Guide
Unique Entity ID (UEI): what it is and how to get one
If you want to bid on US federal contracts or receive federal grants, you need a Unique Entity ID (UEI). It replaced the older DUNS number in April 2022. The UEI is free, issued through SAM.gov, and required before you can submit most bids or grant applications.
What is a Unique Entity ID?
A UEI is a 12-character identifier assigned to your organisation by the federal government. It is used to track contract and grant awards, verify registration status, and link your business to its NAICS codes, CAGE code and set-aside designations.
Unlike the old DUNS number, the UEI is issued directly by SAM.gov at no cost. You do not need to contact Dun & Bradstreet or any third party.
How to get a UEI
1. Create a SAM.gov account. Use a login.gov account to sign in. The account must belong to someone authorised to represent the entity.
2. Register your entity. Complete the entity registration workflow. The system assigns a UEI automatically during this process.
3. Validate your information. Provide the legal business name, address, tax identifier (EIN or TIN), and your bank details for electronic payments.
4. Wait for activation. Most registrations are active within a few business days, but complex ownership structures or foreign entities can take longer.
Where the UEI appears
Your UEI is shown in your SAM.gov entity record. Contracting officers use it to verify that your registration is active before award. It also appears on your capability statement, past-performance references and subcontractor reports.
How to keep it active
SAM.gov registration must be renewed at least every 365 days, but you should validate it every 90 days. An expired registration means you cannot be awarded new contracts and may lose access to existing ones. Set a calendar reminder 30 days before expiration.
UEI, CAGE code and NAICS codes
The UEI identifies who you are. The CAGE code identifies where you are. Your NAICS codes describe what you do. All three must be current and consistent across SAM.gov, your capability statement and every proposal you submit. Mismatches are a common reason for disqualification.
Find opportunities that fit your registration
Bidly reads your company profile — including NAICS codes, set-aside status and geography — and matches it against every new SAM.gov, Grants.gov and TED notice. You spend less time checking registrations and more time responding to opportunities you can actually win.
Always confirm your SAM.gov registration is active and your UEI is correct before submitting any bid or grant application.