Your UEI number appears in your SAM.gov profile under the “Entity Information” section. To locate it, log into SAM.gov, navigate to your entity dashboard, and select “Entity Management.” The 12-character alphanumeric UEI displays prominently at the top of your profile page. If you cannot find it, verify your registration is active or use the public search function by clicking “Check SAM & UEI Status” on the homepage. The following steps will resolve common lookup challenges.

What Is a UEI Number and Why You Need It

A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) serves as the federal government’s official 12-character alphanumeric identification code for businesses and organizations. This identifier replaced the DUNS number in April 2022, marking a significant shift from a proprietary system to a government-managed one.

The UEI significance extends beyond simple identification; it’s required for all entities seeking to conduct business with the federal government through contracts, grants, or loans. The registration process guidelines help ensure accurate enrollment for maximum federal marketplace opportunities.

A federal requirement, not a mere identifier—the UEI unlocks access to government contracts, grants, and financial opportunities.

During UEI registration, each organization receives a single identifier that facilitates tracking and management of federal awards and payments. This system streamlines procurement processes, reduces fraud, and improves transparency in government transactions. The UEI system works in conjunction with CAGE codes to provide comprehensive identification for government suppliers.

Any business, nonprofit, educational institution, or government agency working with federal funds must obtain a UEI through SAM.gov and renew their profile annually to maintain eligibility.

Step-by-Step Guide to Locating Your UEI in SAM.gov

Now that you understand what a UEI number is, locating this identifier in the SAM.gov system becomes your next practical step.

Proper SAM.gov navigation begins by visiting the official website and selecting the “Check SAM & UEI Status” link on the homepage.

Enter your organization’s legal name in the search field, ensuring exact spelling for accurate results. Alternatively, use your CAGE code if available, as DUNS numbers are no longer valid search parameters.

Federal compliance requirements must be maintained throughout the registration process to ensure a valid UEI status.

Once search results appear, click on your entity’s name to access the profile page.

Your UEI number appears prominently in the basic information section of your profile.

For entities managing federal grants, the UEI registration information can also be found in connected platforms like JustGrants under the “Entity Profile” tab.

Remember that your 12-digit UEI number is exclusively issued through the official SAM.gov website and replaces the previous 9-digit DUNS number.

Troubleshooting Common UEI Lookup Problems

When maneuvering SAM.gov to locate a UEI number, users may encounter several common obstacles that can delay or prevent successful identification. Common lookup errors often stem from data entry mistakes, such as incorrectly formatted UEI numbers or typos in the search field.

For effective UEI validation tips, users should verify they’re using a supported browser and that all required fields in their SAM.gov profile are complete. If encountering an “Entity Not Found” error, verify that the UEI is correct and the registration remains active.

Technical issues may require assistance from the Federal Service Desk. Since the April 2022 shift from DUNS to UEI, users experiencing persistent problems should create help desk tickets via SAM.gov or utilize chat support.

Regular verification of UEI numbers helps maintain data integrity and prevents future lookup complications. Network connectivity issues can significantly impact the processing of entity validation requests and should be checked before contacting support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Transfer My UEI Number When Changing Business Structure?

UEI numbers cannot be transferred when changing business structure.

When an entity shifts from one business structure to another (such as sole proprietorship to LLC), it legally becomes a new entity requiring a new UEI.

The federal SAM.gov system considers each business structure unique, and UEI transfer is not permitted between different legal entities.

Organizations must register the new business structure in SAM.gov to obtain a new UEI that correctly reflects their current legal identity.

Do International Organizations Need a UEI for U.S. Federal Funding?

Yes, international organizations must obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to receive U.S. federal funding.

This requirement applies to all entities seeking grants or contracts, regardless of their location.

While some international organizations may be exempt from full SAM.gov registration for awards under $500,000, they still need a UEI.

The exemption determination follows a risk-based approach by the federal agency providing the funding.

UEI requirements guarantee proper tracking of international funding recipients.

Are UEI Numbers Visible in the Public SAM.Gov Search Portal?

UEI numbers have limited public visibility in the SAM database.

By default, UEI numbers are viewable in public searches only if they belong to organizations with active SAM registrations or expired registrations that haven’t opted out of public display. Organizations can choose to restrict public access during registration.

Those with login credentials to SAM.gov may access more detailed information depending on their authorization level.

International organizations seeking U.S. federal funding must obtain UEI numbers through SAM.gov registration.

How Quickly Is a New UEI Assigned After Completing Registration?

The UEI assignment occurs automatically during the SAM.gov registration process.

While the UEI is generated at submission, the full registration timeline typically takes up to 10 business days for activation.

Straightforward registrations may process faster, while those requiring additional verification can take longer.

Entity administrators can track their registration status by logging into SAM.gov.

The UEI becomes usable only after the complete registration is activated and validated by the system.

Can Multiple Departments Within One Organization Use the Same UEI?

Multiple departments within the same physical location of an organization can use the same UEI number for federal transactions. These departments can leverage shared resources and administrative processes under a single UEI.

However, if departments operate from different physical locations, each location typically requires its own UEI number. Organizations must verify which UEI to use based on the specific location that will be doing business with federal agencies when applying for grants or contracts.