Obtaining a CAGE Code requires first registering with SAM.gov to get a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Gather essential documentation including TIN/EIN, legal business name, physical address, and banking information. Submit a notarized letter confirming your authority during registration. International entities must secure an NCAGE Code before proceeding. After submission, expect processing within five business days. Maintain your registration with annual renewals to preserve federal contract eligibility and payment processing capabilities.
The Essential Documentation for SAM Registration
Preparation stands as the cornerstone of successful SAM registration, requiring businesses to gather specific documentation before beginning the process. Entities must first obtain their Taxpayer Identification Number and Employer Identification Number (EIN), which validate their identity with federal systems.
Thorough preparation and proper documentation form the foundation for seamless SAM registration success.
The registration requirements include several essential documents that must align precisely with IRS records. Businesses need to provide their legal name, physical address, and banking information for payment processing. Since April 4, 2022, a Unique Entity Identifier is automatically generated during registration, replacing the previously required DUNS Number.
International companies must also secure an NCAGE Code before registration. Maintaining entity information accuracy is crucial for successful CAGE Code validation through the SAM system.
A notarized letter confirming the registrant’s authority serves as an important verification step. Since the process can take up to 10 business days, entities should initiate registration at least 30 days before any deadlines, ensuring sufficient time for the no-cost registration process.
Navigating the CAGE Code Application Process
While applying for a CAGE Code through SAM.gov requires careful attention to detail, businesses that systematically follow the established procedures can avoid common pitfalls and delays.
The process begins with obtaining a Unique Entity ID (UEI) through SAM.gov, which replaced the DUNS Number system in 2022. Federal contractors rely on these identifiers to maintain transparency and accountability in government transactions.
One of the most valuable application tips is ensuring all documentation perfectly matches your IRS records. Common pitfalls include address mismatches between SAM profiles and validation documents, which trigger automatic rejections.
Businesses should prepare by gathering physical address documentation, TIN verification, and bank account information before starting the online submission. Organizations must also understand that CAGE Codes expire after five years and require renewal to maintain eligibility for federal contracts.
The standard processing timeline is five business days after complete submission, followed by Entity Validation Service verification of the physical business location. For NATO-related entities, a specialized NCAGE Code must be obtained through the instructional resources available on the CAGE website.
Post-Registration Maintenance and Benefits
Maintaining an active CAGE Code registration requires vigilant attention to several ongoing responsibilities after initial approval.
Companies must report CAGE code changes within 30 days and renew SAM registrations annually to avoid compliance risks like payment disruptions or contract termination. Physical address integrity remains vital, as codes are tied to verified locations. CAGE codes issued prior to August 26, 2016 have the advantage of no expiration date, unlike newer codes that require renewal every five years.
The operational advantages of proper maintenance include streamlined payment processing, preserved contract eligibility, and enhanced supply chain visibility.
Organizations should implement risk mitigation strategies such as calendar alerts for renewal deadlines and document retention of address proofs. Having a valid DUNS number is essential for maintaining accurate registration records.
For international entities, ensuring NATO CAGE (NCAGE) synchronization with SAM registration is essential before any updates.
All modifications for U.S. entities must originate through SAM, which then communicates with DLA for CAGE code updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can International Entities Obtain a CAGE Code Through SAM Registration?
International entities cannot obtain a CAGE code through SAM registration.
Instead, they must acquire an NCAGE (NATO Commercial and Government Entity) code from the NATO Support Agency before starting the SAM registration process.
The NCAGE code process requires submitting business information that matches exactly across all platforms.
This prerequisite guarantees proper identification of foreign businesses seeking to participate in U.S. government contracting opportunities.
How Long Does a CAGE Code Remain Valid Before Expiration?
CAGE code validity spans five years from the date of last update. The expiration system, implemented to maintain data quality in federal records, requires periodic renewal through SAM registration updates.
Companies must annually renew their SAM registration to keep their CAGE code active. When a SAM registration remains inactive for five or more years, the associated CAGE code expires.
International entities should note that NCAGE codes currently do not have expiration dates, unlike standard CAGE codes.
Is a DUNS Number Still Required for SAM Registration?
DUNS numbers are no longer required for SAM registration.
Since April 4, 2022, the federal government has replaced the DUNS with the Unique Entity ID (UEI), which is assigned directly through SAM.gov without third-party involvement.
Entities registering in SAM now automatically receive a UEI during the registration process.
This streamlined approach eliminates the previously required step of obtaining a DUNS number through Dun & Bradstreet before completing SAM registration.
Can Multiple Businesses Share the Same CAGE Code?
No, multiple businesses cannot share the same CAGE code. Each distinct legal entity must obtain its own unique CAGE code for business registration purposes.
The only exception is for DBA (Doing Business As) relationships where subsidiaries operate under a parent company’s formal structure.
Sharing CAGE codes between separate businesses violates federal acquisition regulations and can result in proposal rejection, contract cancellation, or SAM.gov suspension.
Businesses at the same address still require individual CAGE codes.
What Happens if My Business Information Changes After Registration?
When business information changes after registration, the entity must update its SAM.gov profile promptly.
The registration process for updates requires logging into SAM.gov, traversing to the Registrations tab, and selecting “Update” from the menu.
Changes to core data like legal name, address, or DUNS number will trigger revalidation processes that may take 10-12 business days.
Failing to maintain current information can disqualify businesses from federal contracting opportunities or grant eligibility.