What Is a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number?
A Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a unique nine‑digit identifier assigned and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Introduced in 1963, the DUNS number is used to create and link a company profile in D&B’s global database so other businesses, lenders, and institutions can identify and research that company’s legal name, locations, payment history, financial attributes, and trade relationships.
Key takeaways
– DUNS is a nine‑digit business identifier created by Dun & Bradstreet in 1963 and widely used by private and public organizations.
– A DUNS number helps establish a business profile in D&B’s database and is often requested by partners, suppliers, and lenders to assess credibility.
– Historically required to bid on many U.S. federal contracts and grants, the federal government transitioned to the SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI) in 2022; DUNS is still widely used outside federal awards.
– DUNS is free to request for U.S. businesses through D&B; paid D&B services exist to access added credit products or faster processing.
– Each physical location (branch or site) typically needs its own DUNS number; it is the organization’s responsibility to maintain accuracy.
Functionality of a DUNS number
– Identification: Provides a unique identifier to distinguish businesses with similar names.
– Business profile: Links to company details — legal name, trade names, addresses, executives, number of employees, industry classification and, where available, payment and financial history.
– Risk and credit insight: Supports D&B products and scores used by vendors, lenders, and partners for credit decisions and supplier risk management.
– Search and matchmaking: Allows businesses to find potential customers, suppliers, or partners by querying the D&B database.
– Regulatory/contracting use: Has been requested historically by governments and multilateral organizations to standardize entity identification.
Who commonly uses DUNS
– Banks, lenders, and trade creditors (to evaluate payment behavior).
– Large corporations and major retailers (e.g., as part of supplier onboarding).
– International companies and foreign governments that rely on D&B data.
– Multilateral organizations (e.g., some UN entities) and large purchasers.
– Note: For U.S. federal awards, agencies now use the SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI) rather than DUNS; check current federal guidance before applying for grants or contracts.
How to apply for a DUNS number — practical, step‑by‑step
1. Decide if you need a DUNS number
– You’ll likely need one if you plan to: work with partners that request a DUNS; apply for certain grants or contracts outside the U.S.; establish credit in D&B’s systems; or be listed in D&B’s database for marketing/supplier searches.
2. Gather required information (have this ready)
– Legal company name.
– Headquarters/company official address and physical location address.
– Mailing address (if different).
– Company telephone number.
– Name and title of an authorized company contact.
– Number of employees at the physical location.
– Tax ID/EIN is helpful (may be requested), and NAICS industry code if known.
3. Request a DUNS number
– Visit Dun & Bradstreet’s D‑U‑N‑S request page and submit the business information. U.S. based companies can request a DUNS number for free via D&B. (If you’re applying through partners/portals, follow their specific instructions.)
– Typical processing time: up to 30 days under normal processing. Historically there was an expedited free option (24–48 hours) when applying for federal contracts; see note below on federal changes.
4. After you receive the DUNS
– Record the DUNS number and the exact company name and address as listed.
– Confirm the D&B business profile information is accurate.
5. If you need a DUNS for federal contracting/grants:
– Important update: The U.S. federal government transitioned away from using DUNS as the federal award identifier to SAM.gov’s Unique Entity ID (UEI) starting in April 2022. If your primary need is to register for federal awards, apply for or retrieve your UEI at SAM.gov instead. (You can still maintain a DUNS for non‑federal needs.)
– For federal contractors that historically relied on expedited DUNS processing, consult SAM.gov and agency guidance for current identification requirements.
Checking, updating, and managing your DUNS — practical steps
– Lookup: Use D&B’s DUNS lookup tool to check if your business already has a DUNS number.
– Update information: Claim or verify your company’s D&B profile and update details, addresses, and executive names through D&B’s “Claim My Business” or profile management services.
– Dispute/payment history: If D&B’s payment history or financial information is incorrect, follow D&B’s dispute and update process to correct records.
– Multiple locations: Request a separate DUNS for each physical location/branch. Keep location records current and consistent.
– Monitor: Periodically review your D&B report to catch inaccuracies that could affect credit decisions by partners or vendors.
Important considerations for DUNS numbers
– Federal awards: While DUNS was widely required historically, the federal government now issues the Unique Entity ID (UEI) via SAM.gov for federal contracts and grants. Confirm whether an agency or program still requires DUNS. (Some non‑federal organizations and foreign governments continue to rely on DUNS.)
– Free vs. paid services: Obtaining a DUNS number for U.S. companies is generally free, but D&B sells premium products (credit reports, monitoring, faster services). Beware of third‑party services that charge for free registrations.
– One DUNS per physical location: Each site should have its own DUNS number; centrally managing these is the company’s responsibility.
– Data uniqueness: D&B’s database is separate from other business credit bureaus (e.g., Experian, Equifax). A business listed with one bureau may not appear in another’s database.
– Privacy and accuracy: Information in D&B profiles can affect business opportunities and credit decisions — ensure accuracy and promptly correct errors.
– International use: DUNS is often used in international trade and by multinational companies even when other national IDs exist.
Alternatives and related identifiers
– Unique Entity ID (UEI) (SAM.gov): Current federal identifier for U.S. federal awards (replaced DUNS for federal contracting).
– Employer Identification Number (EIN): Issued by the IRS for tax purposes — not a substitute for DUNS but often used in onboarding.
– CAGE code: Used by DoD and NATO for contractors (a separate registration).
– Third‑party credit bureau IDs: Experian and Equifax maintain their own business identifiers and reports.
How a business can use DUNS to build credibility (practical steps)
1. Claim and complete your D&B profile: Ensure all fields (legal name, trade names, addresses, phone, executives, NAICS) are filled accurately.
2. Establish trade references: Ask suppliers to report payment performance to D&B (improves trade payment history).
3. Monitor your D&B scores and reports: Subscribe to alerts or monitoring services if you rely heavily on D&B reporting.
4. Dispute inaccuracies promptly: Use D&B’s dispute process for incorrect public filings or payment records.
5. Use the DUNS number proactively: Provide it to prospective partners, suppliers, and lenders during onboarding or vetting.
The bottom line
A DUNS number is a long‑standing, globally recognized business identifier that helps companies establish a searchable profile in Dun & Bradstreet’s database. It is useful for demonstrating credibility to partners, suppliers, lenders, and many international organizations. If you are pursuing U.S. federal contracts or grants, note that the federal government now uses the SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI) for awards — check current registration requirements. Maintain and monitor your D&B profile to ensure accurate representation and to make the most of the informational and credit‑building benefits a DUNS number can provide.
References and further reading
– Dun & Bradstreet — D‑U‑N‑S Number Guide and D‑U‑N‑S Number pages (Dun & Bradstreet).
– Investopedia — “Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number” (source URL you provided).
– Congressional Research Service — “Unique Identification Codes for Federal Contractors: DUNS Numbers and CAGE Codes.”
– U.S. General Services Administration / SAM.gov — Guidance on the Unique Entity ID (UEI) and federal entity identification (for federal awards).
If you’d like, I can:
– Walk you through requesting a DUNS number step‑by‑step on the D&B site using your company details; or
– Help you determine whether you need a DUNS, a UEI (SAM.gov), or both for a specific contracting/grant opportunity — provide the opportunity or agency and I’ll check current requirements.