A Data Universal Number System (D-U-N-S) number is a 9-digit designation provided to companies or organizations through Dun & Bradstreet, a company that researches businesses and provides information to them for credit or other decisions.Many non-profit organizations apply for the D-U-N-S number in order to get grants or contracts from the US government.
Step 1: The benefits should be recognized.
Obtaining a D-U-N-S number can help your business.It places you on a detailed directory listing which is available to other organizations to look through, if your business is in operation.The address, contact information, and business structure of your business will be put into a well-known directory.A D-U-N-S number can boost your company's credibility, potentially opening new lines of credit, as well as enabling your business to expand.If you have a D-U-N-S number, you need to apply for a government contract and do business abroad.You can register for free through D&B.
Step 2: You should check that you're not already registered.
Before you go further with the application, make sure your organization has not been assigned a number.The business may have already been registered if you bought it.You can find this quickly by visiting the official Dun & Bradstreet website and searching for your company.You can see if you have a D-U-N-S number by typing in the name and location of your business.Even if the organization is closed, the numbers are never assigned again since they are unique and site-specific.You can search for your company by visiting: https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/companylookup.htm.You can search for US companies by phone number.If you're looking for a non-US company, you can use a different web address.
Step 3: The information you need to apply
Information about your business is required in order to apply for a D-U-N-S number.The legal name of your business or organization will save you time if you gather all the information first.Name and address are included in your headquarters information.DBA or "Doing Business As" is a name associated with your business.Zip code, state and city are included.Your organization's mailing address is a post office box.The organization has a main telephone number.The person will be listed as the D-U-N-S contact for your organization.There are employees at your location.Are you a home-based business?
Step 4: You need to verify your identity.
You can request your D-U-N-S number by going to the website and filling out the form.You will be taken to the government's iUpdate portal if you are a US company.You will have to answer a series of questions based on geographical and demographic information to verify your identity before you can complete the registration.You will be able to create a usernames and passwords once you have done this, and you won't have to verify your identity.You have two chances to pass the test.The D&B Government iUpdate Personal/Business Identification Certification requires backup documentation and notarization if you fail the second time.
Step 5: Go ahead and complete the application.
You will be able to continue with the application once you have passed the identity verification phase.All you have to do is type in the information you need.If you have the information, it should only take a few minutes.When you fill out the application, you just have to wait for your number to be assigned.The D-U-N-S number is free for grant applicants and government contractors.It may take up to 30 days for a business to get a number.The costs will be hundreds of dollars, but there are expedited options.
Step 6: You can update your information through the portal.
iUpdate will allow you to monitor and update information about your business if you have a D-U-N-S number.This online portal allows organizations to easily view and edit the company information as well as search through other companies registered with a D-U-N-S number.It is possible that you will be required to verify your identity before you make changes to your company's information.Only companies located in the continental US, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgins Islands can use the iUpdate portal.
Step 7: If you're a foreign company, apply.
Companies based outside the US can register for a D-U-N-S number through the same website.Follow the instructions on the website if you choose the country in which your organization is based.You may be required to get a federal Tax Identification Number.It is possible that you will be required to make a payment of $500.