A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to business entities by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It is used to establish business credit and track and identify companies worldwide.
Eligibility and Purpose
You don’t need an LLC to get a DUNS number, but you do need to establish your business as a legal entity like an LLC, C-Corp or S-Corp. Self-employed individuals who aren’t incorporated can’t get a DUNS number.
A DUNS number helps build business credit, tracks your credit report and evaluates if a business pays invoices and loans on time. It’s required for government contracting and bidding on government grants and contracts. Lenders, partners and suppliers use it to assess a business’s stability and creditworthiness.
How to Register for a DUNS Number
To get a DUNS number, provide the following:
- Legal business name
- CEO/owner name
- Legal business structure
- Address
- Phone number
- Industry
- Number of employees
- Other relevant information
D&B verifies this information in its proprietary system before assigning a DUNS number. It usually takes under 30 days but can be expedited for a fee. To register, call D&B toll-free at 1-866-705-5711 and state you need to register for a DUNS number for a federal financial assistance program.