Learn About Getting a Dun & Bradstreet Number

Understanding What a Dun & Bradstreet Number Is

A Dun & Bradstreet Number, commonly known as a DUNS number, is a nine-digit business identification code. Dun & Bradstreet is a private company that maintains one of the largest databases of business information in the world. The DUNS number serves as a unique identifier for business locations, similar to how a Social Security number identifies individuals. Each DUNS number corresponds to a specific business entity at a particular address.

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The DUNS number was first introduced in 1962 and has become a standard identifier used by millions of businesses, government agencies, and vendors. When you receive a DUNS number, it becomes associated with your business's credit history, payment patterns, and overall financial reputation. This information is compiled into what Dun & Bradstreet calls a business credit file or business report.

It's important to understand that a DUNS number is different from other business identifiers. While your Employer Identification Number (EIN) comes from the Internal Revenue Service and your state may issue a business license number, the DUNS number is issued by a private company specifically for business credit and reporting purposes. Many organizations require a DUNS number before doing business with you, even if you have these other identifiers.

The DUNS database contains information about over 400 million businesses globally. In the United States alone, millions of small and mid-sized businesses hold DUNS numbers. Large corporations, government contractors, and businesses seeking loans frequently use DUNS numbers as part of their standard operations. Understanding this distinction helps business owners recognize why they may need this number for various business activities.

Practical Takeaway: A DUNS number is a nine-digit code that identifies your business to credit agencies, vendors, and other organizations. It tracks your business's payment history and financial reputation separately from personal credit.

Why Businesses Need a DUNS Number

Many organizations require a DUNS number before they will work with your business. The federal government, for example, requires contractors and vendors to have DUNS numbers to bid on government contracts. If your business wants to sell products or services to any federal agency, you will likely need this number. This requirement stems from federal regulations designed to standardize how government agencies track vendor information.

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Financial institutions often request DUNS numbers when you apply for business loans or lines of credit. Lenders use the information associated with your DUNS number to assess your business's creditworthiness. They look at factors such as how promptly your business pays suppliers, whether there are any liens against your business, and your overall payment history. This helps lenders make decisions about whether to offer credit and at what interest rate.

Large corporations frequently require their vendors and suppliers to maintain DUNS numbers. This helps them track and manage relationships with hundreds or thousands of suppliers. The corporations use DUNS numbers to verify business information, assess risk, and maintain organized records. If you want to become a vendor for a major retailer, manufacturer, or service provider, having a DUNS number may be necessary.

Business partnerships and joint ventures sometimes require DUNS numbers to formalize agreements and establish clear financial accountability. Insurance companies may also request DUNS numbers when you seek business liability coverage. Some industry certifications and professional licensing requirements reference DUNS numbers as part of their verification process. Additionally, if you participate in certain industry-specific programs or registries, a DUNS number helps establish your legitimate business presence.

The information attached to your DUNS number can affect your business's reputation in the marketplace. When potential customers, partners, or vendors research your business, they may access your Dun & Bradstreet business report. This report reflects your payment history, company size, industry classification, and other operational details. A strong business credit profile associated with your DUNS number can open doors to better business relationships and opportunities.

Practical Takeaway: Government contractors, lenders, large corporate vendors, and insurance companies frequently require DUNS numbers. Having one helps establish your business's credibility and financial track record.

The Process of Obtaining a DUNS Number

You can request a DUNS number directly from Dun & Bradstreet through their website or by phone. The company offers the service at no cost. When you contact Dun & Bradstreet, you will need to provide information about your business. This includes your business name, physical business address, type of business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, etc.), and contact information. The company will ask about the nature of your business and may request information about your business ownership.

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The information you provide must be accurate and match official business records whenever possible. If your business is registered with your state, Dun & Bradstreet may verify your information against state records. For sole proprietors and very small businesses without formal registration, you may need to provide additional documentation to prove your business exists and operates at the address you list.

Dun & Bradstreet typically issues a DUNS number within one to two business days if you provide complete information. However, if they need to verify information or request additional details, the process may take longer. Some requests may be processed more quickly if the company can immediately verify your business information through existing databases or records.

Once issued, you receive your DUNS number along with information about accessing your business report. The number remains assigned to your business at that location indefinitely. If you relocate your business to a different address, you may need to request a new DUNS number for the new location, though Dun & Bradstreet will maintain records linking the two locations to your business history.

You do not need an EIN, business license, or other permits to obtain a DUNS number, though having these can help verify your business information. Sole proprietors can obtain DUNS numbers, as can newly formed businesses that have not yet received an EIN. If your business structure changes—for example, if you convert from a sole proprietorship to an LLC—you should update your information with Dun & Bradstreet.

Practical Takeaway: Contact Dun & Bradstreet directly with your business name, address, business type, and contact information to request a DUNS number at no cost. Most requests are processed within one to two business days.

What Information You Need to Provide

When requesting a DUNS number, Dun & Bradstreet asks for specific details about your business. Start with your official business name—the exact name your business operates under, which may be different from your personal name if you are a sole proprietor. If your business uses a "doing business as" (DBA) name, you should provide both your legal business name and any DBA names you use.

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Your complete physical business address is essential. This should be a street address where your business actually operates, not a post office box. Dun & Bradstreet uses this address to locate your business and verify it exists. If your business operates from your home, you can provide your home address. You will also need to provide a phone number where your business can be reached and a contact person's name.

You must describe your business type and primary business activity. Dun & Bradstreet uses industry classification codes to categorize businesses. Be prepared to explain what your business does—for example, whether you provide services, sell products, manufacture goods, or operate in a specialized field. If you operate in multiple industry sectors, focus on your primary business activity.

Information about your business structure matters as well. Indicate whether your business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, nonprofit organization, or other legal structure. If you have an EIN issued by the IRS, having this number available helps speed up verification. However, you do not need an EIN to obtain a DUNS number.

Depending on your business type and Dun & Bradstreet's verification process, you may be asked for additional information such as your business's start date, approximate annual revenue, number of employees, or details about business ownership. For newer businesses, you might need to provide documentation proving your business exists, such as a business license, lease agreement, or bank statements showing business activity.

Practical Takeaway: Gather your business name (legal and DBA if applicable), physical address, phone number, business type, and business structure before contacting