Qualifying
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.
The full picture
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. Compare the loan types that weigh business credit at small business financing.
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.
Once you have both an EIN and a DUNS number, the next step is building an active business credit score — see how business credit differs from personal credit and the guide to building business credit for the concrete steps trade creditors look for.
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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a DUNS number?
A DUNS number is free and typically takes 1–5 business days to receive after you request it through Dun & Bradstreet. You'll need to provide your legal business name, address, phone number, and basic entity information.
Is a DUNS number the same as an EIN?
No. An 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 separate credit and business-identity identifier used by Dun & Bradstreet to build your commercial credit file. Most lenders want both.
Do I still need a DUNS number for federal contracts?
No — as of April 2022, the federal government requires a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), not a DUNS number, for new federal contract and grant registrations. SAM.gov now auto-assigns the UEI when you register your business there, per SBA guidance.
Do lenders require a DUNS number to approve a business loan?
It depends on the lender. Many lenders that offer term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing check business credit bureaus like D&B in addition to — or instead of — personal credit. A business with a DUNS number and a track record of on-time trade payments can qualify for better terms than one relying solely on the owner's personal credit score.
Published 2026-05-22 · Updated 2026-08-13 · https://clearvaluelending.com/answers/what-is-a-duns-number