UEI vs DUNS: What Replaced the DUNS Number and How to Get a UEI in SAM.gov

If your business wants to work with the federal government, one of the first terms you will encounter is the Unique Entity Identifier, or UEI. This 12-character alphanumeric ID is now the standard entity identifier used in SAM.gov for federal awards, contracts, and related registrations.

The UEI replaced the old DUNS number system, which had been managed by a third party. Moving to a government-issued identifier simplified the process and placed entity management inside the federal system. For businesses, that means the same identifier is used across registration, validation, and federal award workflows.

What Is a UEI?

A Unique Entity Identifier is a government-issued number assigned to an organization so it can be identified in SAM.gov. It helps the federal government distinguish one entity from another when reviewing registrations, awards, and eligibility information.

The UEI is not the same as an EIN, tax ID, or state filing number. It is a separate identifier used specifically for federal contracting and assistance programs.

Why the UEI Replaced DUNS

For many years, the federal government relied on DUNS numbers to identify businesses and other entities. That changed when the government moved to UEI-based identification in SAM.gov.

This shift matters because it removed the need to rely on a third-party identifier for federal business. The result is a more direct process for validating and identifying entities that want to do business with the government.

If you are still seeing older references to DUNS in archived content, treat them as historical context. For current federal registration, UEI is the identifier that matters.

Who Needs a UEI?

You may need a UEI if your entity will:

• Bid on federal contracts
• Apply for federal grants or other assistance
• Receive or report federal award information
• Act as a subawardee or otherwise appear in federal reporting workflows
• Maintain an active entity registration in SAM.gov

In some cases, an organization may need only a UEI and not a full registration. If you are not applying directly for federal awards, you may be able to request a Unique Entity ID without completing a full registration.

How to Get a UEI in SAM.gov

The UEI process runs through SAM.gov. In general, the steps are straightforward:

1. Create or sign in to a SAM.gov account using Login.gov.
2. Choose whether you want to register your entity or request only a Unique Entity ID.
3. Enter your legal business name and physical address.
4. Complete the validation steps required by SAM.gov.
5. Once validated, your UEI will be assigned in SAM.gov.

If your entity is already registered, you already have a UEI. You can view it in your entity workspace after signing in.

What Information You Should Have Ready

The exact information required depends on whether you are requesting only a UEI or completing a full registration. For a simple UEI request, SAM.gov may only need your legal business name and physical address.

For a full registration, be ready to provide additional entity details, which may include:

• Legal business name
• Physical address
• Business structure and entity type
• Points of contact
• Core business information
• Business classifications and related data

Preparing this information in advance helps avoid delays during validation and registration.

How Much Does a UEI Cost?

A UEI is free. Submitting a registration or receiving a Unique Entity ID in SAM.gov does not require a fee.

That is one reason businesses should avoid third-party services that charge for information or forms that are available through the official government process.

How Long Does It Take to Get a UEI?

Processing time can vary based on entity validation and whether SAM.gov needs additional documentation. A simple request may be faster than a full registration, while a registration that requires manual review can take longer.

The important point is that UEI assignment is tied to validation. If your business information does not match what the system expects, the process can slow down.

Does a UEI Expire?

The UEI itself does not expire. However, if you have a full SAM.gov registration, that registration must be renewed every 365 days to stay active.

If your registration lapses, your entity can become inactive. That can affect your ability to pursue new federal contracts, grants, or other awards.

How to Find Your UEI

If your entity is already registered, you can find your UEI by logging into SAM.gov and opening your entity information or workspace. The UEI appears with your entity record and other registration details.

If you recently submitted a registration or UEI request, you can also check the status in SAM.gov to see whether the identifier has been issued.

Common Mistakes Businesses Make

A few avoidable mistakes come up often during UEI and SAM.gov setup:

• Confusing UEI with DUNS or EIN
• Using a trade name instead of the legal business name
• Assuming a UEI replaces the need for registration when a full registration is required
• Letting an active SAM.gov registration lapse
• Waiting until the last minute before bidding on a contract or applying for assistance

Careful preparation helps avoid validation issues and keeps your federal record aligned with your formation documents.

Why This Matters for Newly Formed Businesses

If you have just formed an LLC, corporation, or other business entity, federal registration is one more step in becoming contract-ready. Your legal name, address, and entity records should all match before you begin the SAM.gov process.

That is where organized formation work matters. Zenind helps business owners get their entity structure in place so they can move more confidently into compliance, registrations, and other government-facing requirements.

Final Thoughts

The UEI is now the federal government’s standard entity identifier, and it is the number businesses need to understand before pursuing contracts or assistance in SAM.gov. It replaced DUNS, it is free, and it is built into the current registration process.

If your business plans to work with the federal government, the best approach is simple: make sure your formation records are accurate, validate your entity information, and keep your SAM.gov registration active if you need one.