To request a UEI through SAM.gov, create a Login.gov account first, then gather your business’s legal name, physical address, TIN/EIN, and incorporation details. Complete the registration by submitting this information along with your selected NAICS code and banking information for electronic fund transfers. The system validates your information against IRS and address records, with activation typically occurring within 1-5 business days. Regular maintenance and annual revalidation guarantee continued eligibility for federal contracting opportunities.
The Essential Preparation Steps Before Requesting a UEI
Before initiating the UEI request process, organizations must gather specific information and documentation to guarantee a smooth registration experience.
Entity verification begins with collecting the legal business name that matches IRS records and a physical address that postal services can validate. No P.O. boxes are permitted in this documentation.
Accurate organization name and verifiable physical address validation are cornerstone requirements for UEI registration.
Documentation readiness requires assembling several critical items: the organization’s EIN or TIN, state incorporation details, and current ownership information.
Organizations should also prepare banking information for potential EFT requirements and corporate documents like business licenses. For businesses using third-party representatives, notarized authorization letters must be prepared in advance.
Understanding that federal contract eligibility depends on proper registration is crucial for businesses seeking government opportunities.
Companies should verify browser compatibility with SAM.gov and set up Login.gov credentials for the required multi-factor authentication before starting the application process. The 12-digit number replacing the previously used 9-digit DUNS number must be obtained exclusively through the official SAM.gov website. Remember that after submission, applicants must wait for a manual review by the Entity Validation Service before receiving their UEI.
Navigating the SAM.gov Registration and Validation Process
Entering the SAM.gov registration portal initiates a multi-step validation process essential for securing your Unique Entity ID (UEI). The journey begins with user account setup through Login.gov, requiring email verification and password creation.
During registration, entities must provide core organizational data, including legal business name, incorporation date, and physical address. Tax information submission follows, with U.S. entities providing TIN/EIN numbers while non-U.S. entities submit local tax IDs. It’s crucial to ensure that your legal business name matches your state filing documentation to avoid validation delays. A NAICS code must be selected to identify your business industry and determine your eligibility as a small business for specific contracts. Federal marketplace access has become streamlined since UEI replaced the legacy DUNS number system.
Validation challenges commonly arise during the IRS consent verification and address confirmation stages. The system requires exact matches between entered information and government records.
Following submission, entities receive a one-time password and confirmation email, with full activation typically occurring within 1-5 business days after manual review.
Managing Your UEI: Post-Registration Benefits and Maintenance
Once a UEI has been successfully assigned, organizations must implement proper management protocols to maintain their federal contracting eligibility.
Unlike the former DUNS number, the UEI never expires, but annual SAM.gov revalidation remains mandatory to preserve active status.
Organizations benefit from streamlined procurement processes as the UEI serves as the single identifier for all federal transactions. This integration accelerates bid submissions and centralizes performance records through the Entity Management Console. The 12 character alphanumeric UEI is controlled entirely by the government within SAM.gov, eliminating reliance on third parties. Federal grants and contracts require an active SAM registration to maintain eligibility for funding opportunities.
Compliance obligations include immediate updates to entity information when changes occur to address, tax ID, or legal structure. Banking details must match IRS records for payment processing, while designated points of contact require bimonthly verification.
Failure to meet these renewal requirements results in automatic SAM.gov inactivation and disqualification from federal awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the UEI Validation Process Typically Take?
The UEI validation process typically takes up to 10 business days to complete.
This validation timeline allows the SAM.gov Entity Validation Service to independently verify the entity’s information, including name and address details.
Processing delays may occur if submitted information is incorrect or incomplete, requiring additional documentation.
Entities should plan accordingly when registering or renewing, ensuring all business details—including state of incorporation and start year—are accurately provided to avoid unnecessary extensions to the standard timeline.
Can I Update My Business Information After Receiving My UEI?
Yes, entities can make business updates to their information after receiving a UEI.
The process requires logging into SAM.gov and accessing the entity registration section.
UEI modifications, including changes to legal names and physical addresses, must undergo validation through IRS and CAGE code verification.
This validation typically takes up to ten business days.
Documentation may be required for significant changes, and all updates should be made promptly to maintain accurate federal records.
Is There a Fee for Obtaining a UEI Through SAM.Gov?
No, there is no fee for obtaining a UEI through SAM.gov.
Entity Registration on SAM.gov is completely free, including UEI issuance, renewals, and updates. The federal government eliminated costs when shifting from DUNS numbers to UEIs in April 2022.
While third-party services may charge for registration assistance, these are not official SAM.gov requirements. Organizations should be cautious of unsolicited offers claiming to provide Fee Waivers or charging for services that SAM.gov offers at no cost.
What Happens if My UEI Application Is Rejected?
When a UEI application is rejected, applicants should identify the specific rejection reasons, which typically include inaccurate information, duplicate submissions, or eligibility issues.
The reapplication process involves correcting errors in the original submission, canceling any pending duplicate requests, and ensuring all information matches exactly across documents.
Applicants should wait for database refreshes before resubmitting and follow any specific guidance provided by SAM support during reapplication.
Can International Entities Obtain a UEI Without a U.S. Presence?
Yes, international entities can obtain a UEI without U.S. presence. The application requirements include:
- NCAGE code acquisition through NATO Codification Bureau
- SAM.gov registration using local international address
- Entity validation process completion
International eligibility extends to organizations worldwide, though foreign entities must complete multi-step validation including entity details verification.
Unlike U.S.-based applicants, international entities need the NCAGE code as a prerequisite before initiating their SAM.gov registration for UEI assignment.