D-U-N-S number: What it is and how to get one
- What is a D-U-N-S number?
- Why is a D-U-N-S number important?
- Who needs a D-U-N-S number?
- How to get a D-U-N-S number
- D-U-N-S number vs. EIN
- Build business credit with the Ramp Business Credit Card
A D-U-N-S number is a nine-digit identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet. It helps businesses establish credit, qualify for loans and grants, and prove credibility with partners. If you’re starting or growing your business, having a D-U-N-S number can open the door to funding and new opportunities.
What is a D-U-N-S number?
A D-U-N-S number is a unique identifier for your business, issued by the business credit bureau Dun & Bradstreet. The acronym stands for Data Universal Numbering System, and the number is typically written in the format “xx-xxx-xxxx.”
Recognized worldwide, a D-U-N-S number is often required by lenders, government agencies, and large corporations to verify your company’s legitimacy and financial history. Once assigned, a D-U-N-S number is permanent, meaning it’s never reissued or reassigned.
Dun & Bradstreet also uses your D-U-N-S to generate ratings like the PAYDEX Score, Delinquency Predictor Score, and Failure Score, which lenders and partners use to assess financial reliability.
What does D-U-N-S stand for?
D-U-N-S is short for Data Universal Numbering System, created by Dun & Bradstreet in 1963 to standardize business identification. Today, the database contains more than 500 million businesses worldwide.
Why is a D-U-N-S number important?
A D-U-N-S number plays a central role in business credit reporting. It allows you to build a credit history for your business, which can make it easier to qualify for loans, business credit cards, and other financial products.
Beyond financing, a D-U-N-S number adds legitimacy. Many lenders, suppliers, and partners use it to verify your company’s reliability before extending credit. Government agencies and grant programs often require one for applications, and some industries—like tech and international trade—use it as a standard credential.
Who needs a D-U-N-S number?
Startup founders with no business credit benefit the most, but D-U-N-S numbers are useful for nearly all business entities, including LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and nonprofits.
You may need a D-U-N-S number when:
- Applying for government contracts or state and local grants
- Registering as a supplier with large corporations
- Enrolling in programs like the Apple Developer account
- Expanding internationally, since D-U-N-S is globally recognized
Even if you don’t need one immediately, getting a D-U-N-S number early can accelerate future opportunities.
How to get a D-U-N-S number
Applying for a D-U-N-S number is straightforward, but it helps to know the steps before you start:
- Check if you already have one: Use the D-U-N-S Number Lookup tool to search your business name and details
- Apply on the Dun & Bradstreet site: Visit the application page to fill out your form
- Provide required information: Be ready with your company’s legal name, business address, phone number, structure, industry, number of employees, and year founded
- Wait for processing: Standard applications take up to 30 business days. D&B also offers expedited service (often within 8 business days) for a $229 fee.
Tips for a smooth application process
Before you apply, gather key documents like your incorporation papers and confirm that your business name and contact details are accurate. Small errors in spelling or address information can delay processing. It’s also important to request only one number, since duplicate applications can create complications in your credit file.
D-U-N-S numbers for multiple locations
You only need one D-U-N-S number if you are an online business or have a single location. Businesses with multiple stores will need a separate number for each location.
How long does it take to get a D-U-N-S number?
The registration process takes about 30 business days. Business owners can expedite the application and receive a number in as little as 8 business days, but most don’t need this unless applying for a time-sensitive grant or contract.
How much does a D-U-N-S number cost?
Getting a D-U-N-S number is free for all businesses through Dun & Bradstreet’s standard application process. If you need it quickly, D&B also offers an expedited option for a $229 fee.
D-U-N-S number vs. EIN
Business owners often confuse a D-U-N-S number with an Employer Identification Number (EIN), but they play different roles in how your company is identified:
| Identifier | Issued by | Purpose | Required for |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-U-N-S | Dun & Bradstreet | Business credit reporting | Loans, suppliers, some grants |
| EIN | IRS | Tax identification | All businesses (for taxes, banking) |
| UEI | U.S. government (SAM.gov) | Federal contract/grant applications | Required for federal awards since 2022 |
The table above shows the core differences, but there’s some overlap in practice. For example, you can use your EIN to get a business credit card and start building credit. Many business owners eventually access plenty of capital with just an EIN, though LLCs and other non-sole proprietorships must have EINs for tax and identification purposes.
In 2022, the FCC issued a public notice that federal agencies would use the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) instead of the D-U-N-S number for contracts and grants. However, many state programs and private corporations still require a D-U-N-S.
Build business credit with the Ramp Business Credit Card
A D-U-N-S number is a key step in building your company’s credit profile, but it’s only part of the picture. To really strengthen business credit, you need consistent, responsible financial activity.
With the Ramp Business Credit Card, you can build your credit history while maintaining complete control over your company's spending. Our card reports to major business credit bureaus, helping you establish the credit you need for loans, contracts, and vendor partnerships.
Unlike traditional business credit cards, Ramp has no personal credit checks, no personal guarantees, and no annual fees. You’ll also get access to perks like unlimited physical and virtual cards, smart spend controls, automated expense management, and over $350,000 in partner rewards.
Get started with a free interactive demo.
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