Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number

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Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number

What it is

A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses created and issued by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Introduced in 1963 and adopted by the U.S. government in the 1990s as a standard identifier, the DUNS number links a business to a D&B profile that includes official name, addresses, financial information, payment history, trade names, and key executives.

Key takeaways

  • A DUNS number is a nine-digit business identifier maintained by Dun & Bradstreet.
  • It’s required for federal contractors, grant recipients, and many government or public-sector bidders.
  • U.S. businesses can obtain a DUNS number for free; expedited processing (typically 24 hours) is available for federal contract needs. Standard processing can take up to 30 days.
  • Each physical business location (branch or office) should have its own DUNS number.
  • D&B’s database and scoring are separate from other credit bureaus (e.g., Experian, Equifax).

Why it matters

Organizations—government agencies, international bodies, large retailers, and trading partners—use DUNS numbers to:
* Verify business identity and credibility.
Review financial and payment history when assessing suppliers or partners.
 Facilitate contracting, grants, and international trade.

Who needs one

  • Companies bidding on federal or state government contracts.
  • Grant applicants and cooperative agreement recipients.
  • Businesses seeking certain enterprise accounts with large retailers or international partners.
  • Optional for other businesses but often useful for credibility and supplier/customer discovery.

How to apply (step-by-step)

  1. Visit Dun & Bradstreet’s registration portal and begin the DUNS application.
  2. An authorized company representative must complete the form.
  3. Provide required information:
  4. Legal company name and any headquarters name
  5. Physical address and mailing address
  6. Telephone number
  7. Contact name and title
  8. Number of employees at the location
  9. Submit the application. Standard processing can take up to 30 days; expedited processing (commonly 24 hours) is available when tied to federal contracting needs.

Managing and verifying your DUNS profile

  • Use D&B’s lookup tools to see whether a business already has a DUNS number.
  • Through D&B you can view and print your business report, check your D&B credit score, update company details, and dispute payment-history entries.
  • It’s the organization’s responsibility to maintain accurate information for each DUNS listing.

Key considerations

  • A single company may have multiple DUNS numbers—one per physical location.
  • D&B’s records do not automatically include listings from other credit bureaus; each bureau maintains its own database.
  • Keeping your D&B profile current helps protect credibility and ensures eligibility for contracts and grants.

Bottom line

A DUNS number is a widely recognized identifier that helps businesses establish credibility and participate in government contracting and international trade. It’s free for U.S. companies, straightforward to obtain, and important to manage actively—especially if you bid on public contracts, apply for grants, or work with large institutional partners.