DUNS, UEI, and EIN numbers serve distinct business identification purposes. DUNS (9-digit) tracks business credit, while UEI (12-character alphanumeric) replaced DUNS in 2022 for federal contracting. EINs (9-digit) are IRS-issued tax identifiers. SAM registration requires a UEI and enables access to government contracts, grants, and partnerships. Businesses must update these identifiers when information changes, with annual SAM profile reviews mandatory. The following sections explain critical compliance requirements and benefits for businesses exploring federal opportunities.
What’s the Difference: DUNS vs. UEI vs. EIN Numbers
Maneuvering the alphabet soup of business identification numbers can overwhelm even experienced business owners. Each identifier serves a distinct purpose in the business landscape.
DUNS usage was primarily for business credit tracking and verification, with 9-digit numbers issued by Dun & Bradstreet. The UEI conversion occurred in April 2022, replacing DUNS numbers in the SAM registry with 12-digit alphanumeric codes issued through SAM.gov. Businesses must request DUNS numbers rather than receiving them automatically, unlike some other business identifiers.
While DUNS and UEI numbers focus on business identification for government contracts, EIN stability is significantly different – these 9-digit tax identifiers issued by the IRS can change over time. The UEI number has become essential for grants and is now mandatory when applying for federal funding opportunities. SAM registration compliance is required to maintain an active UEI for federal contracting.
Unlike DUNS and UEI numbers, EINs from the IRS aren’t permanent fixtures – these critical tax identifiers can evolve throughout your business’s lifecycle.
The key differences lie in their issuing authorities, formats, and purposes: DUNS for credit tracking, UEI for government entity identification, and EIN for tax obligations.
Why Your Business Needs SAM Registration in 2023
Beyond understanding the various identification numbers, business owners must consider how these identifiers factor into government registration systems.
SAM registration offers substantial registration benefits that extend beyond mere compliance requirements.
Businesses gain access to federal contracting opportunities, which represent a significant market for growth and revenue expansion. The system streamlines operational processes through electronic invoicing and centralized information management, reducing administrative burdens.
The registration enhances credibility with government agencies while opening doors to diverse business opportunities across multiple industries. Companies can pursue federal grants, form strategic partnerships with other registered entities, and gain competitive advantages in government procurement.
For organizations seeking to expand their client base, SAM registration provides essential infrastructure for maneuvering federal contracting requirements efficiently and effectively.
The platform provides small and medium enterprises expanded visibility to potential government partners looking to fulfill contract requirements.
When and How to Update Your Business Identification Numbers
Steering the process of updating business identification numbers requires careful attention to specific timelines and procedures.
Businesses must conduct annual SAM profile reviews to maintain active status, ensuring all identification updates reflect current business information.
Federal Opportunity Access requires proper UEI registration through SAM.gov to be eligible for government contracts and grants.
For EIN updates, companies must notify the IRS of significant changes like business name alterations, though the number itself rarely changes.
UEI numbers, which replaced DUNS for federal contracting in 2022, require updates through SAM.gov whenever business details change.
The compliance importance cannot be overstated—outdated information can disrupt tax reporting, federal contract eligibility, and business credit tracking.
While EIN applications remain free through the IRS website, businesses should budget for potential costs associated with maintaining DUNS numbers and SAM registrations.
Under the Corporate Transparency Act effective January 2024, businesses must also submit BOI Reports to FinCEN when beneficial ownership information changes.
Companies created before January 1, 2024 have until January 1, 2025 to file their initial beneficial ownership information reports with FinCEN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Both UEI and EIN for State Government Contracts?
For state government contracts, an EIN is typically required for tax purposes, while UEI requirements vary by state.
Most state contracts do not require a UEI, which is primarily used for federal contracting.
Businesses should check with the specific state agency issuing the contract to confirm exact requirements.
States often have their own registration processes and identification systems that differ from federal procurement standards.
EIN remains essential for all tax-related business activities.
Can Foreign Entities Obtain UEI Numbers for U.S. Federal Contracts?
Yes, foreign entities can obtain UEI numbers for U.S. federal contracts.
Foreign eligibility extends to businesses with legitimate reasons to work with the U.S. government. These organizations must register through SAM.gov, where they will receive their UEI automatically during the registration process.
While foreign entities must comply with U.S. regulations, the UEI application process has the same contract requirements as for domestic businesses, making federal opportunities accessible globally.
What Happens if My SAM Registration Expires During a Contract?
If SAM registration expires during a federal contract, the government loses authorization to continue working with the contractor. This can lead to:
- Immediate payment suspension
- Potential contract termination
- Disqualification from new contract opportunities
- Damage to business relationships
Effective contract management requires proactive registration renewal at least 60 days before expiration.
This prevents business disruptions, maintains compliance, and guarantees continuity of federal contract work and payments.
How Long Does UEI Verification Typically Take After Initial Application?
The UEI verification process typically takes 1-4 business days after initial application submission. This timeline assumes all required documentation has been properly submitted through the SAM.gov portal.
Application processing delays may occur if:
- Documentation is incomplete
- Entity information requires additional verification
- High application volume exists in the system
Applicants receive email notification once verification is complete, confirming their UEI assignment and activation status.
Can Nonprofit Organizations Use the Same EIN for Multiple Locations?
Nonprofit organizations can typically use the same EIN for multiple locations as long as they operate under a single legal entity.
This simplifies EIN registration and tax reporting processes across multiple sites. However, if different locations function as separate legal entities, each would require its own EIN.
Organizations should maintain consistent operational structures when using one EIN across multiple locations to guarantee proper compliance with IRS regulations.