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Government Contracting
DUNS replaced by UEI in 2022

DUNS was replaced by UEI. Here is what you need now.

DUNS numbers (Data Universal Numbering System, issued by Dun & Bradstreet) were the federal contracting identifier until April 2022, when they were replaced by the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) issued through SAM.gov. DUNS still exists for commercial credit reporting through D&B, but federal contracting now uses UEI. We handle UEI assignment as part of SAM.gov registration, and look up your existing DUNS for free if you need it for credit purposes.

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How it works

How we handle DUNS / UEI, end-to-end.

DUNS numbers (Data Universal Numbering System, issued by Dun & Bradstreet) were the federal contracting identifier until April 2022, when they were replaced by the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) issued through SAM.gov.

1

Identify what you need

Federal contracting: you need a UEI from SAM.gov (DUNS no longer used). Commercial credit: you may want a DUNS from D&B (still issued for credit purposes). Some grant applications: may still reference DUNS but accept UEI.

2

DUNS lookup (if you need it)

If your business had a DUNS before 2022, it still exists in D&B records. We look it up free using your business name and state. New DUNS for new businesses comes from D&B directly.

3

UEI assignment (federal contracting)

Through SAM.gov registration. The UEI is assigned automatically as part of the registration process. See our SAM.gov registration service for the full workflow.

4

Update grant applications

If you have older grant applications that ask for DUNS, replace with your UEI. Grants.gov and most grant systems accept UEI by default since 2022.

What we'll set up for you

A clean handoff, in four steps.

You give us the basics. We handle the state, the IRS, and the compliance clock so you can focus on the business.

01 · Name + Brand

A name that's actually available.

Real-time check against the state register, USPTO trademark database, and matching domains.

02 · State filing

Filed with the Secretary of State.

We submit your Articles, pay the state fee on your behalf, and return the stamped certificate.

03 · Federal IDs

EIN + the right tax setup.

Federal Employer ID with the IRS, plus state tax accounts when your business needs them.

04 · Stay compliant

Registered Agent + deadline tracking.

Your agent on file in every state, with every renewal and annual report tracked in one calendar.

Pricing

Transparent duns / uei pricing.

Government fees pass through at cost. No upsells.

DUNS lookup

$0
Free lookup of existing DUNS.

If your business had a DUNS number before 2022, we look it up using your business name and state at no charge. Useful for commercial credit applications.

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UEI via SAM.gov

$299
Full SAM.gov registration with UEI.

UEI is assigned as part of SAM.gov registration. See our SAM.gov registration page for the full service. Required for federal contracting.

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New DUNS application

$0
Apply free at D&B.

D&B issues new DUNS numbers free. Apply directly at dnb.com. We can walk you through the process; the application takes 5-10 days.

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FAQ

About the DUNS Lookup and UEI Assignment Service.

Is a DUNS number still used for federal contracting?
No: DUNS was replaced by the Unique Entity ID (UEI) in April 2022, and federal contracts, grants, and subawards now use the UEI, so if a federal system still asks for DUNS it is out of date or seeking legacy data. We flag the current requirement so you register with the identifier that actually applies. See SAM.gov registration.
Where do I get a UEI?
Through SAM.gov registration, where the UEI is assigned automatically as part of the process at no charge, so most contractors obtain it by completing their SAM.gov registration rather than requesting it separately. We flag the workflow so you get the UEI as part of becoming contract-eligible.
Is the DUNS number dead entirely?
Not for commercial credit: Dun and Bradstreet still issues and tracks DUNS numbers for credit reporting, supplier risk, and trade-credit applications, so lenders and vendors may still ask for one even though federal contracting no longer does. We flag when a DUNS still matters for your business credit.
How long does a UEI take?
The UEI is typically assigned within a few weeks as part of SAM.gov registration approval, and while it can be requested separately, most contractors receive it through the SAM.gov process. We flag the timeline so you register early enough to be ready before you need to bid.
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 contracting alone needs only the UEI and commercial credit alone needs only the DUNS. We flag which identifiers your actual goals require so you are not chasing one you do not need.
What happened to my old DUNS number?
It still exists in Dun and Bradstreet records and is still used for credit reporting, it is simply no longer used for federal contracting, and your UEI is a separate, newer identifier. We flag how the two coexist so a lingering DUNS reference does not confuse your federal registration.
What is the UEI used for?
It uniquely identifies your entity across all federal systems for contracts, grants, and subawards, replacing DUNS as the single government identifier, and it is tied to your active SAM.gov registration. We flag how the UEI and SAM.gov registration work together so your federal eligibility stays current.
Does a DUNS help my business credit?
It can: because Dun and Bradstreet builds a business credit file around the DUNS, having one and reporting tradelines to it supports a commercial credit profile lenders and vendors check. We flag how a DUNS connects to business credit building so you use it where it helps.
Can File.Business help with DUNS and UEI?
We look up an existing DUNS, guide a new DUNS application, and handle the SAM.gov registration that assigns your UEI, so whether your goal is federal contracting, commercial credit, or both, you end up with the right identifiers in place and your registration current.

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