What is a DUNS number?

A DUNS number is a free, 9-digit identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet that creates a unique business credit file. Many lenders, government contractors, and trade creditors use it to pull your business credit history — separate from your personal credit.

A Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a 9-digit identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) to every registered business entity. It anchors your business credit profile at D&B — one of the three major business credit bureaus alongside Experian Business and Equifax Business. When trade creditors, lenders, or federal agencies look up your business, they pull from the file associated with your DUNS number.

Why does a DUNS number matter for funding?

Many lenders that offer term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing check business credit bureaus in addition to — or instead of — your personal credit. A business with a DUNS number and a track record of on-time payments to suppliers can qualify for better terms than a business relying solely on the owner's personal credit score. Without a DUNS number, your business has no file for those lenders to pull.

How to get a DUNS number

Go to the D&B website and request a DUNS number for free — it typically takes 1–5 business days.
Provide your legal business name, address, phone number, and basic entity information.
If you need the number for a federal contract or grant, the SBA recommends registering your business in SAM.gov, which now auto-assigns a DUNS-equivalent (UEI) through the federal system.
Once issued, start reporting on-time payments with trade suppliers who report to D&B — that's what builds your Paydex score.

DUNS number vs. EIN

These serve different purposes. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is issued by the IRS and is your business's tax identity — required for opening a business bank account, hiring employees, and filing federal taxes. A DUNS number is a credit and business-identity identifier used by D&B to build your commercial credit file. Most lenders require both: the EIN to verify legal entity, the DUNS to pull business credit history.

What the regulators say

The federal government requires a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) — not a DUNS number — for new federal contract and grant registrations as of April 2022. SAM.gov assigns UEIs. — SBA
The SBA advises businesses seeking federal contracts to register in SAM.gov and keep their business profile current to be eligible for government opportunities. — SBA
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is issued by the IRS free of charge and is required for most business banking, tax filing, and credit applications. — IRS

Key takeaways

A DUNS number is free and takes 1–5 business days to receive from D&B.
It anchors your business credit file at Dun & Bradstreet — separate from your personal credit.
Many commercial lenders and trade creditors pull D&B reports, so having an active DUNS helps qualify.
Federal contracting now uses a UEI via SAM.gov, not a DUNS — apply through SAM.gov if you need government contracts.
Pair your DUNS number with an EIN for a complete business credit identity.