Learn About DUNS Numbers and Business Registration

What Is a DUNS Number and Why Businesses Have Them

A DUNS number, also called a Data Universal Numbering System number, is a nine-digit code that identifies your business to suppliers, lenders, and government agencies. Dun & Bradstreet, a business information company founded in 1841, assigns and maintains DUNS numbers. Think of it like a fingerprint for your company—it's unique to your business and helps others track your company's history and creditworthiness.

Get Your Free Local Printing Services Guide →

The DUNS number system was created in the 1960s to help businesses keep track of their vendors and customers. Before DUNS numbers existed, companies had to use different identification systems for each supplier or lender they worked with, which created confusion and wasted time. Today, over 300 million DUNS numbers exist worldwide, and the system has become an industry standard.

Your DUNS number works differently from your federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), which the IRS uses for tax purposes. While an EIN is required by the IRS for most businesses, a DUNS number is not legally required—but many businesses need one anyway. For example, if you want to bid on federal government contracts, sell to large corporations, or apply for certain types of business loans, you'll likely need a DUNS number.

The nine-digit DUNS number format stays consistent no matter what state your business operates in or what industry you work in. A manufacturing company in Ohio and a consulting firm in California would each have their own unique nine-digit codes. Dun & Bradstreet uses the information associated with your DUNS number to create a business credit report, which functions similarly to a personal credit report but focuses on your company's payment history and financial behavior.

Practical Takeaway: Research whether your specific business goals require a DUNS number before obtaining one. This helps you understand if the process is necessary for your current situation or future plans.

How to Obtain a DUNS Number for Your Business

Obtaining a DUNS number involves contacting Dun & Bradstreet directly through their website at dnb.com. The process itself costs nothing—Dun & Bradstreet provides DUNS numbers to businesses at no charge. You can request one online, over the phone, or by mail. Most businesses complete the online process in just a few minutes.

Get Your Free Guide to Switch Access App Basics →

When you request a DUNS number online, you'll provide basic information about your business, including your business name, physical street address, phone number, type of business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc.), and the number of employees. Dun & Bradstreet will not accept a P.O. box as your primary business address—they need a physical location. If your business operates from your home, you can use your home address.

The online application process typically takes less than five minutes to complete. After you submit your information, Dun & Bradstreet reviews it for accuracy. In many cases, Dun & Bradstreet assigns you a DUNS number within one business day. However, if they need to verify information or have questions about your business, the process may take longer—sometimes up to 30 days. The timeframe depends on how quickly you can respond to any follow-up questions they might have.

You can also request a DUNS number by calling Dun & Bradstreet's customer service team at 1-800-234-3867. If you prefer to work by mail, you can request a DUNS number application form and send it to Dun & Bradstreet's address. Mail applications take longer than online requests because of processing time, so the online method is typically faster.

Once you receive your DUNS number, Dun & Bradstreet will create a business profile page for you. This profile contains information about your company that suppliers, lenders, and others can view. You can register for a free account on dnb.com to monitor what information appears on your business profile and make updates when needed.

Practical Takeaway: Have your business registration documents and basic company information ready before starting your DUNS request. This speeds up the process and reduces the chance of delays caused by missing information.

Understanding DUNS Numbers and Business Registration Requirements

Business registration and DUNS numbers serve different purposes in the business world, though they're sometimes confused with each other. Business registration typically refers to registering your company name and structure with your state government. This step is usually handled through your state's Secretary of State office or Department of Revenue. You register your business name, choose your business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership), and often obtain an EIN from the IRS.

Free Guide to Making Irish Soda Bread at Home →

A DUNS number, by contrast, is not part of government registration. Instead, it's a private business identification number maintained by Dun & Bradstreet. While you must register your business with your state to operate legally, obtaining a DUNS number is optional unless specific situations require it. Many small sole proprietorships, for example, operate successfully without ever obtaining a DUNS number because they don't do business with government agencies or large corporations that demand one.

Some situations specifically require a DUNS number. If you want to bid on federal government contracts, you'll need a DUNS number before you can register in the System for Award Management (SAM), which is the official government database for federal contractors. If you work as a subcontractor on federal projects, your prime contractor may require you to have a DUNS number. Large corporations often require their vendors to have DUNS numbers so they can track supplier information in a standardized way.

Other common reasons businesses obtain DUNS numbers include obtaining commercial credit from banks or suppliers, working with import/export companies, receiving certain types of business loans or lines of credit, and operating as a government contractor or subcontractor. Additionally, some professional licensing requirements or industry-specific regulations may reference DUNS numbers, though this varies by field.

The relationship between business registration and DUNS numbers means you'll typically need to handle both separately. You might register your LLC with your state in January, obtain an EIN from the IRS in February, and then request a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet in March when you plan to bid on a government contract. Each process serves distinct purposes and involves different organizations.

Practical Takeaway: Create a checklist of business identifiers you need based on your business plans. Include state registration, EIN, DUNS number, and any industry-specific licenses or permits relevant to your field.

How DUNS Numbers Impact Business Credit and Reports

Dun & Bradstreet uses your DUNS number to create and maintain a business credit report about your company. This report functions similarly to a personal credit report but focuses on your business's financial behavior, payment history, and creditworthiness. Lenders, suppliers, and other businesses check your business credit report to decide whether to extend credit to you, offer favorable payment terms, or do business with you at all.

Free Guide to Disconnecting Facebook and Instagram Accounts →

Your business credit report includes information such as your company's payment history with vendors and suppliers, public records like tax liens or judgments, the amount of credit you currently use from various sources, and details about your business structure and ownership. The report also lists how long you've been in business and any significant changes to your business, such as leadership changes or relocations.

Dun & Bradstreet calculates a business credit score based on the information in your report. This score typically ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating lower credit risk. Your score influences interest rates on business loans, credit limits offered by suppliers, and whether you're even considered for certain types of financing. A business with a strong credit score may receive a 2/10 net 30 payment term from a supplier (meaning 2% discount if you pay within 10 days, or full payment due in 30 days), while a business with a weak score might be required to pay upfront or face stricter terms.

Building and maintaining a positive business credit report takes time and consistent financial responsibility. You establish business credit by opening accounts with suppliers and vendors in your business's name, making timely payments, and maintaining low credit utilization. If your business is new, you may have limited credit history, which results in a lower score initially. As your business makes on-time payments and builds a positive track record, your score typically improves.

You can monitor your business credit report for free by registering on dnb.com with your