A Data Universal Numbering System number, or DUNS number, is a nine-digit unique identification number facilitated by credit bureau Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). This number is attached to a D&B business credit report, which is a publicly available profile and can be used to identify data that provides an outlook on the creditworthiness, reliability, and history of your business.
Alone, the number doesn’t supply your company data and financial standing. However, it can provide access to reports that lenders, consumers, or potential business partners can use in researching your business.
Why You Need a DUNS Number
Obtaining a DUNS number establishes your business profile and can help build upon your business credit with D&B. DUNS numbers aren’t a requirement to operate a small business; however, they are utilized by more than 500 million companies worldwide. Any business can apply for one, no matter how long you’ve been in business, or the size and structure of your company.
Having a DUNS number generally is a good rule of thumb if you ever plan on working with an organization that requires it. This includes obtaining financing through a lender or applying for certain government contracts, as any form of government-backed financing requires a DUNS number. This is important if they want to invest in your business and will help your business grow by means of credibility towards your business credit report.
Not only is it free to obtain, but it can help strengthen your business’ credit score. A benefit to this is that once your creditworthiness has been established, it can provide you with the opportunity to negotiate better terms, such as payments with suppliers or vendors, or when applying for small business loans.
How To Get Your DUNS Number
Getting a DUNS number is a fairly simple process. After ensuring you don’t already have one, you can apply for one for free via D&B’s request page. The following are the applicable steps.
Step 1: Choose Your Company Type
The first step is to pick the best option to describe your company type. Depending on your selection, you’ll be redirected to the corresponding page to fill out your company information.
Step 2: Fill Out Requested Information
Depending on your company type, you may have to provide supplemental information. This could include:
- Legal name of your business
- Business address
- Business phone number
- Name of the business owner, president, or CEO
- Legal structure of the business
- Year of business creation
- Primary business industry
- Total number of employees
Step 3: Go Through the Checkout Process
You’ll be directed to checkout and presented with the option of expediting the process to receive the report within eight business days for a $229 fee. You could also wait the standard 30 days in which case the request is free.
Step 4: Receive DUNS Number in Email
The steps are complete once your company has been authenticated. You should then receive your DUNS number via email. If further validation is needed, you may be contacted by a D&B representative.
How To Look Up Your DUNS Number
Your DUNS number can be found by accessing D&B’s Lookup Tool. There, you can search for your number using your company name and address. If you’ve already established a DUNS number, your profile should appear along with the option of sending your number directly to your email address.
If you can’t find your number, it’s possible you might not yet have one. It’s worth noting that owning and operating a business doesn’t automatically provide you with a DUNS number. Keep in mind that you may have been assigned one if information is requested about your company from a lender or partner. You can request one free of charge directly from the D&B Website or by speaking with a D&B representative.
Managing Your DUNS Number
In the event your business has been closed or purchased, your DUNS number will remain the same—and it can never be altered. In part, your DUNS number also has no expiration date. However, should you need to make changes to your profile, such as updating your address or contact information, you can request updates through the D&B’s D-U-N-S Manager form.
There is no maintenance requirement for your DUNS number that involves the purchase of products or services. It’s a completely free number that will follow you through the lifetime of your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Generally, the process takes about 30 days. In the case you choose to expedite the service, you can pay a $229 fee and receive your number within eight business days.
You can look up a number for any company for free using the D-U-N-S Number Lookup Tool.
No. If you have multiple business locations, you must apply for a different DUNS number for each location.
Bottom Line
A DUNS number is attached to your D&B business credit report and can be publicly accessed by lenders, suppliers, or business partners to assess the creditworthiness of your business. Having a DUNS number is often a requirement for a small business loan. It’s a simple, free process that can promote the growth and credibility of your business.