting and also apply for commercial credit, yes, since they serve different purposes, while federal work alone needs the UEI and commercial credit alone needs the DUNS. We flag which identifiers your actual goals require so you are not chasing one you do not need.

How long does a DUNS take?

Dun and Bradstreet assigns new DUNS numbers within a period after applying, so it is not always instant, which matters if a lender or application needs one. We flag realistic timing so you apply early enough for the commercial purpose that requires it.

Can File.Business help with DUNS and UEI?

Yes: we guide obtaining a DUNS for commercial credit and handle the SAM.gov registration that assigns your UEI for federal contracting, so whether your goal is credit, contracting, or both, you end up with the right identifiers. See DUNS and UEI.

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