How to Apply for a D-U-N-S Number for a US Company: Complete 2026 Guide

How to Apply for a D-U-N-S Number for a US Company: Complete 2026 Guide

If you own a US LLC or corporation, you may come across the term D-U-N-S Number when dealing with banks, lenders, suppliers, business partners, or certain organizations.

A D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It is associated with a business profile maintained by D&B and can help other organizations identify and evaluate a company.

If you want to apply for a DUNS number for a US company, the process generally starts by checking whether your business already has a D-U-N-S Number and then submitting the company's information to Dun & Bradstreet.

This guide explains how the process works, what information you may need, how long it can take, and what a D-U-N-S Number can and cannot do for your business.

What Is a D-U-N-S Number?

A D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet to a business. It is used to identify a business and connect it with its D&B business profile.

A D-U-N-S Number may be used by:

• Business lenders

• Suppliers

• Vendors

• Potential business partners

• Companies conducting business verification

• Organizations evaluating a company's business information

Having a D-U-N-S Number is not required simply to operate a business. Whether you need one depends on how you intend to use your company and whether another organization requests it.

Who Can Apply for a D-U-N-S Number?

Businesses of different types can have D-U-N-S Numbers, including:

• LLCs

• Corporations

• Partnerships

• Sole proprietorships

• Other business organizations

If you have formed a US LLC or corporation, you can check whether the company already has a D-U-N-S Number before submitting a new request.

D&B maintains business information for companies in many countries and assigns D-U-N-S Numbers to distinct business locations and organizations.

Why Would a US Company Need a D-U-N-S Number?

A D-U-N-S Number can be useful in several business situations.

1. Business identification

A D-U-N-S Number provides a unique identifier that organizations can use to locate your business information.

2. Business credit profile

Your D-U-N-S Number is associated with your Dun & Bradstreet business credit file. This can make it easier for organizations to locate your company's business information.

3. Working with suppliers

Some suppliers or business partners may request a D-U-N-S Number as part of their business verification or onboarding process.

4. Business financing

Financial institutions and other lenders may use business information associated with a D-U-N-S Number when evaluating a company.

5. Business contracts

Some organizations may ask for a D-U-N-S Number when onboarding vendors or evaluating businesses for contracts.

Is a D-U-N-S Number Required for Every US LLC?

No.

A US LLC does not automatically need a D-U-N-S Number just because it was formed. D&B states that businesses are not required to have one to operate. However, a D-U-N-S Number may be useful when a lender, supplier, partner, or other organization requests it.

Therefore, you should first determine why you need the number before applying.

How to Apply for a DUNS Number for a US Company

The basic process is straightforward.

Step 1: Check Whether Your Company Already Has a D-U-N-S Number

Before applying, search for your company in the Dun & Bradstreet database.

Your company may already have a D-U-N-S Number, particularly if business information has previously been submitted to D&B.

D&B provides tools that allow businesses to look up an existing D-U-N-S Number.

Step 2: Prepare Your Business Information

Before starting the application, prepare accurate information about your company.

You may need information such as:

• Legal company name

• Business address

• Mailing address

• Telephone number

• Company contact information

• Business type

• Company officer or owner information

• Number of employees

• Other information used to identify your business

The exact information requested can depend on the application and verification process.

Step 3: Submit the D-U-N-S Application

Use Dun & Bradstreet's official D-U-N-S Number application process.

D&B currently states that businesses can request a D-U-N-S Number for free.

Be careful when using third-party websites. If you are applying for a D-U-N-S Number, verify that you are using an official D&B service.

Step 4: Complete Business Verification

Dun & Bradstreet may verify the information submitted for the business.

Make sure the company name, address, telephone number, and other information match your company's official records.

If D&B needs additional information, respond to the request so the verification process can continue.

Step 5: Receive Your D-U-N-S Number

Once the application and verification process are completed, D&B assigns the D-U-N-S Number to the business.

D&B's current information says standard D-U-N-S Number delivery can take up to 30 business days after successfully completing and submitting the online registration form, subject to D&B's verification and acceptance.

Expedited services may also be available for an additional fee.

How Much Does a D-U-N-S Number Cost?

The standard request for a D-U-N-S Number is free.

D&B specifically states that there is no charge to request and receive a D-U-N-S Number. Some expedited services or additional D&B products may have fees.

This means you should not assume that a payment is required simply to obtain the standard D-U-N-S Number.

How Long Does It Take to Get a D-U-N-S Number?

The processing time can depend on the verification process.

D&B's current information states that D-U-N-S Number delivery can occur in up to 30 business days after the online registration form has been successfully completed and submitted, subject to verification and acceptance.

If you need the number sooner, D&B may offer expedited options for a fee.

Can an LLC Get a D-U-N-S Number?

Yes.

A US LLC can have a D-U-N-S Number. The number identifies the business and connects it with its Dun & Bradstreet business profile.

For example, a US LLC may want a D-U-N-S Number when:

• A supplier requests one

• A business partner requests one

• A lender asks for business identification

• The company wants to establish a D&B business profile

• An organization requires it during vendor onboarding

However, having an LLC does not by itself make a D-U-N-S Number mandatory.

D-U-N-S Number vs EIN

A D-U-N-S Number and EIN are different identifiers.

EIN

An EIN is an Employer Identification Number issued by the IRS. It is a federal tax identification number used for tax and business purposes.

D-U-N-S Number

A D-U-N-S Number is a business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet and is connected to a D&B business profile.

In simple terms:

EIN = IRS tax/business identification

D-U-N-S Number = Dun & Bradstreet business identification

A company can have both because they serve different purposes.

D-U-N-S Number vs UEI

D-U-N-S and UEI should not be confused.

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is the identifier used by the US federal government through SAM.gov for federal awards and related registrations. The federal government replaced DUNS with UEI for this purpose.

Therefore, if your goal is to register a company for federal awards or government contracting through SAM.gov, you should follow the current SAM.gov UEI requirements rather than assuming a D-U-N-S Number is the required federal identifier.

Can a Non-US Resident Get a D-U-N-S Number for a US Company?

The important point is that the D-U-N-S Number identifies the business, not the owner's nationality.

If you formed a US company while living outside the United States, the company's business information should be accurately represented in the D&B application.

The application and verification process may require business information that can be used to confirm the company.

For non-US residents who own US LLCs, it is important to keep the company's legal name, address, telephone number, and other business details consistent across official records.

Common Mistakes When Applying for a D-U-N-S Number

Mistake 1: Applying without checking first

Your company may already have a D-U-N-S Number. Check before requesting another one.

Mistake 2: Using inconsistent company information

Make sure the legal company name and address are consistent with your official company records.

Mistake 3: Assuming D-U-N-S is the same as EIN

They are separate identifiers issued by different organizations.

Mistake 4: Confusing D-U-N-S with UEI

If your purpose is federal contracting or federal awards, check the current SAM.gov requirements for UEI.

Mistake 5: Paying an unofficial website

The standard D-U-N-S Number request is free through D&B. Be cautious about websites that present unnecessary charges as mandatory.

Does a D-U-N-S Number Expire?

D&B states that D-U-N-S Numbers do not expire and do not need to be renewed.

However, you should keep your business information accurate.

If your company changes its address, ownership, or opens another business location, D&B provides a process for updating business information.

How Jupiter Filing Can Help

If you have already formed a US LLC or corporation and need help understanding business registration and related services, Jupiter Filing can help you navigate the process.

For businesses owned by entrepreneurs outside the United States, keeping company information consistent across formation, tax, banking, and business-service records can be especially important.

You can also review Jupiter Filing's business formation and compliance services to determine which services may apply to your company.

D-U-N-S Number Application Checklist

Before applying, prepare:

• Legal company name

• Business address

• Mailing address

• Business telephone number

• Company type

• Owner/officer information

• Number of employees, if requested

• Company website, if applicable

• Existing D-U-N-S Number information, if available

Then:

1. Search for an existing D-U-N-S Number.

2. Verify your company information.

3. Submit the application through D&B.

4. Complete any requested verification.

5. Wait for the D-U-N-S Number to be assigned.

6. Keep your business information updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a D-U-N-S Number?

A D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet. It is associated with a company's D&B business profile.

Is a D-U-N-S Number free?

Yes. D&B states that there is no charge to request and receive a D-U-N-S Number. Expedited services may involve a fee.

How long does it take to get a D-U-N-S Number?

D&B currently states that delivery can take up to 30 business days after successful submission of the online registration form, subject to verification and acceptance.

Does every LLC need a D-U-N-S Number?

No. A D-U-N-S Number is not required simply to operate a business. It may be requested by lenders, suppliers, partners, or other organizations.

Is D-U-N-S the same as EIN?

No. An EIN is issued by the IRS, while a D-U-N-S Number is issued by Dun & Bradstreet.

Is D-U-N-S the same as UEI?

No. UEI is the identifier used by the federal government through SAM.gov for federal awards and related purposes. D-U-N-S is a Dun & Bradstreet business identifier.

Can a US LLC owned by a foreign entrepreneur have a D-U-N-S Number?

A US LLC can have a D-U-N-S Number. The application should contain accurate business information and may be subject to D&B's verification process.

Conclusion

A D-U-N-S Number can provide a US company with a unique business identifier connected to its Dun & Bradstreet business profile. It may be useful when dealing with lenders, suppliers, business partners, and organizations that request D-U-N-S information.

The standard D-U-N-S Number request is free, although processing and verification can take time. Before applying, check whether your company already has a number and make sure your business information is accurate.

For federal government contracting or awards, remember that UEI—not D-U-N-S—is the current federal identifier used through SAM.gov.