How to Apply for a DUNS Number for a US Company in 2026

How to Apply for a DUNS Number for a US Company in 2026

If you own a US company or LLC and want to establish a business identity with Dun & Bradstreet, you may want to apply for a DUNS Number.

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

In this guide, you will learn how to apply for a DUNS Number for a US company, what information you need, how much it costs, how long it takes, and what to expect after submitting your application.

What Is a DUNS Number?

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

It creates a business identity that is separate from your personal identity and can be associated with your company's business information.

A DUNS Number may be useful when working with:

• Business suppliers

• Corporate partners

• Lenders

• Credit providers

• Marketplaces

• Certain government or contracting programs

• Organizations that request business identification information

A DUNS Number is not required simply to own or operate a US LLC. Whether you need one depends on what you plan to do with your company.

Can a US LLC Get a DUNS Number?

Yes. US businesses, including LLCs and other business structures, can request a DUNS Number.

Before applying, it is important to check whether your company already has a DUNS Number. D&B recommends using its lookup process before submitting a new request.

How to Apply for a DUNS Number for a US Company

The application process is straightforward.

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

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

This can help prevent creating duplicate business records.

If your company already has a DUNS Number, you generally do not need to request another one simply because you want to use it for a new application.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Business Option

When starting the application, select the option that applies to your business.

For a normal US company, select the option for a U.S.-based business.

D&B may provide different application paths depending on your business situation or intended use.

Step 3: Enter Your Legal Business Name

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

For example:

Legal Business Name: Jupiter Filing LLC

Avoid unnecessary spelling differences because your business information may be reviewed or verified.

Step 4: Provide Your Business Address

Enter the business address associated with the company.

If your company has multiple physical locations, D&B notes that separate locations may receive separate DUNS Numbers.

Make sure the address is accurate and consistent with your other business records.

Step 5: Provide Your Business Phone Number

Enter a valid business telephone number.

D&B may use the information submitted during the application to validate your company details.

Step 6: Provide Owner or Executive Information

The application may request information about the business owner, president, CEO, or another appropriate company officer.

Have the relevant person's information available before starting the application.

Step 7: Provide Your Business Structure

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

For example:

• LLC

• Corporation

• Partnership

• Sole proprietorship

For a US LLC, select the structure that accurately describes your company.

Step 8: Provide Business Details

D&B may request additional information such as:

• Year the business was established

• Primary industry

• Number of employees

• Business contact information

• Other company information needed for verification

Providing accurate information can help avoid delays during the verification process.

How Much Does a DUNS Number Cost?

There is no charge to request and receive a standard DUNS Number.

D&B may offer an optional expedited service for an additional fee if you want faster processing.

Be careful with emails requesting payment for DUNS Number renewal. D&B states that DUNS Numbers do not expire and there is no required renewal fee.

How Long Does It Take to Get a DUNS Number?

D&B currently states that normal processing can take up to 30 business days.

An optional expedited service may provide the number within approximately eight business days, subject to D&B's applicable terms and verification process.

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting the application, D&B may contact you to verify the information provided.

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

Can You Apply for a DUNS Number From India?

Yes, if you have a US company, you may be able to apply for its DUNS Number while living outside the United States, subject to D&B's current application requirements and verification process.

For example, an Indian entrepreneur who owns a US LLC can prepare the company's legal business information and apply through the appropriate D&B process.

The important point is that the application is for the US business, so the business information should accurately match the company's records.

DUNS Number for a US LLC

A DUNS Number can be associated with a US LLC's business identity.

However, getting a DUNS Number is separate from forming an LLC.

The typical order is:

1. Form your US LLC

2. Obtain your company formation documents

3. Obtain an EIN if required

4. Establish your business information

5. Check whether a DUNS Number already exists

6. Apply for a DUNS Number if needed

A DUNS Number does not replace your LLC registration, EIN, or other business identifiers.

DUNS Number vs EIN

A DUNS Number and EIN serve different purposes.

EIN: Issued by the IRS and used primarily for federal tax and business identification purposes.

DUNS Number: Issued by Dun & Bradstreet and used as a business identifier within the D&B system and by organizations that request it.

You may have both an EIN and a DUNS Number for the same company.

Common Mistakes When Applying for a DUNS Number

Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Applying Before Checking the Database

Always check whether your company already has a DUNS Number.

2. Using a Different Legal Business Name

Use the company's correct legal name.

3. Entering Incorrect Business Information

Make sure the address, phone number, ownership information, and other details are accurate.

4. Creating Duplicate Applications

If your company already has a DUNS Number, investigate the existing record rather than automatically submitting another request.

5. Paying Unnecessary Renewal Fees

D&B states that DUNS Numbers do not expire and there is no required renewal fee.

DUNS Number Application Checklist

Before applying, prepare:

• US company's legal name

• Business address

• Business phone number

• Owner, president, CEO, or officer information

• Legal business structure

• Year the company was established

• Primary industry

• Number of employees

• Other business information requested during the application

Having this information ready can make the application process easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a DUNS Number free?

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

Is a DUNS Number required for an LLC?

No. A DUNS Number is not generally required simply to own or operate an LLC. Some organizations may request one for specific business purposes.

Can an Indian citizen apply for a DUNS Number for a US LLC?

If you own a US company, you can apply for its DUNS Number through the applicable D&B process, subject to the company's information and verification requirements.

How many digits is a DUNS Number?

A DUNS Number contains nine digits.

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 applying for a DUNS Number?

The requirements for a DUNS application are separate from the IRS EIN process. D&B's application focuses on identifying and verifying the business and its information.

Need Help With Your US Company?

If you are forming a US LLC from outside the United States, Jupiter Filing can help with services such as LLC formation, EIN assistance, registered agent services, and other business setup requirements.

You can also explore the DUNS Number service if you need assistance with your business identification setup.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a DUNS Number for a US company is a relatively straightforward process.

First, check whether your company already has a DUNS Number. If it does not, prepare your legal business information and submit the application through Dun & Bradstreet.

A standard DUNS Number is free to request, and normal processing can take up to 30 business days.

If you are an entrepreneur outside the United States with a US LLC, make sure your business information is accurate and consistent before submitting the application.