What is a UEI (Unique Entity ID)?
Also known as: Unique Entity Identifier, SAM UEI
By the GovPrimer teamUpdated January 1, 2026
Definition
The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned in SAM.gov that uniquely identifies an organization doing business with the federal government. It replaced the DUNS number as the official entity identifier in April 2022.
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What you need to know
- The UEI is issued and managed directly within SAM.gov — no third party required.
- Every entity registered to receive federal awards has a UEI.
- It is used across SAM.gov, FPDS, and USAspending.gov to track an entity's awards.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a UEI?
You request a UEI through SAM.gov. If you are registering to do business with the government, you obtain the UEI as part of completing your entity registration — it's free.
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