The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric code issued by the government through SAM.gov that replaced the DUNS number in April 2022. Organizations need this identifier to participate in federal contracting opportunities. Unlike the DUNS system, UEI registration is completely free and doesn’t require third-party involvement. Entities must register at SAM.gov, provide basic information including TIN, and maintain annual renewals to keep their identifier active. Further exploration reveals important benefits for federal contractors.
Understanding the UEI and Its Replacement of the D-U-N-S Number
Since April 2022, the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) has served as the standard identification method for organizations seeking to do business with the federal government. This 12-character alphanumeric identifier replaced the DUNS number system previously administered by Dun & Bradstreet, marking a significant change in federal contracting processes.
In a DUNS comparison, several UEI advantages become apparent. Unlike DUNS numbers, UEIs are issued directly by the government through SAM.gov at no cost, eliminating third-party fees and reducing barriers to participation. This transition was designed to streamline the process by removing the need for third-party involvement in obtaining a business identifier. The compliance requirements are strictly monitored to ensure all registered entities maintain accurate information.
The shift streamlines entity identification, creating a more efficient validation process for federal awards. Organizations with existing DUNS numbers received automatic UEI assignments, while new registrants must apply through SAM.gov. Entities should remember that while their UEI never expires, the SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually to maintain active status.
This government-controlled system offers improved consistency across agencies while maintaining the stable identification benefits of its predecessor.
How to Obtain and Maintain Your UEI Through SAM.gov
Now that organizations understand what the UEI is and why it replaced the DUNS system, the next practical step involves acquiring this identifier.
The registration process begins by visiting SAM.gov and selecting “Get Started,” where users can either register their entity fully or obtain only a UEI. The system requires basic information, including the Taxpayer Identification Number and Taxpayer Name, matching IRS records. Federal contract opportunities are accessible only to entities with valid UEI registration.
To obtain your UEI, simply visit SAM.gov, click “Get Started,” and provide your verified TIN and Taxpayer Name.
After acquisition, maintaining the UEI requires annual renewal through SAM.gov. Users must log in to update any entity information changes and respond to renewal reminders sent by the system. Creating an account on Login.gov is required as the initial step for accessing SAM.gov and managing your UEI.
This regular maintenance prevents suspension or deactivation of the identifier in government databases. The entire process, from initial registration to renewal, remains completely free of charge for all organizations seeking to conduct business with the federal government.
The Importance of UEI in Federal Contracting and Financial Systems
The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) serves as the cornerstone of federal contracting and financial operations, enabling seamless interactions between the government and its business partners. This government-issued identifier delivers significant UEI benefits, including enhanced data integrity, streamlined payment processing, and improved transparency across federal systems.
Organizations experience reduced administrative burden through the UEI’s simplified registration process, which eliminates the need for multiple identifiers. While some entities faced UEI challenges during the shift from DUNS numbers, the new system ultimately provides cost-effective entity identification without requiring third-party services.
The UEI strengthens financial operations by minimizing identification errors, facilitating compliance monitoring, and ensuring only eligible contractors participate in federal opportunities.
For grant recipients and contractors alike, this standardized identifier has become essential for efficient federal award management. Regular SAM profile verification helps organizations maintain accurate UEI information and avoid delays in federal contract processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can International Entities Obtain a UEI Without a U.S. Presence?
Yes, international entities can obtain a UEI without having a U.S. presence.
The SAM.gov system enables global business registration for organizations worldwide, regardless of physical location in the United States.
International entity eligibility requirements include obtaining an NCAGE code first, providing proof of legal registration in their home country, and submitting relevant tax identification information.
The registration process follows similar steps as U.S.-based entities, requiring valid contact information and banking details for potential U.S. government transactions.
How Quickly Is a UEI Assigned After Completing SAM.Gov Registration?
UEI assignment occurs almost immediately upon initiating SAM registration.
While the UEI itself is generated quickly in the system, the complete SAM registration process typically takes 3-10 business days to become fully active.
The UEI becomes visible in the SAM.gov profile once the initial registration steps are completed, though entities must wait for full SAM validation before using the identifier for federal transactions or grant applications.
Is the UEI Visible to the Public on SAM.Gov?
The UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) has limited public access on SAM.gov.
When an entity completes SAM registration, their UEI becomes visible in the public search functionality of the system. Users can search for organizations using the SAM.gov search tool, which displays basic entity information including the UEI.
However, detailed entity information requires appropriate authorization, as SAM.gov maintains certain privacy controls for sensitive business data.
What Happens to My UEI if My Business Structure Changes?
When an entity experiences business structure changes, the UEI itself typically remains the same.
However, the entity must update its information in SAM.gov to reflect these changes. This includes updating legal business name, address, or ownership details through the SAM.gov Entity Workspace.
Entities should validate their information promptly following any structural modification to maintain compliance with federal regulations and guarantee continued eligibility for government awards.
Can I Transfer My UEI to Another Entity During Acquisition?
No, a UEI cannot be transferred to another entity during the acquisition process.
UEIs are uniquely assigned to specific legal entities and remain non-transferable when ownership changes.
During an acquisition, the acquiring company must either:
- Register for its own UEI if it doesn’t have one already
- Update its existing SAM.gov registration to reflect new business relationships
This maintains clear entity identification and federal compliance tracking throughout organizational changes.