A DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identifier for a business location. It is issued by Dun & Bradstreet, also known as D&B.
Companies use a DUNS number to help prove that a business is real, active, and connected to a specific location. It may be requested by marketplaces, business partners, vendors, credit systems, and certain regulatory processes.
A DUNS number is not a tax ID, not an FDA registration, and not a government license. It is a business identifier.
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Who Issues a DUNS Number?
Dun & Bradstreet issues DUNS numbers.
D&B is a private business data company. It is not the FDA, the IRS, or a U.S. government agency.
A DUNS number identifies a company location. It does not identify a person, a product, a shipment, or a label.
In many cases, the standard DUNS request can be free through Dun & Bradstreet, but it may take up to 30 business days and the company must manage the process directly.
For companies that need the number faster, an expedited process may be available.
A company may have more than one DUNS number if it has more than one business location.
Where Is a DUNS Number Used?
A DUNS number can be used in different business and verification situations.
Apple Developer Program
Apple may request a DUNS number when a company wants to enroll as an organization. This helps confirm that the business is a legal entity and not an individual account. Platform requirements can change, so always confirm the current requirement directly with Apple before you apply.
Amazon and Marketplace Verification
Some marketplace or seller systems may use a DUNS number as part of business verification, brand verification, or vendor onboarding. A DUNS number can help match your company name, address, and business profile. Always confirm the current requirement with the marketplace before you begin.
Business Credit
Dun & Bradstreet uses business information to build company profiles. Some suppliers, lenders, and partners may review a company’s business profile before offering credit terms, vendor approval, or financing. A DUNS number can be part of that business credit and verification process.
B2B Verification
Large buyers, distributors, and corporate clients may ask for a DUNS number before adding a company as a vendor. This helps them confirm that the company exists and that the business information is consistent. For exporters, this can be useful when working with U.S. importers, distributors, retailers, or logistics partners.
U.S. Government Registration
DUNS was historically used in certain U.S. government registration processes. Today, SAM.gov uses the Unique Entity ID, also called UEI, for federal entity registration. If your company is trying to register for U.S. government contracts, grants, or awards, confirm the current SAM.gov requirements before you start.
Exporting Food to the United States
For FDA food facility registration, the FDA accepts a DUNS number as the Unique Facility Identifier, or UFI. This does not mean the DUNS number is the FDA registration. It also does not mean the FDA issues the DUNS number. The DUNS number is issued by Dun & Bradstreet. In the FDA food facility registration process, it can serve as the UFI.
If you are exporting food to the United States, our team can assist with FDA food facility registration.
DUNS Number vs Other Business Identifiers
Many companies confuse DUNS, EIN, FEI, UEI, and UFI. They are different.
DUNS Number
- Issued by Dun & Bradstreet.
- Identifies a company location.
- Used for business verification, platforms, supplier onboarding, credit, and FDA-UFI use in food facility registration.
EIN
- Issued by the IRS.
- Used for U.S. tax purposes.
- Common for U.S. companies and some foreign entities with U.S. tax obligations.
FEI
- Connected to FDA systems.
- Used by FDA to identify establishments in certain regulatory contexts.
- Not the same as a DUNS number.
UEI
- Used in SAM.gov for U.S. federal entity registration.
- Not the same as a DUNS number.
- Companies dealing with U.S. government contracts, grants, or federal awards should confirm current SAM.gov requirements.
UFI
- Means Unique Facility Identifier.
- In FDA food facility registration, a DUNS number can serve as the UFI.
- UFI is the role. DUNS is the identifier that may be used for that role.
Can a Company Have More Than One Identifier?
Yes. A company may have:
- A DUNS number for business verification.
- An EIN for tax purposes.
- An FEI connected to FDA systems.
- A UEI for SAM.gov federal registration.
- A DUNS number used as a UFI in FDA food facility registration.
These identifiers do not replace each other. Each one has a different purpose.
How to Get a DUNS Number
There are two common ways to get a DUNS number.
Option 1 — Request It Directly Through Dun & Bradstreet
You can request a DUNS number through Dun & Bradstreet. This may be free through the standard process, but it can take up to 30 business days. You must manage the request, provide the correct company details, and respond to any follow-up. This option may work well if you are not in a hurry and your company information is simple and consistent.
Option 2 — Use a Managed Expedited Service
If your company needs the DUNS number faster, a managed expedited service can help. REGISTRO-FDA.US helps companies prepare and manage the request end-to-end through the expedited Dun & Bradstreet process.
This is useful when:
- Your importer or business partner is waiting for the number.
- You need the DUNS number for FDA food facility registration.
- A platform or marketplace has requested it.
- You want support reviewing your company information before submission.
- You do not want to manage the process alone.
To start the managed process, visit our DUNS registration service.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not confuse DUNS with FDA registration.
A DUNS number may be used as a UFI for FDA food facility registration, but it is not the FDA registration itself.
Do not confuse DUNS with FEI.
A DUNS number is issued by Dun & Bradstreet. An FEI is connected to FDA systems.
Do not assume SAM.gov still uses DUNS.
SAM.gov now uses UEI for federal entity registration. Always confirm current SAM.gov requirements.
Do not submit inconsistent company information.
Small differences in company name, address, spelling, or legal structure can create delays.
Do not wait until the last minute.
If your importer, platform, or FDA process needs the DUNS number, request it early.
Final Note
A DUNS number is a business identifier used to verify a company location.
It can be useful for platforms, vendors, business credit, B2B verification, and FDA food facility registration when used as a UFI.
The right way to get a DUNS number depends on why you need it and how fast you need it.
Disclaimer: REGISTRO-FDA.US is not affiliated with the FDA or Dun & Bradstreet. Dun & Bradstreet issues DUNS numbers. REGISTRO-FDA.US assists companies by managing and supporting the request process. This article is for educational information only and is not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DUNS number free?
A standard DUNS request through Dun & Bradstreet may be free, but it can take longer and you must manage the process yourself. Expedited or managed services may have a cost.
How long does it take to get a DUNS number?
The standard process may take up to 30 business days. A managed expedited process can be completed faster, often in under 10 business days.
Do I need a DUNS number for Apple or Amazon?
Some platforms may request a DUNS number for company verification, organization enrollment, seller verification, brand verification, or vendor onboarding. Requirements can change, so always confirm directly with the platform before applying.
Is a DUNS number the same as an EIN?
No. A DUNS number is issued by Dun & Bradstreet and identifies a business location. An EIN is issued by the IRS and is used for U.S. tax purposes.
Does the FDA require a DUNS number?
The FDA accepts a DUNS number as the Unique Facility Identifier, or UFI, for food facility registration. The DUNS number itself is not issued by the FDA and is not the same as FDA registration.
Does a DUNS number expire?
A DUNS number does not renew like a permit or license. However, your company information should be kept accurate and updated when business details change.