DUNS & UEILookup Guide
Learn how to obtain a DUNS number or look up your organization's UEI for federal grants. Follow our free step-by-step registration guides.
What's the difference?
DUNS is being replaced by UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) for federal grants.
DUNS Number
9-digit from Dun & Bradstreet
UEI (NEW)
12-character ID from SAM.gov
How to Get a DUNS Number
Visit Dun & Bradstreet
Go to dnb.com and click "Get a D-U-N-S Number"
Select Organization Type
Choose "Nonprofit" and enter your organization details
Provide Business Information
Enter your organization name, address, and contact details
Verify Information
Review and confirm your organization details
Get Your DUNS Number
Receive your free DUNS number within 30 business days
DUNS numbers are free for nonprofits
Federal Funders Requiring DUNS/UEI
Federal Grants (Grants.gov)
All federal agencies
National Endowment for the Arts
NEA federal grants
National Science Foundation
NSF research grants
Department of Health & Human Services
HHS funding programs
Department of Education
ED grants for education
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA environmental grants
USDA Rural Development
Rural community grants
AmeriCorps (formerly CNCS)
AmeriCorps, national service
What is UEI?
The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is the official identifier for doing business with the US federal government. As of 2022, new grants require UEI instead of DUNS.
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Start Free TrialDUNS Numbers and UEI: What Every Nonprofit Needs to Know
If your nonprofit plans to apply for federal grants, you need to understand two key identifiers: the DUNS number (Data Universal Numbering System) and the newer UEI (Unique Entity Identifier). Since April 2022, the federal government has officially replaced DUNS numbers with the UEI system through SAM.gov — but many people still search for "DUNS number" when they mean UEI.
The UEI is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to your organisation through SAM.gov (System for Award Management). Any organisation that wants to receive federal grant funding must register in SAM.gov and obtain a UEI before applying through Grants.gov or any federal agency portal. Registration is free and must be renewed annually.
Previously, organisations obtained a 9-digit DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet before registering in SAM.gov. If your organisation already has a SAM.gov registration, your UEI was automatically assigned when the transition happened. You can find your UEI by logging into your SAM.gov account.
Who Needs a UEI (Formerly DUNS)?
How to Register in SAM.gov and Get Your UEI
SAM.gov registration is the single most important step for federal grant eligibility. Here's what to expect: Go to sam.gov and click "Register Entity." You'll need your organisation's legal name, address, EIN (for US entities), and bank account details for Electronic Funds Transfer. The process takes 1–3 business days to complete and activate, though in busy periods it can take longer.
Once registered, your UEI is assigned automatically. SAM.gov registration must be renewed every 12 months — a missed renewal will make your organisation ineligible for federal awards until you renew. Set a calendar reminder well before your registration expires.
For state-administered grants that receive federal funding (known as "pass-through" grants), check with the state agency whether a UEI is required. Many states now require it even for sub-awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has DUNS been replaced by UEI?
Yes. As of April 4, 2022, the federal government officially replaced the DUNS number with the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for all grant and procurement activities. The UEI is managed through SAM.gov and is generated when you complete or update your SAM.gov entity registration. Dun & Bradstreet is no longer involved in federal grant registration. However, private funders and international organisations may still reference DUNS numbers in their own processes.
How long does SAM.gov registration take?
Initial registration in SAM.gov typically takes 1–3 business days for the UEI to be activated, but full registration activation (including EFT banking information) can take 7–10 business days in some cases. During peak grant seasons, processing can slow further. Plan to complete SAM.gov registration at least 2–4 weeks before a grant application deadline to avoid last-minute complications.
Is SAM.gov registration free?
Yes, SAM.gov registration is completely free. Be cautious of third-party websites that offer to register on your behalf for a fee — these are unnecessary. The official site is sam.gov. Any site charging for SAM.gov registration is providing a service you can do yourself at no cost directly through the government portal.
Do small nonprofits need a UEI?
Any organisation applying for federal grants needs a UEI, regardless of size. However, very small organisations or grassroots groups that work through a fiscal sponsor don't need their own UEI — the fiscal sponsor applies and receives funds on their behalf. If you're a small nonprofit exploring federal funding for the first time, registering early is wise even before you have a specific grant to apply for, as some grant deadlines don't allow enough time for registration to complete.
Can I look up another organisation's UEI?
Yes. SAM.gov has a public entity search function that lets you look up registered organisations and verify their registration status and UEI. This is useful for due diligence on subgrantees, verifying a potential partner's federal eligibility, or confirming your own registration is active. Visit sam.gov/entity-lookup to search the public database.