DUNS Number: What is it and how do you get one?

If you’ve ever applied for a business loan or pursued a government contract or corporate partnership, you may have come across a request for a DUNS number. But what is a DUNS number? Just as your FICO score helps you track and build your personal credit, this identifyer helps your business create and track a business credit score. As a business owner, understanding how a DUNS number works can open the door to new opportunities. We’ll walk you through what to know about a DUNS number, how to get one, and the benefits of this unique identifier.

What is a DUNS number?

DUNS, or sometimes written as D-U-N-S, stands for “Data Universal Numbering System.” Dun & Bradstreet, one of the three major business credit bureaus, uses this system to assign an identifyer to a single business entity. A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identifier linked to your Dun & Bradstreet business credit profile, or Live Business Identity. Your company’s Dun and Bradstreet number is used by vendors, creditors, and suppliers to check your business’s credit history and understand your business’s financial health.

What is Dun & Bradstreet?

You may sometimes hear a DUNS number called a D&B number, based on the number issuer Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Dun & Bradstreet is one of the three major business credit bureaus. The other two are Experian Business and Equifax Small Business. All store information about various companies to help with making data-driven decisions in different scenarios.

Some of the services D&B offers include providing access to a company’s credit profile and scores. Specifically, a Dun & Bradstreet business credit report includes data and analytics on different aspects of your business, like its legal name, payment history, creditworthiness, and stability. Your D&B profile will also include information about lawsuits, liens, judgments, and other activity that helps investors or business partners decide whether they want to work with your business.

What is a D&B number used for?

A DUNS number has several purposes. Importantly, they help you build credibility and trustworthiness for your business. Common uses of a D&B number include:

• Building a business’s credit profile – Building credit is an important part of owning and operating a business. Getting a DUNS number is one step you can take to establish your business’s credit profile. With this number, your financial transactions and other capital spending activities are reported and can be viewed by potential lenders, investors, or business partners.
• Gain greater access to funding and financial support – Having a DUNS number makes it easier to get approved for loans and develop business partnerships. A strong business credit score is one way to secure favorable rates and terms when applying for small business loans. You can also use the number to apply for business credit cards and other types of non-loan financing. Aside from loans, having a DUNS number can make your business look more attractive to individual or group investors or grant sources.
• Track your credit report – With your Dun & Bradstreet number you can (and should) access your business credit report. Keep an eye on your business credit report to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Register as a supplier – If your business supplies goods or services to other businesses, a DUNS number may be required. The information associated with your number may give potential clients confidence in your business and play a role in building and sustaining contracts with vendor on both sides of your supply chain.
• Increase access to international business – Many businesses that operate internationally will require your company to have a DUNS number.

Which businesses need a D&B number?

All businesses, regardless of age, size, or business structure, can apply for a DUNS number. Business owners will also be glad to know that the application is free! Not every business needs one, but there are many cases where it helps to build business credit. There’s little downside to applying.

Many state and local governments will require a D&B number to receive state funding. Some small business grants and non-governmental loans may also require a DUNS number to apply. If your business plans to bid on certain government contracts, be sure to apply for your DUNS number well in advance. It can take up to 30 days to receive your DUNS number. If you need your number expedited, you can pay an extra fee for faster processing.

Note that DUNS numbers were previously required to apply for federal contracts or grants but were phased out in favor of a UEI. Keep reading for more on UEI below.

How to get a DUNS number

Before you start applying for a DUNS number, make sure you have a legitimate physical address and legal name. Then, use the DUNS lookup tool to see if your business already has a DUNS number. Even if you didn’t request one, a number could have been assigned to you if a supplier or financial institution requested information about your business. If you don’t have a DUNS number already, you can apply on Dun & Bradstreet’s website and follow these steps:

1. Choose your company type – Pick the option that best describes your company type. Options include:
   • U.S.-based business
   • Canada-based business
   • Apple developer
   • Need a UFI to register with the FDA
   • Google developer
2. Provide the necessary information about your company – You may need to include information like:
   • Your business’s legal name, address, and phone number
   • The name of the business owner, CEO, or president
   • Your business’s legal business structure
   • The year of business formation
   • The primary industry your business operates in
   • The total number of employees (full- and part-time)
3. Complete the checkout process
   • Normal processing can take up to 30 business days and is free.
   • If you need your DUNS number sooner, select expedited processing for an additional fee to recieve it sooner.
4. Receive your DUNS number
   • After company validation, you’ll receive your DUNS number via email.
   • If further information or validation is needed, a D&B representative may contact you.
5. Repeat the process if necessary
   • Repeat these steps for each of your business locations, if you have more than one.

How do you find your DUNS number?

If you’re not sure if you have a DUNS number or need to confirm it, use the DUNS number lookup. This tool also allows you to see other businesses’ numbers, which can be useful if you’re evaluating a new business partner or looking for investment opportunities.

DUNS number vs. EIN

Both the DUNS number and Employer Identification Number (EIN) are nine-digit numbers associated with your business. However, they serve very different purposes. An EIN is a unique identification number assigned to a business by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You use it to file business taxes, issue tax forms to employees, and open a business bank account. Certain businesses are legally required to have an EIN for tax purposes. Your DUNS number on the other hand is assigned by Dun & Bradstreet and is not legally required. The number helps your business build its credit report and trustworthiness.

DUNS number vs. UEI

Until April 2022, the U.S. government used the D-U-N-S as its primary business identifier. In 2022, the federal government started using the UEIs, or Unique Entity Identifiers, instead. A UEI number is assigned to businesses through SAM (the Federal System for Award Management). If you work exclusively through government contracts, you may no longer have a use for a DUNS number. However, having one can still be beneficial if your work isn’t limited to government entities.

Get small business help from Block Advisors

Applying for a DUNS number is a simple, free process that can help promote the growth and credibility of your business, and it’s just one of the tools you can use to set your business up for success.

Adding one more thing to your business to-do list can be overwhelming, though. So let our experts lighten your load, in person or virtually, year-round – as always – backed up by the Block Advisors guarantees. Our tax, bookkeeping, payroll, and incorporation services are designed with small business owners like you in mind.

Speak with a certified small business pro today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a DUNS number and what does it do?
A: DUNS stands for Data Universal Numbering System. It’s a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet that links to a business credit profile. This number helps your business build authority, establish credit history, and allows vendors, lenders, and partners to evaluate your company’s financial health and payment history.

Q: How do I get a DUNS number for my business?
A: You may apply for free on Dun & Bradstreet’s website. You must provide your business’s legal name, physical address, phone number, owner information, legal structure, formation year, industry, and employee count. Standard processing takes up to 30 business days, or you can pay for expedited processing to receive it sooner.

Q: Do all businesses need a DUNS number?
A: Not every business legally requires a DUNS number, but any business can apply for one for free. You’ll need one if applying for certain small business loans, grants (especially state and local government funding), bidding on some government contracts, registering as a supplier, or conducting international business.

Q: What’s the difference between a DUNS number and an EIN?
A: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit tax identifier from the IRS used to file business taxes, issue employee tax forms, and open business bank accounts. An EIN is legally required for most businesses. However, a DUNS number is voluntary. It is issued by Dun & Bradstreet and used specifically for building business credit and credibility.

Q: How long does it take to receive a DUNS number?
A: Standard processing is free and takes up to 30 business days. If you need it sooner, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing. After company validation, you’ll receive your identifier via email. If more information is needed, a Dun & Bradstreet representative may contact you.

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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. You may want to seek the advice of an attorney to evaluate all relevant considerations.