A DUNS number is a free 9-digit identifier from Dun & Bradstreet that serves as a business’s credit identity — like a Social Security number for your company. It is required by many corporate suppliers, international partners, and certain platforms, and it anchors your business’s Paydex credit score. Getting one is free and takes about 30 days.
DUNS Number vs. EIN: What’s the Difference?
| DUNS Number | EIN | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | Dun & Bradstreet (private) | IRS (federal government) |
| Purpose | Business credit identity, supplier verification | Federal tax reporting |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Used for | Business credit, federal suppliers, some contracts | Tax returns, payroll, bank accounts |
| Required for | Federal grants (legacy), D&B Paydex score, many B2B suppliers | Hiring employees, opening business bank accounts, most entity types |
You typically need an EIN before applying for a DUNS number. Most businesses need both.
What a DUNS Number Is Used For
| Use case | Details |
|---|---|
| Building business credit | Anchors your D&B Paydex score — the primary business credit score |
| Federal government contracts | Legacy system; many agencies now use SAM.gov UEI instead |
| Federal grants | Some grant applications still request DUNS; SAM.gov registration also required |
| Corporate supplier registration | Large corporations often require DUNS to add you as a vendor |
| International business | DUNS is recognized globally in 190+ countries |
| Apple Developer Enterprise Program | Requires a DUNS number for enterprise app distribution |
| Business loan applications | Some lenders pull D&B reports using your DUNS |
How to Get a DUNS Number for Free
- Go to dnb.com → Products → Get a DUNS Number (or search “D&B DUNS number application”)
- Enter your business information:
- Legal business name (must match your state registration exactly)
- Business address (physical address — P.O. Box alone is not accepted)
- Business structure (LLC, corporation, sole proprietor, etc.)
- Number of employees
- Year established
- Primary business activity / SIC code
- Your EIN
- Verify your identity as an authorized representative of the business
- Receive your DUNS number — standard processing is up to 30 business days; expedited is ~8 business days for $229–$250
Do not pay third-party services. Dun & Bradstreet is the only legitimate source. Many websites charge $50–$300 to get a DUNS number “quickly” — they are simply filling out the same free form on your behalf.
DUNS Number vs. SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI)
In April 2022, the federal government transitioned from DUNS numbers to a new Unique Entity ID (UEI) system managed through SAM.gov for all federal contracting and most grant programs. Key points:
- If you need to do business with the federal government, register at SAM.gov — you will receive a UEI there automatically
- Your DUNS number still exists and is still used by D&B for credit reporting
- Private companies and international organizations still use DUNS widely
- SAM.gov UEI ≠ DUNS — they are separate identifiers for separate purposes
How the DUNS Number Powers Your Business Credit Score
D&B’s Paydex score (0–100) is the primary business credit score and is tied directly to your DUNS number. It measures payment performance:
| Paydex Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 100 | Payments 30+ days early |
| 80 | Payments on time |
| 70 | Payments up to 15 days late |
| 50 | Payments 30 days late |
| Under 50 | Serious delinquency |
A Paydex of 80+ is considered good by most lenders and suppliers. Unlike personal credit, which takes years to build, you can build a Paydex score in 3–6 months with the right accounts.
Building Business Credit With Your DUNS Number
Once your DUNS number is active:
- Open net-30 vendor accounts with companies that report to D&B — Uline, Grainger, Quill, and Summa Office Supplies are common starter accounts
- Buy something on net-30 terms and pay early — paying before the due date builds toward Paydex 100
- Open a business credit card — Capital One Spark, Chase Ink, and American Express Business cards report to D&B and other business bureaus
- Register with D&B’s Credibility platform — helps D&B verify your business details and builds your profile faster
- Get at least 3 active trade references — D&B needs a minimum of 3 payment experiences to generate a Paydex score
Timeline: Most businesses can establish a Paydex score within 3–6 months of active trade account activity.
What Appears on Your D&B Business Credit Report
In addition to the Paydex score, D&B reports include:
- D&B Rating — overall creditworthiness assessment based on financial strength
- Delinquency Predictor Score — likelihood of late payment in the next 12 months
- Failure Score — probability of business failure
- Trade payment experiences — individual account payment histories
- Public records — judgments, liens, bankruptcies
Lenders, suppliers, and large corporate customers can pull this report before deciding to extend credit or enter a contract with you.
Common DUNS Number Questions
Can a sole proprietor get a DUNS number? Yes. Sole proprietors can register, though D&B may ask for additional verification since there is no separate legal entity.
Can I have more than one DUNS number? Each unique legal business entity at a specific address gets one DUNS number. If you have multiple locations or subsidiaries, each can have its own.
What if my business already has a DUNS number? Search dnb.com to look up existing DUNS numbers by business name and address before applying — your business may already have one if it’s appeared in any public records.
Related Articles
- How to Build Business Credit: Step-by-Step Guide
- Business Credit Score: How It Works and How to Improve It
- Business Credit vs. Personal Credit: Key Differences
- Net-30 Vendors That Report to Business Credit Bureaus
- Best Business Credit Cards 2026
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