DUNS Number vs UEI – Which One Does Your Business Need?
Businesses involved in international trade, government contracting, vendor registration, grant applications, and business verification often encounter two important identifiers: DUNS Number and UEI (Unique Entity ID).
Because both are used to identify organizations, many business owners mistakenly believe they are the same. However, they are issued by different authorities, serve different purposes, and are used in different business ecosystems.
If you're a startup, exporter, NGO, IT company, consultant, educational institution, manufacturer, or government contractor, understanding the difference between these identifiers can help you avoid confusion and ensure you obtain the correct business identification.
What is a UEI (Unique Entity ID)?
A UEI (Unique Entity ID) is an identifier used within the U.S. federal government ecosystem.
The UEI is assigned through the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registration process and is primarily used for organizations interacting with U.S. government agencies.
Organizations encounter UEI requirements when:
- ✓Applying for U.S. federal grants
- ✓Seeking government contracts
- ✓Participating in federal funding programs
- ✓Registering in government procurement systems
- ✓Managing federal award compliance
The UEI replaced the use of DUNS Numbers for many U.S. federal government registration purposes.
DUNS Number vs UEI: Quick Comparison
Purpose
Business Identification & Verification
U.S. Government Entity Identification
Issued By
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B)
SAM.gov
Format
9 Digits
12 Character Alphanumeric
Primary Use
Commercial & Business Verification
U.S. Federal Government Programs
Global Recognition
Yes
Primarily U.S. Government Ecosystem
Supplier Reg.
Commonly Used
Limited to Government Programs
Business Profiling
Yes
Not Primary Purpose
Vendor Verification
Commonly Used
Government-Focused
Why Was UEI Introduced?
Historically, organizations working with U.S. federal agencies often used a DUNS Number as part of registration requirements.
To simplify and centralize government registration systems, the U.S. government introduced the Unique Entity ID (UEI) through SAM.gov.
As a result, many federal programs now use UEI instead of DUNS Numbers for government registration purposes.
Can a Business Have Both a DUNS Number and a UEI?
Yes.
Many organizations maintain both identifiers because they serve different purposes. For example:
- ●A software company may use a DUNS Number for business verification.
- ●The same company may obtain a UEI if it plans to work with U.S. federal agencies.
Having one identifier does not automatically replace the need for the other.
When Do You Need a DUNS Number?
Businesses commonly obtain a DUNS Number when they need:
Business Verification
Establish a recognized business identity.
Supplier Registration
Support vendor onboarding activities.
Corporate Partnerships
Maintain a verifiable company profile.
International Business Opportunities
Support global business relationships.
Company Profiling
Create a recognized organizational identity.
Commercial Credibility
Strengthen trust among customers and partners.
When Do You Need a UEI?
Organizations may require a UEI when they are:
Applying for U.S. Government Grants
Participating in federal funding opportunities.
Registering in SAM.gov
Completing federal registration requirements.
Pursuing U.S. Government Contracts
Working with federal agencies and departments.
Managing Federal Awards
Supporting compliance and reporting obligations.
Participating in Govt Procurement
Engaging with U.S. government purchasing systems.
Businesses That Commonly Seek DUNS Registration
We assist a wide range of organizations:
How Scalix Tech Helps
Understanding international business identifiers can be confusing, especially when organizations encounter DUNS, UEI, LEI, GST, PAN, CIN, and other registration systems.
Registration Consultation
Understand whether a DUNS Number aligns with your business requirements.
Registration Consultation
Understand whether a DUNS Number aligns with your business requirements.
Documentation Assistance
Review and organize supporting business documents.
Application Guidance
Receive support throughout the registration process.
Application Guidance
Receive support throughout the registration process.
Information Verification
Help ensure company information is accurate and consistent.
Dedicated Customer Assistance
Professional support whenever required.
Dedicated Customer Assistance
Professional support whenever required.
Important Disclaimer
The D-U-N-S® Number is issued exclusively by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).
The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is associated with the U.S. federal government's registration systems and is managed through SAM.gov and related federal processes.
Scalix Tech is an independent consulting and business support service provider. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, authorized by, or acting on behalf of Dun & Bradstreet, SAM.gov, or any U.S. government agency.
Any fees charged by Scalix Tech relate solely to optional consulting, documentation assistance, registration guidance, information review, and customer support services. We do not charge for the D-U-N-S® Number itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DUNS Number the same as a UEI?
Did UEI replace DUNS Number?
Can Indian companies obtain a DUNS Number?
Can an Indian company obtain a UEI?
Do I need both a DUNS Number and a UEI?
Is a DUNS Number free?
Why do businesses obtain a DUNS Number?
Can Scalix Tech help with DUNS registration?
Ready to Apply for a DUNS Number?
Whether you're a startup, exporter, software company, consultant, NGO, educational institution, or growing business, our experts can help you navigate the DUNS Number registration process with confidence.
Direct Contact
Schedule a Free Consultation
Provide your basic details, and a registration expert will connect with you.