Having a D-U-N-S number can boost your company’s credibility, potentially opening new lines of credit as well as enabling your business to expand. For example, having a D-U-N-S number is required to apply for a government contract, and in some instances, do business abroad. It is possible to register through D&B for free. [1] X Research source
Since the numbers are unique and site-specific, they stay with the organization, even if the organization is closed, and they are never assigned again. To search for your company visit: https://iupdate. dnb. com/iUpdate/companylookup. htm. You can also search for US companies by phone number: https://www. dandb. com/dunsnumberlookup/. If you are looking for a non-US company you can still search online, but through a different web address: https://fedgov. dnb. com/webform/CCRSearch. do?val=1.
The legal name of your business or organization. Your headquarters information, including name and address. Any other names associated with your business, sometimes known as “Doing Business As” or DBA. Further address information, including zip code, state, and city. The mailing address, such as a post office box, of your organization. The organization’s main telephone number. The name and title of the person who will be listed as the D-U-N-S contact for your organization. The number of employees at your location. Whether or not you are a home-based business. [2] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source
Once you have successfully done this, you will be able to create a username and password and won’t have to keep verifying your identity. You are given two chances to successfully pass the identity verification test. If you fail the second time, you will have to complete a D&B Government iUpdate Personal/Business Identification Certification which requires backup documentation and notarization. [4] X Research source
Grant applicants or government contractors can often get their D-U-N-S number within two business days free of charge. [5] X Research source Other business can get a number for free, but it may take up to 30 days. [6] X Research source There are expedited options available, but the costs will be hundreds of dollars. [7] X Research source
You may be required to verify your identity before editing information about your company. The iUpdate portal is only available to companies located in the continental US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgins Islands. [8] X Research source
You may be required to obtain a federal Tax Identification Number (also known as an Employer Identification Number). [9] X Research source You may be required to make a payment of $500.
