DUNSRegistered Global Directory- 2 (2024)

FAQs

Can I look up a company by DUNS number? ›

The DUNS Company Lookup method searches the Dun and Bradstreet database for a company match. The search can be made essentially by the company's DUNS number but other parameters can be used as well. For example: company name, email address, postal code, and so on.

The D-U-N-S Number is a unique identifier for business entities worldwide. “D-U-N-S,” which stands for data universal numbering system, is used to maintain up-to-date and timely information on more than 300 million company records globally.

No, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business's federal tax ID. You need that number to file your taxes. DUNS numbers are issued by the credit bureau Dun & Bradstreet. While the two numbers are different, they both serve as unique identifiers for your business.

Do I need a DUNS number for my LLC? It's a good idea to apply for a DUNS number for your LLC. Certain grants and government contracts require you to have this ID number, and other businesses will likely want to use your DUNS number to understand your company's creditworthiness. What is Dun & Bradstreet?

While your social security number and EIN are sensitive, private information and shouldn't be broadly shared, the DUNS number was designed to be publicly shared as a unique identifier.

You can look up a D-U-N-S Number for your company or any company in the Dun & Bradstreet Data Cloud for free using the D-U-N-S Number Lookup Tool at the top of this page. Just choose “My Company” or “Other Company” and put in the requested information. If the company has a D-U-N-S Number, the tool should return it.

Your D-U-N-S Number identifies your company business credit file created through Dun & Bradstreet. This credit file may be useful if you want to work for other companies, seek a loan, or win contracts from some governments or government agencies.

DUNS numbers are used by lenders and potential business partners to help determine the reliability and financial stability of the company in question. It is similar to a social security number but must be requested directly from Dun & Bradstreet.

Dun and Bradstreet is primarily interested in a company's credit worthiness and status, whereas the agriculture industry uses the EBID as a means to locate a point in space. The GLN is designed specifically to enumerate locations and is actually a better choice than the DUNS for this purpose.

There is no charge to receive a D-U-N-S Number. Normal processing can take up to 30 business days.

Can I use my DUNS number to apply for credit? ›

It allows the creditor to easily look up the potential borrower's D&B credit file. Just having a DUNS number isn't enough to get you a business credit card. In fact, you might not need it at all during the application process. Business credit cards require an Employer Identification Number (EIN) in most cases.

No, every business doesn't need a DUNS number. That said, it can help you build good business credit and is necessary if you want to apply for certain types of funding. It's also required for a credit report from Dun & Bradstreet.

While not required, every business looking to build its business credit score should apply for a Data Universal Number System (D-U-N-S or DUNS number) from Dun & Bradstreet. That's because Dun & Bradstreet is the most popular business credit bureau used by creditors and suppliers.

After you get a D-U-N-S number, the next major, and perhaps most crucial, step in the process of building a business credit history is to establish credit references (often called tradelines) that will appear on your credit report with Dun & Bradstreet and other commercial credit reporting agencies.

Standard Search

To search for a company in D&B Onboard, select Business from the available search options on the home page. The Standard Search box allows you to enter a business name, D-U-N-S Number or local registration number and select a country (D&B Onboard will default to the country in which you are located).

Because the D-U-N-S Number assigned to your business is a unique identifier, other business entities can use it to access firmographic data about your company, like your company's legal name, entity type, address, phone number, and even branch or subsidiary information.

Not all Organizations will appear in The Company Lookup Tool. Records are derived from the Marketable Database at Dun&Bradstreet (D&B), so only Organizations with a DUNS Number may appear in the Company Lookup Tool.

As of April 4, 2022, the federal government shifted away from using the DUNS number as the sole identifier for entities conducting business with it. Instead, entities now use the Unique Entity ID, which is generated directly within SAM.gov.