Apply for DUNS Number Online: Complete 2026 Guide

Apply for DUNS Number Online: Complete 2026 Guide

If you own a U.S. company and need a business identifier, you can apply for a DUNS Number online through Dun & Bradstreet.

Click Here for Apply D-U-N-S Number

A DUNS Number is a unique nine-digit identifier associated with a business. It can be used by organizations such as lenders, suppliers, partners, and other companies to identify and evaluate a business.

The online application process is straightforward, but you should first check whether your company already has a DUNS Number.

In this guide, you will learn how to apply for a DUNS Number online, what information you need, how much it costs, how long the process takes, and what happens after you submit your application.

What Is a DUNS Number?

A DUNS Number is a unique nine-digit business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet.

It is associated with a company's business information and D&B business profile.

A DUNS Number may be useful when your company works with:

• Suppliers

• Business partners

• Lenders

• Credit providers

• Contractors

• Organizations that request business identification information

A DUNS Number is not generally required simply to form or operate a U.S. business.

Can You Apply for a DUNS Number Online?

Yes. Dun & Bradstreet provides an online process for businesses to request a DUNS Number.

The current process generally involves:

1. Checking whether your company already has a DUNS Number

2. Selecting the appropriate business category

3. Providing your company information

4. Submitting the application

5. Completing any required verification

6. Receiving your DUNS Number by email

D&B currently states that the standard request is free.

How to Apply for a DUNS Number Online

Step 1: Check if Your Company Already Has a DUNS Number

Before submitting a new application, check the D&B database to see whether your company already has a DUNS Number.

This is an important first step because a business may already have a DUNS Number associated with its records.

If you already have one, you generally do not need to request another number simply because you need to use it for another business purpose.

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Business Category

When starting the online application, choose the option that matches your business.

For example, D&B's current application flow includes an option for a U.S.-based business. Other options may be available for specific situations, such as Apple developers, Google developers, or FDA-related requirements.

For a normal U.S. LLC or corporation, select the option applicable to a U.S.-based business.

Step 3: Enter Your Legal Business Name

Enter the company's legal name exactly as it appears in your business records.

For example:

Legal Business Name: Jupiter Filing LLC

Avoid unnecessary spelling differences or abbreviations that do not match your official business information.

Step 4: Enter Your Business Address

Provide the company's business address requested during the application.

If your company has multiple locations, D&B states that separate locations may require separate DUNS Numbers.

Make sure the address is accurate and consistent with your company's records.

Step 5: Provide Your Business Phone Number

Enter a valid business telephone number.

D&B may use the information you provide to validate your company.

Make sure the number is current and can be used if additional verification is required.

Step 6: Provide Owner or Executive Information

The online application may ask for the name of the company's:

• Owner

• President

• CEO

• Other appropriate business officer

Have this information available before starting the application.

Step 7: Enter Your Legal Business Structure

You may need to identify your company's legal structure.

Examples include:

• LLC

• Corporation

• Partnership

• Sole proprietorship

If you formed a U.S. LLC, make sure the information matches your state formation records.

Step 8: Provide Business Details

D&B may request additional information about the company, including:

• Year the business was created

• Primary business industry

• Number of full-time employees

• Number of part-time employees

• Business contact information

The exact information requested can depend on the application path you select.

Step 9: Submit Your Online Application

Review all the information carefully before submitting the application.

Check that:

• Company name is correct

• Address is correct

• Phone number is correct

• Business structure is correct

• Owner or officer information is accurate

• Industry information is accurate

After submission, D&B may review and verify the information.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a DUNS Number Online?

A standard DUNS Number request is free.

D&B currently states that there is no charge to request and receive a DUNS Number. An optional expedited service may be available for a fee if you want faster processing.

You should be cautious about emails or invoices asking you to pay a renewal fee. D&B states that DUNS Numbers do not expire and do not require renewal.

How Long Does an Online DUNS Application Take?

Normal processing can take up to 30 business days, according to D&B's current information.

D&B also offers an optional expedited process that can provide the DUNS Number within eight business days under the applicable expedited service terms.

Processing can also involve verification of the business information you submitted.

What Happens After You Apply Online?

After submitting your application, D&B may contact you to verify the information associated with your company.

Once the information has been authenticated and the application is completed, D&B sends the DUNS Number by email.

Make sure you use an email address that you can access during the application process.

Can You Apply for a DUNS Number Online for a US LLC?

Yes. A U.S. LLC can request a DUNS Number if it does not already have one.

Before applying, check the D&B database for an existing record.

You should also make sure your:

• LLC legal name

• Business address

• Business phone

• Business structure

• Owner or officer information

are accurate and consistent.

Can You Apply for a DUNS Number From India?

If you own a U.S. company while living in India, you can explore the applicable D&B online application process for your U.S. business.

The important part is that the application information should identify the U.S. company accurately.

For example, an Indian entrepreneur who owns a U.S. LLC may need to provide the LLC's legal name, business address, business structure, industry, and other requested company information.

DUNS Number for Non-Residents

Non-U.S. entrepreneurs may own U.S. businesses while living outside the United States.

However, the DUNS application should be treated separately from:

• LLC formation

• EIN application

• ITIN application

• U.S. immigration

• Business banking

• Tax compliance

A DUNS Number does not replace an EIN or state business registration.

DUNS Number vs EIN

DUNS Number and EIN are different identifiers.

DUNS Number

A DUNS Number is issued by Dun & Bradstreet and identifies a business within the D&B system.

EIN

An EIN is issued by the Internal Revenue Service and is used for federal tax and business identification purposes.

A U.S. company may have both an EIN and a DUNS Number.

Is a DUNS Number Required for a US Company?

Not generally.

D&B states that a business does not need a DUNS Number simply to own and operate a business. However, organizations such as lenders, suppliers, or business partners may request one for particular purposes.

Therefore, whether you need one depends on what you plan to do with your company.

What Information Do You Need to Apply Online?

Before starting your application, prepare the following information:

• Legal business name

• Business address

• Business phone number

• Owner, president, or CEO name

• Legal business structure

• Year the business was established

• Primary business industry

• Number of employees

• Business email address

D&B's current application page identifies these types of information as part of the application process.

Common Mistakes When Applying for a DUNS Number Online

1. Not Checking for an Existing DUNS Number

Always check the D&B database before submitting a new application.

2. Entering the Wrong Legal Name

Use the company's legal name rather than an informal brand name.

3. Providing Incorrect Address Information

Make sure the business address is accurate.

4. Creating Duplicate Records

If your company already has a DUNS Number, investigate the existing record instead of automatically applying for another one.

5. Paying Unnecessary Renewal Fees

D&B states that DUNS Numbers do not expire and do not require renewal.

6. Ignoring Verification Requests

D&B may contact you to validate the business information you submitted. Responding promptly can help complete the process.

DUNS Number Online Application Checklist

Before applying, prepare:

• Legal company name

• Business address

• Business phone number

• Owner/president/CEO information

• Legal business structure

• Company formation year

• Primary industry

• Employee count

• Business email address

• Existing DUNS Number check

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a DUNS Number online?

Yes. Dun & Bradstreet provides an online application process for requesting a DUNS Number.

Is applying for a DUNS Number online free?

Yes. D&B states that there is no charge to request and receive a standard DUNS Number. Optional expedited processing may have a fee.

How long does it take to get a DUNS Number?

Normal processing can take up to 30 business days. D&B also offers an optional expedited service that may provide the number within eight business days.

Can I apply for a DUNS Number for my US LLC?

Yes, if your LLC does not already have a DUNS Number and meets the applicable D&B requirements.

Can I apply for a DUNS Number from India?

If you own a U.S. company from India, you can explore the applicable D&B application process for your U.S. business.

Does a DUNS Number expire?

D&B states that DUNS Numbers do not expire and do not require renewal.

Do I need an EIN before getting a DUNS Number?

A DUNS Number and EIN are separate business identifiers. D&B's DUNS application focuses on identifying and verifying the business.

Can I use my DUNS Number for multiple businesses?

A DUNS Number identifies a specific business/location record. If you operate multiple businesses or locations, the applicable D&B records may be different.

How Jupiter Filing Can Help

Jupiter Filing helps entrepreneurs with U.S. business formation and related business services.

Depending on your requirements, assistance may include:

• U.S. LLC formation

• Company formation

• EIN assistance

• Registered agent services

• ITIN services

• DUNS Number assistance

• Ongoing compliance support

If you already have a U.S. company and need help understanding the DUNS application process, you can explore the relevant DUNS Number service.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a DUNS Number online starts with checking whether your company already has a DUNS Number.

If you do not have one, prepare your legal business information, select the appropriate application option, submit the online form, and complete any verification requested by Dun & Bradstreet.

The standard DUNS Number application is free, while normal processing can take up to 30 business days.

For a U.S. LLC owner living in India or another country, the DUNS application is only one part of setting up and managing a U.S. business. EIN, banking, tax, and ongoing compliance requirements should be considered separately.