How to Get a Unique Entity ID (UEI)
The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is the 12-character identifier the federal government uses to track contractors. It replaced the DUNS number in 2022 and is issued for free on SAM.gov.
A Unique Entity ID (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier the U.S. government assigns to each registered entity. As of April 2022 it replaced the DUNS number as the official identifier across federal awards. The UEI is generated within SAM.gov and is always free.
UEI vs. DUNS: what changed
Previously, contractors needed a DUNS number from a third-party provider (Dun & Bradstreet). The government now issues the UEI itself inside SAM.gov, removing the reliance on an external vendor. If you registered before 2022, your entity was automatically assigned a UEI; your old DUNS number is no longer used in federal systems.
Two ways to get a UEI
- Get a UEI only — choose 'Get a Unique Entity ID' if you just need the identifier (for example, to receive a grant subaward or be listed as a sub) without registering for contract awards.
- Get a UEI as part of full registration — if you intend to bid on and be awarded contracts, complete the full SAM.gov registration, which assigns the UEI along the way.
Step-by-step
- Sign in to SAM.gov using a Login.gov account.
- Select 'Get Started' and choose to get a Unique Entity ID.
- Enter your legal business name and physical address exactly as they appear on official records.
- Complete entity validation — SAM.gov checks your name and address against authoritative records.
- Receive your UEI once validation succeeds.
When validation fails
The most common snag is entity validation. If SAM.gov cannot match your legal name and address, you can submit documentation — such as a state business registration, articles of incorporation, or a utility bill — through an incident report to prove your entity's details. Using the exact legal name and physical address on file with your state and the IRS prevents most failures.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UEI the same as a CAGE code?
No. The UEI identifies your entity in SAM.gov, while the CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is a separate identifier assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency. Full SAM.gov registration assigns both, but a UEI-only request does not include a CAGE code.
Do I need a UEI if I am only a subcontractor?
Often yes. Many primes and grant recipients are required to report their subs by UEI, so you may need to get a UEI even if you never hold a prime contract. You can request a UEI without completing full registration in that case.
How much does a UEI cost?
Nothing. The UEI is issued for free directly by SAM.gov. No third party is needed and no payment is ever required.
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