How to Register Your Business on SAM.gov
SAM.gov registration is the free, mandatory first step to doing business with the federal government. This guide walks through each stage — from gathering documents to activating your registration.
The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is the U.S. government's official registration database for contractors. Registration is free, must be renewed annually, and is required before you can be awarded a federal contract or receive most federal payments. Beware third-party services that charge to do what you can do yourself at no cost.
What you need before you start
- Your legal business name and physical address exactly as they appear on official records.
- Your Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN) and the legal business name registered with the IRS — these must match exactly.
- Your bank's routing and account numbers for electronic funds transfer (EFT).
- Your NAICS codes and a general idea of your size standard.
- A Login.gov account, which SAM.gov uses for sign-in and identity verification.
Step 1: Create a Login.gov account
SAM.gov authenticates users through Login.gov. Create an account with a working email and set up multi-factor authentication. You will also complete identity verification, so have a government-issued ID available.
Step 2: Get your Unique Entity ID
The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is now assigned directly within SAM.gov — the DUNS number was retired in 2022. As part of registration, SAM.gov validates your legal business name and address against official records, then issues your UEI. If validation fails, you may need to submit documentation proving your entity's name and address.
Step 3: Complete the core registration
Enter your entity information, business types, financial (banking) details, and points of contact. Accuracy matters: your name, address, and TIN must match IRS and validation records, or your registration will stall in review.
Step 4: Answer the reps and certs
You will complete the Representations and Certifications — a series of questions covering business size, socioeconomic status, and compliance. Self-certify for any small-business categories you qualify for, such as woman-owned (WOSB), service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVOSB), or HUBZone. Some statuses (like 8(a) and SDVOSB) require separate formal certification before you can claim those set-asides.
Step 5: Submit and wait for activation
After submission, SAM.gov runs IRS and CAGE code validations. Activation typically takes a few business days but can take longer if there are name or TIN mismatches. Once active, your registration is searchable and you are eligible for award. Renew at least 60 days before expiration to avoid a lapse that could make you ineligible.
Frequently asked questions
Is SAM.gov registration free?
Yes. Registering and getting a Unique Entity ID in SAM.gov is completely free. Third-party companies may charge fees to register on your behalf, but the government never charges for registration.
How long does SAM.gov registration take?
Entering your information takes an hour or two if your documents are ready. Activation usually takes a few business days while the IRS and CAGE validations complete, but name or TIN mismatches can extend it to weeks.
How often do I need to renew my SAM.gov registration?
Every 12 months. An expired registration can make you ineligible for award and can interrupt payments, so renew well before the expiration date.
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