How To Get a DUNS Number

What is a DUNS number?

A Data Universal Number System, or D-U-N-S number, is a nine-digit identification number (often shown as a continuous string of digits) that corresponds to a business’s credit record.

Created in the 1960s by the credit-reporting firm Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), the globally standardized DUNS system helps businesses establish credit. It is associated with your business’s credit rating, legal proceedings, payment records with vendors and other public information. Your company name, business structure, phone number, physical location and D&B’s credit indicators (e.g., PAYDEX and risk scores) are stored in a centralized database.

The DUNS number is associated with your business’s credit rating, legal proceedings, payment records with vendors and other public information. It creates a credit identity that includes D&B’s PAYDEX credit score, delinquency prediction ratings, other credit assessments and public filings, such as liens, judgments and legal information.

Like other unique identifiers, a DUNS number helps verify your company’s details to suppliers, customers, contractors, vendors and other potential business partners.

“Obtaining a DUNS number is a strategic move. As a business owner, I’ve experienced how it builds trust with lenders and vendors. It tells them, ‘I’m serious, I’m organized and I plan to be here for the long term.’”

—Ashlee Malet, MBA in accounting

Why obtain a DUNS number

Obtaining a DUNS number can open up new opportunities for your business. Here are some potential benefits:

Builds a strong credit history

A DUNS number is typically for businesses seeking credibility and attracting interest from serious investors. Suppliers, vendors, investors, lenders and other business contacts often monitor business credit reports to decide who to do business with.

Registering a DUNS number early and establishing creditworthiness is important, as business credit builds over time. Building a strong credit history that demonstrates your company’s financial stability and consistency can help you secure long-term contracts with suppliers and vendors.

Facilitates business with government entities

Many buyers and grantors require businesses to submit their DUNS number. US federal procurement has transitioned to the SAM Unique Entity ID (UEI) as the primary federal identifier. However, some grant programs, state/local agencies or international partners may still request a D‑U‑N‑S number.

Facilitates work with private foreign companies

A DUNS number can prove your company’s legitimacy to international companies you want to work with. You may also be required to have a DUNS number to establish a branch in another country, depending on local regulations. Note that requirements for branches vary by country and are not universally mandated.

Separates personal and business finances

A DUNS number for your business can reduce the stress on your personal credit when funding your company. If you don’t have a credit profile for your business, you may need to rely on your personal credit history to secure business funds, which could increase your personal liability and make taxes and banking options more complex.

A DUNS number has other benefits, which include:

Speeding up the application process for a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate to make your business website more secure
Developing mobile apps for app stores (some platforms may require businesses to register and provide official business identification details, such as a DUNS number or equivalent)
Supplying goods to companies (many require their suppliers to have a DUNS number)

With D&B online, there is a free option to request a DUNS number and start creating a credit report for your company. Any legal entity is typically eligible for a DUNS number, including limited liability companies (LLCs), C corporations and S corporations.

Here are the steps to sign up for your DUNS number:

1. Check if you already have one

To learn if you already have a DUNS number, visit the D&B website and enter your business’s name, phone number and address. If your business has a DUNS number, you will be required to confirm your identity to access your credit report and update your financial records.

Anyone can generally request a DUNS entry for a business, including business owners, vendors, financial institutions and government entities.

2. Gather all of your info

If you don’t have a DUNS number, you can register by completing an online application or calling them.. To apply, you’ll typically need this information:

The legal status of your business (partnership, LLC, corporation, proprietorship)
Your business’s legal name
The year of establishment
Address
Phone number
Primary products or services
Number of employees

Enter the data into the fields online or over the phone to complete your registration. The process typically takes a few minutes.

3. Pay for fast-tracking (optional)

After applying, processing times for a DUNS number may vary and can take several weeks. In some cases, expedited processing options may be available for an additional fee.

4. Report transactions

Once you’ve obtained a DUNS number, your business credit report may include information from public records and data reported by creditors or vendors, such as payment history or legal filings where available.

Businesses can help build their credit profile by ensuring suppliers and lenders report payment activity. Some organizations also offer optional paid services for enhanced data reporting or monitoring.