You may have heard the term D-U-N-S number (also known as a DUNS number or D&B D-U-N-S Number) and wondered whether your business needs one. Here we’ll explain the importance of a DUNS number for your business.
What Is a DUNS Number?
Let’s start with the DUNS number meaning. A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identifier for a business created by credit bureau Dun & Bradstreet. The Data Universal Numbering System — or DUNS number — was created and copyrighted in 1962 by Dun & Bradstreet. Dun & Bradstreet is one of the three major business credit bureaus. DUNS numbers have become the standard numbering system to identify business entities across the globe.
Just as your social security number is often tied to your bank account, tax returns, personal credit score, residences, etc., your DUNS number and business credit scores are tied to your business. Your DUNS number is linked to you PAYDEX credit score, which is one of Dun & Bradstreet’s credit scoring models for businesses. The PAYDEX score ranges between 0 and 100 and is based on suppliers’ reports of your payment history as a business. This information is used to determine how likely you are to pay back loans or other business debts on time.
How Can a D-U-N-S Number Help Me?
Here are three ways a DUNS number can help you:
- Establish business creditworthiness. Your DUNS number is directly tied to the credit profile D&B builds on your business. In fact, to even have a D&B PAYDEX score (you can check yours with Nav), you’ll need a DUNS number. When vendors or suppliers look up your business credit profile because they are considering doing business with you and offering your business trade credit, they’ll want to see a credit history. The same is true with a lender or bank who is considering lending to your business through small business loans, business credit cards, or other financing. Keep in mind that your credit profile won’t be of much use to you (and can actually harm you) until you begin establishing a strong business credit history.
- Safeguard your personal creditworthiness. When you don’t have a DUNS number tied to your business credit profile, you’ll need to depend more on your personal credit for business purposes. This can harm your personal credit if you make late payments or keep high amounts of business debt.
- Get longer terms with your suppliers. If you can prove to vendors and suppliers that you are a creditworthy business, they will be more likely to offer you longer trade terms, like net-30 or even net-90 day terms. The best way to do this is by establishing business credit history tied to your DUNS number.
Who Is Dun & Bradstreet?
Your DUNS number only reveals credit information gathered by one credit bureau: Dun & Bradstreet. Originally known as the Mercantile Agency, Dun & Bradstreet is one of America’s oldest companies. Its founder, Lewis Tappan, created it in 1841 for the purpose of helping merchants establish the creditworthiness of potential customers.
Today, Dun & Bradstreet keeps track of over 265 million businesses worldwide. Over 100 million of those businesses have been assigned a DUNS number. The federal government adopted the DUNS identification number as its principal business identifier in 1994.
In 1998, the DUNS number was incorporated as the U.S. government’s contractor identification code. This means that companies without a DUNS number cannot do business with the federal government. This makes a DUNS number invaluable for many small businesses, since government contracts are often stable, lucrative sources of income. They also use the DUNS number to determine your eligibility for federal grant money.
Is a DUNS Number the Same as a Federal Tax ID Number?
A DUNS number is different from your federal tax ID number, called your employer identification number (EIN). A DUNS number is used for business credit reporting purposes, whereas an EIN is issued by the IRS and used for tax identification purposes. An EIN is like a social security number for your business, and is included on any tax documents. You may also be required to provide your EIN number for business purposes, like opening a business bank account.
How Do I Look Up My DUNS Number?
Before you apply for a DUNS number, check to see if your business already has one. You can check at the D&B D-U-N-S Number Lookup page. Here, you’ll be connected to a lookup tool that search for your business using either your company name and address, or your company’s telephone number.
How to Get a DUNS Number
Apply here to get a DUNS number. Once you’ve applied, you’ll likely get a call from a D&B representative to help you through the process, and you’ll receive your DUNS number within 30 days.
Applying for a DUNS number is a simple process. It helps to first establish your business as a legal entity (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, etc) with your state. Inside the application, you’ll need to provide information like your legal name and those of any other business owners, your business name, the name of your business’s headquarters and address of your business, your telephone number, whether you’re a home-based business, and the number of employees at your physical location.
The more you learn about business financing — including the importance of business credit cards and business tradelines and how reporting to the business credit bureaus is a key factor to the growth of your company — the more your DUNS number will work in your favor.
D-U-N-S Number — What You Need to Know
Getting a Dun and Bradstreet number can make a big difference in your business’s success. Building your credit with Dun & Bradstreet impacts your ability to get financing, as well as the terms you can get with borrowing. Follow this guide from Nav to make sure your small business has a DUNS number and enough tradeline accounts to build it up over time.
FAQs About DUNS Numbers
This article was originally written on February 15, 2018 and updated on July 17, 2023.
Hi , Im from Malaysia
How can i get DUN number ?
Can you please assist me ?
Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website and ask for assistance. We don’t have information on how to apply for a DUNS number in your country so you’ll need to contact them.
How to apply for a Dun and Bradstreet number
You can apply on the Dun & Bradstreet website.
what’s 403?
I can’t seem to get access to obtain DUN number
I’m not sure where you were seeing the 403 error. Maybe try clearing your cookies and then try again. This page lets you look up your company to see if you have a DUNS number and this one lets you register for a DUNS number.
Every time I try to do to the site a message pops up saying access denied and will not bring up the website. Is this not a operating system
Same question I have.
DNB publishes a phone number on its site so you can call them if you can’t access the website: 866-990-5845.
I am not sure which page you are on or why you are having trouble. The links are working for me. Perhaps you can try clearing your cookies and trying again, or try from a different browser? DNB publishes a phone number on its site so you can also call them: 866-990-5845.
Hi, I have a business that has been up and running since 2016. I have a credit card and mobile account with the business but I believe those are linked to my SSN. I don’t remember ever requesting a DUNS number and I cannot find it. If i request a DUNS today, would it pool the information since 2016? Thank you
It may. You can check for free and there’s no harm in doing so.
How and where do I register for my DUNS number for my business?
You can get a DUNS number here.
Hello,
I have a dental clinic in Amman, Jordan and we have developed an App where patients can book appointments. Can I get a DUNS number?
Dun and Bradstreet is worldwide but unfortunately we don’t have information about how it works outside the US.
Do you have my correct duns number?
You’ll need to check with Dun & Bradstreet to find out.
Hi, do I have to have a landline phone in order to apply for a Duns number for my small business?
No. You do not.
I don’t know how to apply for DUNS please help
You can apply here.
I don’t know how to apply on this site
You can get a DUNS number here.
I have tried to apply for a duns number 3x. I uploaded all my legal business paperwork and never heard nothing from them. How can a get a duns number?
Ms. Ross, you’ll need to reach out to DNB with your question. They offer chat and phone numbers on their site.
I’m trying to buy some hay from Canada and They want my Duns number. I’m not a business just have horses on my property. What do I do?
Have you asked them why they want it and if there is an alternative?
I’m have a sole proprietorship business can I apply for duns?
Yes. Though I recommend forming a legal entity when you can!
I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE THE NAME ON MY DUNS ACCOUNT TO MY SON’S NAME. WHAT IS NEEDED?
Robin – You will want to contact Dun & Bradstreet directly for help with that request.
Can I apply for a DUNS without an active website
Yes.
I have an ecommerce business with no sales yet. Am I allowed to get a DUN# or would I have to wait? I do have a cc and bills that I regularly pay (for credit reporting).
You can go ahead and request a D-U-N-S number if you have bills you are paying that may appear on your credit reports.
I would like to know, how can I apply for my DUNS number, please
You can go to the Dun & Bradstreet site to get one for free.
why do you need so much info? My SS #? Really? I don’t give this to someone I don’t know much about.
I understand that not having a DUNS number and doing business with your personal credit can negatively affect your personal credit, but how does having a DUNS number and good business credit affect your personal credit?? can it in some way increase your personal credit??
A DUNS number does not impact your personal credit.
I’m building up inventory for a Art’s and Craft’s home base business.
I’m looking forward to applying for a”DUNS”number in the very near future for”Raayas Art’s and Craft’s” in albany georgia soon.
Thank you.
Hi I’m trying to get my duns number but how does it separate my personal credit from my business? Do they check personal if I don’t have business credit started yet?what will they use for business credit
The fact that you have a business credit rating does not mean there will never be a personal credit check. Some lenders check personal credit, some check business credit, and some check both (or neither). However, if your business does not have business credit established, it may have fewer borrowing options.
Hi,
We are into automotive business and would like to expand our business operation s in US
I currently work overseas but am employed by the Federal government. We left the state of Virginia but do not have an address there until we return. Recently my spouse was hired for a job but needs a DUNS number because the job is an independent contracting job. How does she complete the DUNS application if we do not have a physical address in Virginia?
You do need a physical address in the US for your DUNS number. One alternative is to open a virtual mailbox with a physical address.
I need info on a net 30 or net 60 account
Karen – This article may help: Easy Approval Net-30 Accounts: How They Work and How to Get Them
I have a duns number i had it for a long time I need help how do I use it to get business credit for my business
DElinda, It sounds like your next step is to start building business credit. Our Youtube videos should help.
I need an organization DUNSnumber
It has never been clear to me why a Duns Number is FREE yet to ‘get it fast’ you need to pay for it. Not about the speed of delivery – per se’, but what about HAVING the Duns number requires any urgency at all? Is there any other value to paying? Is the number more special? Comes with more advantages if you pay? I have never understood this because there are SO MANY promotions offering the paid version of Duns.
Generally when people need one urgently it’s because they are applying for a government contract or grant with an impending deadline.(Or possibly for a business loan or business deal that requires it.) Otherwise, you are correct: no need to get it faster than the usual 30 days. We recommend business owners request a D-U-N-S number early on so it’s taken care of and they can start building business credit.
So do you have to pay for a DUNS number for your business?
No it’s free.
I am planning to import a food products from China,it is a well packaged brown sugar can use hot water to dissolve it & use as beverages for refreshment–individual square bar that is wrapped w/ sealed wax paper & store inside an aluminium cartoon that can contain up to 25 pieces of this square bars.
Would you please let me know how can I can DUNS number & the other prerequisite conditions that I may need before buying the products .
By the way I am also in the process of getting FDA approval for this product.
I also has a company registered under LLC since 2014 w/ EIN number as well.
You can get a D-U-N-S number through D&B or through your free Nav account. As far as other prerequisites, I’d recommend you make an appointment with your local SBDC or SCORE office for free guidance. Use the SBA local assistance locator to find your local office.
I need a D-U-N-S business number
Marcia,
You can either apply directly at the Dun & Bradstreet website or through your Nav account. If you have a Nav account and are having trouble with the process, you can reach out to our customer service team.
CAN YOU APPLY FOR AN DUNS # with an Online Business
Yes.
To whom it may concern,
Please itemize required steps to obtain a DUN Number.
I believe I have a DUNS number but my business is not showing up in the search. If I have the number, is there a way for me to search for it?
The D-U-N-S number lookup is by business name. You may want to try their live chat to see if they can help you find your business.
It only gives you 3 choices Sole Proprietorship, Partnership or Corporation to apply under. If I am a LLC which one do I apply under?
Hello. US Navy, local finance dept, says I need a DUNS number in order for USN personnel to attend a training session that is being offered by our 501.c.6 membership organization. My question is “do 501.c orgs need DUNS numbers?
It sounds like it’s required so I’d recommend you get one. Yes, non-profits can get a D&B D-U-N-S number.
Am I able to get loans with the duns number
When you build business credit, you may be able to get funding without using your personal guarantee. The most common type to start with is supplier/vendor credit. You’ll find examples in this article: 3 Vendors That Will Help You Build Business Credit
Thanks for the article! Do you know if I can get a DUNS for my business if I do not have a SSN, and I am a minor?
You don’t need a Social Security number and to my knowledge your age is not a factor as this is business credit, not personal credit.
Please help me
How can I get my D&B Number
We are a Mexican contractor
And a customer is requiring us the D&B number
Generally to get a D-U-N-S number in the US you need to have a US based business. If you do not, I recommend you request your D-U-N-S number through
Cial Dun & Bradstreet. Let us know how that goes for you!
I’m. Currently renting a house and my yribe is going to help pay my rent but they are asking for a DUNS/FEIN number and my landlord says he doesn’t have one, what woukd he have to do to get one or is there another alternative to the DUNS that i voukd provide from rhe landlord?
I can’t speak to that specific requirement for this assistance (as far as alternatives go) but your landlord can get a DUNS number for free here and an EIN for free here.
I am looking to receive certification that I am a “WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS”.
My business was established as a LLC. i have been in business for 6 months with very credible sales.
I have an office established solely at home and have one women who is an independent sales contractor that does not work at my location. I do already have my EIN number, California Re-Sale Certificate, CA Sellers Certificate,/Permit , Department of Finance, Tax Collection and Licensing #, LLC 12 Digit Secretary of State Articles of Organization File Number, Fictitious Business Statement Business and Professions Code 17900 ET SEQ. What are my next steps to take in order to receive required Women Owned Diverse Certification. Numerous clients are requesting that I attain this certification along with a DUN #. PLEASE ADVISE!!
Proof for Fictitious Business Name Statements that has been published in the Daily Recorder.
Congrats Shelley on how much you’ve accomplished in a short period of time! For next steps, I’d recommend you:
1. Check to see whether your business is already has a D-U-N-S number. You can do this in one of two ways. If you have a Nav account (including a free account) you can see if there is a match for your business. If not, use Business Launcher (also free) to request your D-U-N-S number. Otherwise you can go directly to DNB’s site to search and request a D-U-N-S number.
2. Read our article How to Become a Certified Woman-Owned Business. You’ll see both DIY and assisted options there. In addition, many Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer free or low-cost assistance to become certified.
We wish you the best as you grow your business!
If I have more than one business starting should I use the same DUNS number or use a different one for each?
It depends. Are the businesses related? If so I would choose a primary business and establish credit with it. (For example you have several ec-ommerce businesses under the same legal umbrella with DBAs for each.) If your businesses share a similar address and you are the principal of all of them the credit reporting agencies will likely associate them.
On the other hand, if your business are completely different (a restaurant and an ecommerce business, for example), then I would recommend you establish credit separately for each.