The federal government officially replaced DUNS numbers with Unique Entity Identifiers (UEI) in April 2022. The UEI is now the only identifier accepted for federal contracts, grants, and SAM.gov registration. Unlike DUNS numbers issued by Dun & Bradstreet, UEIs are free and generated instantly through SAM.gov. If you’re a federal contractor, nonprofit, or business seeking government opportunities, you must use a UEI; DUNS numbers are no longer valid for federal procurement.
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Why Did the Government Replace DUNS With UEI?
The transition from DUNS to UEI represents a significant shift in how the federal government manages entity identification and verification. This change wasn’t arbitrary; it addressed several critical limitations in the previous system.
The Shift to Simplify and Centralize Entity Verification
The federal government recognized that relying on a private company’s numbering system created unnecessary complexity and potential barriers for businesses wanting to work with the government. By creating the UEI system, the government gained direct control over entity identification, eliminating the middleman and streamlining the entire process.
Key Reasons for the Transition from DUNS to UEI
The primary drivers behind this change included cost reduction for businesses, faster processing times, and improved data accuracy. DUNS numbers often require payment and could take days to obtain, while UEIs are free and typically generated instantly. The government also wanted to ensure that entity identification wasn’t dependent on a third-party commercial service.
Timeline of the Change (April 2022 Federal Mandate)
The transition began in 2021 with announcement and preparation phases, but April 4, 2022, marked the official cutoff date. After this date, federal agencies stopped accepting DUNS numbers for new registrations and contract awards. Existing contracts with DUNS references remained valid, but all new federal business required UEIs.
What Is a UEI? How It Works Today
The Unique Entity Identifier is a 12-character alphanumeric code that serves as the official identifier for entities doing business with the federal government. This system replaced the previous DUNS-based identification method entirely.
Unique Entity Identifier Explained in Simple Terms
A UEI is essentially your business’s federal ID card. It’s a unique combination of letters and numbers that distinguishes your organization from all others in the federal system. Unlike DUNS numbers, which followed a specific nine-digit format, UEIs use a mix of uppercase letters and numbers that’s harder to predict or duplicate.
Where You Get It: SAM.gov as the Official Issuer
SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the sole source for obtaining a UEI. This centralized approach ensures consistency and eliminates confusion about where to apply. The process is integrated directly into the SAM.gov platform, making it seamless for businesses already familiar with federal registration requirements.
Is the UEI Free? What You Need to Apply
Yes, obtaining a UEI is completely free. You’ll need basic business information, including your legal business name, physical address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number for sole proprietors. The process typically takes just a few minutes, and most applicants receive their UEI immediately upon submission.
What Was the DUNS Number — And Why It’s Now Obsolete
Understanding the DUNS system helps explain why the transition to UEI was necessary and beneficial for federal contractors.
DUNS Overview: Issued by Dun & Bradstreet
The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) was a nine-digit identifier created and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet, a private credit reporting company. For decades, this system served as the primary way the federal government identified and tracked business entities.
Limitations of DUNS in Federal Procurement
The DUNS system had several drawbacks that ultimately led to its replacement. Processing times could be lengthy, especially for new businesses without established credit histories. The system also required interaction with a private company that had its own business interests, which sometimes conflicted with government efficiency goals.
Can You Still Use a DUNS Number for Anything?
While DUNS numbers are no longer accepted for federal procurement, they may still have value for commercial credit reporting and some private sector applications. However, for any federal government interaction—contracts, grants, or SAM.gov registration—only the UEI is accepted.
UEI vs DUNS: Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Aspect | UEI | DUNS |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | SAM.gov (U.S. Government) | Dun & Bradstreet (Private Company) |
| Cost | Free | All federal contracts, grants, and SAM.gov |
| Processing Time | Instant (typically) | 1-30 business days |
| Format | 12-character alphanumeric | 9-digit numeric |
| Federal Acceptance | Required since April 2022 | Not accepted since April 2022 |
| Expiration | Linked to SAM registration | No expiration |
| Use Cases | All federal contracts, grants, SAM.gov | Legacy documents only |
Quick-Reference Chart for Vendors, Nonprofits, and Consultants
This comparison shows why the UEI system represents a significant improvement over DUNS. The instant processing, zero cost, and direct government control make it far superior for federal procurement purposes.
Why UEI is the New Standard Across All Federal Platforms
The UEI system integrates seamlessly with all federal procurement and grant platforms, including SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and FPDS (Federal Procurement Data System). This integration ensures consistent entity identification across all government systems.
Key Differences That Affect Federal Contractors
Understanding how this change impacts your federal contracting business is crucial for maintaining compliance and winning new opportunities.
Which ID is Accepted by SAM.gov and Grants.gov in 2025?
Only the UEI is accepted by these platforms. Any attempt to use a DUNS number will result in rejection or system errors. This applies to both new registrations and updates to existing profiles.
Which Number Links to Your CAGE Code or Federal Awards?
Your UEI is now the primary key that links to your Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code and tracks your federal award history. This connection is essential for maintaining your federal contracting profile and demonstrating past performance.
How Switching to UEI Impacts Past and Current Contracts
Existing contracts that reference DUNS numbers remain valid and don’t need to be modified. However, any contract modifications, renewals, or new awards will reference your UEI. It’s important to communicate your UEI to contracting officers and update your marketing materials accordingly.
What If You Still Have a DUNS? Does It Matter?
Many businesses still have DUNS numbers and wonder about their continued relevance in the federal contracting space.
Can You Still Look Up Your DUNS?
Yes, DUNS numbers remain in Dun & Bradstreet’s database and can still be looked up for historical or commercial purposes. However, they have no value for federal procurement activities.
What to Do If Past Documents Reference DUNS
Keep records of your DUNS number for reference purposes, especially if you have ongoing contracts that mention it. However, ensure all new documentation and proposals reference your UEI instead.
Transitioning Smoothly to UEI-Based Systems
The best approach is to obtain your UEI immediately if you haven’t already, update all your federal profiles and marketing materials, and communicate your new UEI to existing government contacts and teaming partners.
How to Get a UEI Today (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Obtaining your UEI is straightforward, but following the correct process ensures you avoid delays or complications.
Start at Login.gov
Before you can access SAM.gov, you’ll need a Login.gov account. This is the government’s secure sign-in service used across multiple federal platforms. If you don’t have one, create it first using your email address and a secure password.
Navigate SAM.gov → “Get Unique Entity ID”
Once logged in to SAM.gov, look for the “Get Unique Entity ID” option, which is prominently displayed on the homepage. This takes you directly to the UEI request form without requiring full SAM registration.
Submit Your Business Info (Legal Name, EIN, Address)
You’ll need to provide your exact legal business name as it appears on official documents, your EIN (or SSN for sole proprietors), and your primary business address. Accuracy is crucial—any discrepancies can cause problems later.
Receive UEI Instantly in Most Cases
Most businesses receive their UEI immediately after submitting the form. In rare cases where additional verification is needed, you may need to wait up to 24 hours. Once generated, your UEI is permanent and doesn’t expire.
Common Questions About UEI vs DUNS
These frequently asked questions address the most common concerns businesses have about the transition.
Do I Need to Keep My DUNS for Anything?
For federal purposes, no. However, if you use your DUNS for commercial credit reporting or private sector business development, you may want to maintain it with Dun & Bradstreet.
Can I Reuse the DUNS to Get My UEI?
No, there’s no connection between your old DUNS number and your new UEI. Each UEI is generated independently based on your current business information.
What If My Business Has Multiple DUNS Numbers?
If your business has multiple DUNS numbers due to different locations or subsidiaries, you’ll need to determine how many UEIs you need based on your current organizational structure. Each legal entity typically requires its own UEI.
Final Verdict: UEI Is Now the Only Number That Matters
The transition from DUNS to UEI is complete, and there’s no going back. Understanding this change and acting accordingly is essential for any business involved in federal contracting.
Stop Using Your DUNS — It’s No Longer Accepted for SAM.gov
Make the mental shift now: your DUNS number is obsolete for federal purposes. Using it will only cause delays and potential rejection of your applications or proposals.
Keep Your UEI Active with Annual SAM Renewal
Your UEI remains valid as long as you maintain your SAM.gov registration, which requires annual renewal. Letting your SAM registration expire can impact your ability to receive federal awards.
Avoid Federal Rejections by Using the Correct ID
Always use your UEI in federal communications, proposals, and applications. This simple step prevents administrative rejections and demonstrates your understanding of current federal requirements.
Key Takeaways
- UEI replaced DUNS completely in April 2022 for all federal procurement activities
- UEIs are free and instant through SAM.gov, unlike DUNS numbers, which could cost money and take time
- Only UEI is accepted by SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and all federal contracting platforms in 2025
- Your DUNS number is obsolete for federal purposes, but may still have commercial value
- Getting a UEI is simple: use Login.gov to access SAM.gov and request your identifier
- Update all documentation to reference your UEI instead of any old DUNS numbers
- Annual SAM renewal is required to keep your UEI active and maintain federal contracting eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between UEI and DUNS numbers? A: UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) is the current federal identifier issued free by SAM.gov, while DUNS was the previous system managed by Dun & Bradstreet. UEI replaced DUNS completely in April 2022 for all federal contracting.
Q: Can I still use my DUNS number for federal contracts? A: No, DUNS numbers are no longer accepted for federal contracts, grants, or SAM.gov registration. You must use a UEI for all federal procurement activities.
Q: How do I get a UEI number? A: Visit SAM.gov, create a Login.gov account if needed, and select “Get Unique Entity ID.” Provide your business information and receive your UEI instantly in most cases.
Q: Is there a cost to get a UEI? A: No, UEIs are completely free. Be cautious of third-party services that charge fees for UEI assistance—you can get it directly from SAM.gov at no cost.
Q: How long does it take to get a UEI? A: Most UEIs are generated instantly upon submitting your application. In rare cases requiring additional verification, it may take up to 24 hours.
Q: What happens to my old DUNS number? A: Your DUNS number remains in Dun & Bradstreet’s system but is no longer valid for federal purposes. You may still use it for commercial credit reporting if desired.
Q: Do I need both UEI and DUNS? A: For federal contracting, you only need a UEI. DUNS is obsolete for government work but may still be useful for commercial credit purposes.
Q: Can I look up a company’s UEI? A: Yes, you can search for UEIs through the SAM.gov entity lookup tool, which is publicly accessible and free to use.
Q: What information do I need to apply for a UEI? A: You need your legal business name, physical address, and EIN (or SSN for sole proprietors). Ensure all information matches your official business documents.
Q: Does my UEI expire? A: UEIs don’t expire, but they’re linked to your SAM.gov registration, which requires annual renewal to remain active for federal contracting.
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