What Is A UEI Number?

A UEI number is the official identification number granted by the United States government that is used to identify businesses that have been awarded federal grants, awards, or contracts. It takes the place of the DUNS number and enables entities to get an authorized identification directly from the System for Award Management (SAM) rather than through a third party.

UEI numbers have replaced DUNS numbers in all of the federal government’s Integrated Award Environment (IAE) systems. This means that any entity that does business with the federal government or intends to do so in the future is affected. This move affects any company seeking federal support, including small firms seeking federal grants and awards.

Do I Need A UEI Number For My Company?

A UEI number is not required for all enterprises. However, if you want to bid on federal government contracts, you’ll require a UEI. To be eligible for government grants and awards, including federal small business grants, businesses must get a UEI.

Is a UEI The Same As a DUNS Number?

A DUNS number is not the same as a UEI. While the two serve a similar objective — to serve as a unique identification for organizations — there are numerous important differences between them.

DUNS numbers are created and distributed by Dun and Bradstreet (D&B), an analytics firm. The DUNS number is more than just an identification number; it is also associated with D&B’s scores and ratings. Lenders may use a company’s DUNS number to check its credit report, for example, to determine whether or not to grant the company a loan.

The UEI, on the other hand, is generated and distributed by the federal government at SAM.gov. It is the authorized identification for businesses conducting business with the federal government, although it is not necessarily tied to a company’s D&B credit environment in the same way that a DUNS is. Because it eliminates the requirement for a third party, receiving a UEI directly from the government simplifies the process of obtaining a direct identification number.

Is a DUNS Number Still Valid?

While you will no longer need a DUNS number to apply for government grants or bid on federal contracts, small business owners may find a DUNS number handy in other scenarios. Because a company’s DUNS number is still used as an identity in the D&B credit reporting system, possessing one can be useful when asking for credit, such as a new business credit card, line of credit, or loan. If you are a supplier, retailers may request your DUNS number in order to learn more about your company before dealing with you.

As a result, many small businesses may have both a UEI and a DUNS number. The US General Service Administration, on the other hand, has advised that DUNS numbers may no longer be discovered in SAM.gov searches. This does not imply that you will no longer have your DUNS number; it simply indicates that it is no longer used within the government’s IAE.

How Can I Get A UEI Number For My Company?

If your company does not already have a UEI number, you must first register your company on SAM.gov. The system that assigns this number to all enterprises is known as SAM. “Entity Registration” refers to the process of registering your firm on SAM.gov. This procedure allows your company to bid on contracts and apply for federal awards or grants directly. More information than just your legal business name is required for entity registration. Assertions, statements, certificates, and other business information are required.

To receive your Unique Entity ID, you do not need to go through SAM Entity Registration.

How to Get Your UEI Number

Compile the following data:
- Legal Business Name
- Physical Address (no P.O. Boxes)
- Start Year or Year of Incorporation
- State of Incorporation
- National Identifier (entities based outside of the US)
Make a SAM.gov login.
Log into SAM.gov.
Register for a Login.gov account and link it to your SAM.gov account.
On the home page, click Get Started under the “Register Your Entity or Get a Unique Entity ID” area on the right. And again on the following page.
Select Next after selecting Get a Unique Entity ID Only.
Check the box next to “I can provide official documentation” and then click Next.
Enter your legal company name and physical address.
SAM will search for and list all entities with matching information. If your company’s information appears in the results, proceed to the next step. 10. If you do not see your company’s information, proceed to step 11.
If your entity is shown, pick the option on the left that says “I recognize my entity in the legal entities list,” then click Next.
- Verify that all of your information is correct, then pick Yes or No and continue.
If you do not see your entity in the list, pick the second option “I do not recognize my entity in this list” and then click Next.
Enter your incorporation date and state, then click Next.
There is an optional check box to tick if you do not want your information made public. Select Receive Unique Entity ID and check the box at the bottom that says your authorized representative.
Your UEI is displayed on the following screen, and an email confirmation is sent to you.
Write it down or print your email confirmation for your records.

What is the Entity Validation Service?

The Entity Validation Service is used to validate an entity’s uniqueness. Before issuing a UEI, SAM.gov will check to see if the legal business name and physical address have already been registered. Users with an existing UEI can visit SAM.gov to confirm their entity details the next time they update or renew their entity registration.

The DUNS Number vs. the UEI Number

Both of these numbers identify your company in the SAM registry, but only one is required. In April 2022, the government phased off the usage of the DUNS number in the SAM registry. All businesses who register with SAM.gov after that date will be assigned a UEI number.

DUNS is an abbreviation for Data Universal Numbering System, which is issued by Dun & Bradstreet. Previously, this 9-digit number was used to identify your company in the System for Award Management registration. Prior to enrolling on SAM.gov, the business owner is required to obtain this number. Obtaining a DUNS number entails gathering documentation and information to verify your firm.

Through SAM.gov registration, the government now assigns a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. Unique Entity IDs are 12-digit alphanumeric numbers assigned to any business that registers in the SAM database. SAM.gov’s application no longer allows you to enter your DUNS number. The adjustment was made to eliminate the middleman (D&B) from the process and relieve the government of some additional processing.

How To Lookup a UEI Number

If you are already registered in SAM.gov and have a DUNS number, you have most likely been granted a UEI number automatically. Here are the steps for looking for a UEI number.

1. Go to SAM.gov and sign in.

2. In your workspace, select the “Entities” widget on the left.

3. A list of your entities is displayed, with the UEI number under the entity name on the left side.

What is the Cost of a UEI Number?

All federal grant and agreement applicants, as well as contract applicants, can obtain the new, government-owned UEI number for FREE by registering on SAM.gov.

How Many Digits is a UEI Number?

The Unique Entity ID is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier that follows the rules below: To avoid confusion with zero and one, the letters “O” and “I” are not used.

How Long Does It Take To Get Unique Entity ID?

It may take up to ten business days for your registration to become active.

What is a DUNS Number Used For?

A D&B DUNS number is a nine-digit identifier that is regarded as the global standard for tracking businesses around the world. It is intended to boost your firm’s credibility and provide potential consumers, lenders, and suppliers with information about your organization.

Do Nonprofits Have An UEI?

All state, regional, and municipal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations that receive federal funds, must have a SAM UEI; organizations that are subgrantees of state, regional, and local agencies must also have a SAM UEI.

Can You Build Business Credit Without a DUNS Number?

While not essential, every business wishing to improve its business credit score should apply for a Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (D-U-N-S or DUNS number). This is due to the fact that Dun & Bradstreet is the most widely used business credit bureau among creditors and suppliers.

Can You Get Business Credit Without DUNS?

To obtain a D&B company credit score, you must first apply for a DUNS number. This can be done for free on the Dun & Bradstreet website. Before agreeing to do business with you, lenders and other businesses will frequently look up your company’s credit rating and financial health using this unique nine-digit number.

Can You Get a Business Loan Without a DUNS Number?

Though not usually needed, lenders and possible business partners frequently refer to a DUNS number when assessing a company’s financial health. If you’re unsure whether your company requires a DUNS number, we’ll walk you through who needs one and how to obtain one.

Is a DUNS Number Good or Bad?

No, not every firm requires a DUNS number. However, it can contribute in the development of strong company credit and is required if you wish to qualify for certain types of funding. It is also required for a Dun & Bradstreet credit report.

Can I Get a Credit Card with My EIN Number?

Yes, however you must supply an EIN or tax ID. Without an SSN, most new firms will fail to meet the standards for a company credit card.

Can You Get a Business Line of Credit Without Revenue?

Yes, some lenders provide bad credit company loans to companies with low revenue. To qualify, you’ll most likely require at least six months in business and a credit score of 600. However, these solutions may have higher interest rates and shorter repayment schedules.

Can You Look up DUNS Number For Free?

You can use the D-U-N-S Number Lookup Tool at the top of this page to look up a D-U-N-S Number for your firm or any company in the Dun & Bradstreet Data Cloud for free. Simply select “My Company” or “Other Company” and provide the required information. The tool should return a D-U-N-S Number if the company has one.

What Is A UEI Number?

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