D-U-N-S Number: what it is, what it costs, and what it doesn't do
Edited by Moe Ameen · Published
A D-U-N-S Number is Dun & Bradstreet's free nine-digit business identifier. The free request usually takes up to 30 business days, and D&B sells expedited processing that delivers within eight business days; NerdWallet reports that costs $229. You don't need one to run a business, and federal contracting no longer uses it: SAM.gov switched to its own Unique Entity ID in April 2022.
Key takeaways
- A D-U-N-S Number is free and usually takes up to 30 business days.
- Expedited processing costs extra; NerdWallet reports $229.
- The number links to your D&B file; a PAYDEX score needs suppliers to report your payments.
- SAM.gov stopped using D-U-N-S Numbers on April 4, 2022.
What is a D-U-N-S Number?
A unique nine-digit identifier Dun & Bradstreet assigns to a business. It links to your D&B business credit file.
D&B says you don't need one to own and operate a business, but some companies and government agencies may ask for one [1][2].
How much does a D-U-N-S Number cost?
Nothing. D&B says there's no cost to request one. Paying for expedited processing gets it within eight business days.
The free process takes no more than 30 business days in most cases [1]. D&B charges a fee for expedited service but doesn't list it on its product or small-business pricing pages [1][3]; NerdWallet reports the price as $229 [9]. If someone quotes you a price for a standard D-U-N-S Number, they're charging for something D&B gives away.
How do I find out if my business already has a D-U-N-S Number?
Use D&B's free D-U-N-S Number Lookup Tool. You can search your own company or any other by address or phone number.
D&B says you can look up a number for your company or any company in its database for free [4]. Check before you apply, so you don't end up with two.
Does a D-U-N-S Number give my business a credit score?
Not by itself. PAYDEX is built from payment experiences that suppliers report to D&B, so you need vendors that report.
D&B describes PAYDEX as a score from 1 to 100 based on trade experiences submitted by suppliers and vendors [5]. D&B's supplier FAQ says a PAYDEX isn't calculated with fewer than three experiences from at least two suppliers; until then it shows as unavailable [6]. That FAQ is older, and D&B's current PAYDEX page doesn't state a minimum.
Which vendors actually report? We checked 14 in vendor accounts that report.
Do I need a D-U-N-S Number for government contracts?
Not for SAM.gov. Since April 4, 2022, SAM.gov and other GSA systems use the Unique Entity ID, which SAM.gov assigns when you register.
GSA announced that SAM.gov would no longer use the D-U-N-S Number to identify entities [7], and SAM.gov says it assigns a Unique Entity ID as part of registration [8].
Glisten check
Common D-U-N-S claims vs what Dun & Bradstreet publishes
| What you'll hear | What the source says |
|---|---|
| "You have to pay for a D-U-N-S Number." | No cost to request and receive one [1] |
| "Expedited costs $229." | D&B doesn't list the price on its own pages [1][3]; NerdWallet reports $229 [9] |
| "A D-U-N-S Number starts your PAYDEX." | The number links to your file; PAYDEX comes from supplier-reported trade experiences [2][5] |
| "You need one for federal contracts." | SAM.gov uses the Unique Entity ID since April 4, 2022 [7][8] |
Is this right for you?
Best for
- Owners starting to build business credit with Dun & Bradstreet.
- Anyone offered a paid D-U-N-S service and wondering if it's needed.
Not ideal for
- Federal contractors looking for SAM.gov registration steps. Start at SAM.gov.
Frequently asked questions
Is a D-U-N-S Number free?
Yes. D&B says there's no cost to request and receive one [1].
How long does it take to get a D-U-N-S Number?
Up to 30 business days for the free process, or within eight business days with paid expedited service [1].
Do I need a D-U-N-S Number to build business credit?
For a Dun & Bradstreet file and PAYDEX score, yes. Experian and Equifax keep their own business files [2].
Is a D-U-N-S Number the same as an EIN?
No. The IRS issues an EIN for taxes; D&B issues a D-U-N-S Number. See how to get an EIN.
How we know this
On October 28, 2026 we read Dun & Bradstreet's pages on getting, looking up and using a D-U-N-S Number, its PAYDEX page and supplier FAQ, its small-business pricing page, GSA's announcement of the switch to the Unique Entity ID, and SAM.gov's page on it.
- Get a D-U-N-S Number, Dun & Bradstreet. Checked October 28, 2026.
- What is a D-U-N-S Number?, Dun & Bradstreet. Checked October 28, 2026.
- Small business pricing, Dun & Bradstreet. Checked October 28, 2026.
- D-U-N-S Number lookup, Dun & Bradstreet. Checked October 28, 2026.
- What is a PAYDEX score?, Dun & Bradstreet. Checked October 28, 2026.
- Supplier FAQs (PDF), Dun & Bradstreet. Checked October 28, 2026.
- GSA systems switch to Unique Entity ID (SAM) on April 4, 2022, GSA. Checked October 28, 2026.
- Unique Entity ID, SAM.gov. Checked October 28, 2026.
- What is a DUNS number?, NerdWallet. Checked October 28, 2026.