{"id":8687,"date":"2026-02-26T11:34:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T17:34:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blockadvisors.com\/resource-center\/?p=8687"},"modified":"2026-02-26T12:10:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T18:10:14","slug":"what-is-a-duns-number","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blockadvisors.com\/resource-center\/manage-your-business\/what-is-a-duns-number\/","title":{"rendered":"DUNS Number: What is it and how do you get one?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve 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<\/em>. But what is a DUNS number? Just as your FICO score<\/a> 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\u2019ll walk you through what to know about a DUNS number, how to get one, and the benefits of this unique identifier.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What is a DUNS number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

DUNS, or sometimes written as D-U-N-S, stands for “Data Universal Numbering System.” Dun & Bradstreet<\/a>, 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\u2019s Dun and Bradstreet number is used by vendors, creditors, and suppliers to check your business\u2019s credit history and understand your business\u2019s financial health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What structure is right for my business?<\/h3>

Answer these six questions to find your fit.<\/p>

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Take the quiz<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is Dun & Bradstreet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the services D&B offers include providing access to a company\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a D&B number used for? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n