When it comes to running a business, there are a variety of numbers and codes that entrepreneurs need to keep track of. One of those key codes is the DUNS number, a unique identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet to businesses across the globe. But what happens when you need to lookup a DUNS number? Can you simply search online and find the information you need? The answer is yes, but the process may not be as straightforward as you’d think.
DUNS numbers are important for businesses because they help them establish credit and build trust with potential partners and creditors. But over time, businesses may need to update or change their DUNS number for different reasons. Maybe they’ve undergone a change in ownership or restructuring, or perhaps they’ve moved to a new location. Whatever the reason, being able to lookup a DUNS number quickly and easily can be crucial for maintaining relationships and keeping operations running smoothly.
So how exactly can you lookup a DUNS number? There are a few different options available, including searching the Dun & Bradstreet database directly or using a third-party service. Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important to have accurate information on hand and to double-check any results to ensure the DUNS number matches the correct business entity. By taking these steps, you can confidently lookup a DUNS number and keep your business operations running smoothly.
What Are DUNS Numbers?
DUNS number stands for Data Universal Numbering System, which is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to a business entity by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) – a global information services company that provides commercial data and analytical insights. The system was launched in 1962 and has since become the standard for tracking financial and credit information for businesses worldwide.
Think of DUNS numbers as universal identifiers for businesses, much like social security numbers for individuals. They help businesses establish creditworthiness and create a reliable foundation for credit approvals, payment terms, and discounts.
With a DUNS number, you can easily track specific information about a company, such as its location, size, and credit history. These numbers allow companies to not only assess the creditworthiness and financial stability of businesses they want to work with but also enable better communication and collaboration between entities.
Why DUNS Numbers Are Important
DUNS numbers are essential for businesses, especially for those seeking government contracts or partnerships with larger companies. These nine-digit numbers are assigned to businesses by Dun & Bradstreet, a business information company, to provide an identifier that represents a company’s creditworthiness and stability.
- Establishing Creditworthiness: DUNS numbers are used by lenders and vendors to evaluate a business’s creditworthiness, financial stability, and history. With a DUNS number, businesses can get a credit report that shows their credit score, payment history, and financial performance. This information can be critical to secure financing, apply for credit, and attract investors.
- Government Contracts: DUNS numbers are required for businesses to apply for government contracts, grants, and loans. It is a unique identifier that ensures a business is legitimate and eligible for government funding. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requires businesses to have a DUNS number to bid on and receive federal contracts.
- Partnerships and Acquisitions: DUNS numbers are used by companies to verify the legitimacy and credibility of a potential partner or acquisition. It provides a company’s complete business history, including creditworthiness, relationships with suppliers, and historical financial performance. This information can be critical to evaluating the risks and benefits of a potential partnership or acquisition.
How to Get a DUNS Number
Getting a DUNS number is a straightforward process that can be completed online through the Dun & Bradstreet website. The process typically takes about 30 days and requires a few pieces of information, including the following:
- Legal name of the business
- Physical address of the business
- Mailing address of the business, if different
- Name and title of the owner or CEO
- Total number of employees
- Revenue of the company
| DUNS Number Benefits | DUNS Number Limitations |
|---|---|
| Provides a unique identifier for a business | Not all businesses are required to have a DUNS number |
| Establishes creditworthiness and credibility | Costs associated with obtaining and maintaining a DUNS number |
| Required for government contracts, grants, and loans | May not accurately reflect a business’s current financial performance |
| Used for verifying the legitimacy of potential partners or acquisitions | Does not indicate a company’s quality of products or services |
Overall, DUNS numbers are an essential tool for businesses to establish their creditworthiness, eligibility for government contracts, and credibility with potential partners or acquisitions. It is a valuable asset that can help businesses secure funding, attract investors, and grow their operations.
How to Apply for a DUNS Number
Before you can start doing business with any organization that requires a DUNS number, you will first need to apply for and obtain one. The following are the steps that you can take to get your DUNS number.
- Step 1: Go to the Dun & Bradstreet website. This is the official website where you can apply for a DUNS number online. Click on the “Get a DUNS Number” tab on the homepage to proceed.
- Step 2: Provide your business information. You will be required to provide your company name, address, and other related information about your business. Make sure to double-check all the information you provide to ensure accuracy.
- Step 3: Verify your identity. To ensure the safety and security of the process, Dun & Bradstreet will require you to verify your identity by providing some personal information such as your name, date of birth, and social security number.
Additional Tips for Applying for a DUNS Number
Getting a DUNS number is generally a straightforward process, but sometimes minor issues can arise. To make sure that everything goes smoothly, here are some additional tips to keep in mind.
- Tip 1: Check for duplicates. Before applying for a DUNS number, you should make sure that your company does not already have one. In some cases, a business may have been assigned a DUNS number by a vendor, supplier, or financial institution without their knowledge.
- Tip 2: Be prepared for a waiting period. Although the online application process is quick and easy, Dun & Bradstreet may take a few days to process your application. So, be prepared to wait before you receive your DUNS number.
- Tip 3: Keep your information updated. Once you’ve received your DUNS number, it’s important to keep your business information up to date. This information will be used by other organizations to verify your company’s creditworthiness, so make sure it’s accurate and current.
When Do You Need to Renew Your DUNS Number?
Your DUNS number is a unique identifier that is specific to your business. It does not expire, so you do not have to worry about renewing it every year. However, you will need to renew your registration with Dun & Bradstreet if your business undergoes any major changes such as a change in ownership or legal structure.
| Changes That Require Renewal: | When to Renew: |
|---|---|
| Change in ownership | Within 30 days of the change |
| Change in legal structure or name | Within 30 days of the change |
| Bankruptcy filing | Within 30 days of the filing |
By following these steps, tips, and guidelines, you can easily apply for and obtain a DUNS number for your business. Remember that having a DUNS number can open up more opportunities for your company, so don’t hesitate to apply!
How to Obtain a DUNS Number for Free
A DUNS number, also known as a Data Universal Numbering System number, is a unique 9-digit identifier that is used to identify businesses around the world. It is essential for companies that want to do business with the government or other prominent corporations. While it is possible to pay for a DUNS number, it is also possible to obtain one for free.
- Step 1: Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website. This is the official source for obtaining a DUNS number.
- Step 2: Click on “Get a D-U-N-S Number” on the homepage.
- Step 3: Fill out the registration form with your business information. This will include your legal name, address, and other identifying information.
Why Obtain a DUNS Number?
Obtaining a DUNS number is not just a good business practice, it is a necessary one. Businesses that want to work with the government or other large corporations must have one. In addition to being a requirement for doing business, having a DUNS number can also help establish your business credit and attract more clients who want to work with reliable, credible businesses.
How Long Does it Take to Get a DUNS Number?
Once you have filled out the registration form, you can expect to receive your DUNS number within 30 days. However, in some cases, it may take longer. If you need your DUNS number quickly, you may be able to expedite the process by paying for it.
DUNS Number Lookup: What Information is Available?
If you want to look up a DUNS number, you can do so on the Dun & Bradstreet website. You will be able to see basic information about the company, including its name and address. However, if you want more detailed information, you will need to pay for a subscription to Dun & Bradstreet’s services.
| Information available | Free | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Company name | Yes | Yes |
| Address | Yes | Yes |
| Industry code | Yes | Yes |
| SIC and NAICS codes | No | Yes |
| Financial information | No | Yes |
Overall, obtaining a DUNS number for free is a relatively straightforward process. While it may take some time to receive your number, it is well worth the effort if you want to do business with the government or other large companies.
How to Lookup a DUNS Number Online
Looking up a DUNS number online is a quick and easy process. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Step 1: Visit Dun & Bradstreet’s website at dnb.com.
- Step 2: Click on the “Find Your DUNS Number” button, which will take you to the search page.
- Step 3: Enter your company name and location into the search fields.
- Step 4: Select your company from the search results.
- Step 5: Verify your identity by providing additional information, such as your name and email address.
- Step 6: Review the DUNS number for your company, which will be displayed on the screen.
It’s that simple! Within minutes, you can have access to your company’s DUNS number, which can be used for a variety of purposes.
Why Look Up a DUNS Number?
There are several reasons why you might need to look up a DUNS number online:
- Applying for business credit: Many lenders require a DUNS number as part of the application process for business credit.
- Bidding on government contracts: The federal government requires companies to have a DUNS number in order to bid on government contracts.
- Supplier and vendor verification: Many businesses use DUNS numbers to verify the legitimacy of potential suppliers and vendors.
By having your company’s DUNS number readily available, you’ll be able to streamline these processes and avoid delays in obtaining credit, bidding on contracts, or verifying suppliers and vendors.
Understanding the DUNS Number Lookup Results
After performing a DUNS number lookup, you’ll be presented with a variety of information about your company, including:
| Data Field | Description |
|---|---|
| DUNS Number | The unique nine-digit identifier assigned to your company. |
| Business Name | The legal name of your company. |
| Address | The primary physical address of your company. |
| NAICS Code | The North American Industry Classification System code assigned to your company. |
| Number of Employees | The total number of employees at your company. |
| Annual Sales Revenue | The total annual sales revenue of your company. |
By understanding the information available through a DUNS number lookup, you can gain valuable insights into your company’s standing in the marketplace and use this information to make informed business decisions.
DUNS Numbers vs. EINs: What’s the Difference?
DUNS Numbers and EINs
DUNS numbers and EINs are both unique identifiers used in business. A DUNS number (Data Universal Numbering System) is a 9-digit number used to identify a business and its creditworthiness. It is issued by Dun & Bradstreet, a major business credit reporting agency. An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is also a 9-digit number but is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business entity for tax purposes.
DUNS Numbers vs. EINs
- Use: DUNS numbers are used to track a business’s credit history and financial standing, while EINs are used for federal tax purposes.
- Issued by: DUNS numbers are issued by Dun & Bradstreet, while EINs are issued by the IRS.
- Coverage: DUNS numbers cover businesses internationally, while EINs are only used in the United States.
- Cost: DUNS numbers are assigned by Dun & Bradstreet and can be obtained for free or for a fee depending on the level of access, while EINs are free and obtained directly from the IRS.
- Application process: A business must apply for a DUNS number through Dun & Bradstreet, while an EIN can be obtained directly from the IRS by filing Form SS-4.
- Timeframe: A DUNS number is typically issued within 30 days of application, while an EIN can be obtained immediately after submitting the application.
DUNS Number Lookup
As DUNS numbers are assigned by Dun & Bradstreet, businesses can lookup their DUNS number by contacting the agency or by checking the company’s credit report, which should contain the assigned DUNS number. In addition, the agency offers a self-service lookup tool known as the DUNS lookup service. This tool allows businesses to search for their own DUNS numbers or the DUNS numbers of other companies.
EIN Lookup
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| IRS website | Businesses can lookup their EIN on the IRS website by filling out the necessary information on their “apply for EIN” page. |
| Business tax return | The EIN can also be found on the business’s tax return documents that have been submitted to the IRS. |
| Bank statement | Some banks may list the EIN on the business’s bank statements or account information. |
In conclusion, both DUNS numbers and EINs are critical for businesses to operate efficiently and meet regulatory requirements. While the two numbers are distinct, they serve different purposes and aid in identifying a business’s financial standing and tax obligations respectively. As such, companies should have both a DUNS number and an EIN to increase their competitiveness and maintain regulatory compliance.
How to Update Your Company’s DUNS Number Information
Keeping your company’s DUNS number information up-to-date is crucial for maintaining accurate business credit reports and ensuring potential partners and lenders can access the most current information about your organization. Here are some helpful tips for updating your company’s DUNS number information:
- Contact Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) directly: D&B is responsible for issuing and maintaining DUNS numbers. You can contact them directly to update your company’s information by phone or online. Be prepared to provide verification of your identity and your company’s ownership information.
- Update your information through D&B’s iUpdate system: D&B’s iUpdate system allows you to update your company’s information instantly online. Simply log in, select the information you need to update, and submit the changes. You can also use iUpdate to request a new DUNS number if necessary.
- Ensure accuracy of all information: Make sure that all of the information provided to D&B is accurate and current. This includes your company’s mailing address, phone number, email address, and other key contact information.
In addition to updating your company’s basic information, it’s also important to keep track of any changes to your business structure or ownership that may impact your DUNS number. For example, if you have undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change, you will need to notify D&B and update your DUNS number information accordingly.
Here is an example of the type of information you may need to update through D&B’s iUpdate system:
| Information to Update | Examples |
|---|---|
| Legal name or ownership | Change in company name, structure, or ownership |
| Mailing address | New physical or mailing address |
| Industry classification | Change in primary line of business or SIC code |
| Contact information | New phone number, email address, or key contact personnel |
By keeping your company’s DUNS number information current and accurate, you can help ensure that your business credit reports are up-to-date and accurate, and that potential lenders and partners can find the information they need to make informed decisions about working with your organization.
Can You Lookup a DUNS Number?
Q: What is a DUNS number?
A: A DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet to identify businesses.
Q: Can I lookup a DUNS number?
A: Yes, you can lookup a DUNS number by contacting Dun & Bradstreet or using their online search tool.
Q: Is there a fee to lookup a DUNS number?
A: There may be a fee to access certain information through Dun & Bradstreet, such as credit scores and ratings, but basic DUNS number lookup is free.
Q: What information can I find through a DUNS number lookup?
A: You can find basic information about a business, such as its name, address, and phone number, as well as its industry classification and any associated subsidiaries or branches.
Q: Why would I need to lookup a DUNS number?
A: You may need to lookup a DUNS number when doing business with a new company, applying for a government contract or grant, or checking the creditworthiness of a potential business partner.
Q: Can I lookup DUNS numbers for businesses outside the US?
A: Yes, Dun & Bradstreet operates in over 200 countries and can provide DUNS numbers for businesses worldwide.
Q: How long does it take to get a DUNS number?
A: It typically takes 1-2 business days to receive a DUNS number after submitting an application to Dun & Bradstreet.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article has helped you understand how to lookup a DUNS number. Remember, you can contact Dun & Bradstreet or use their online search tool to find a DUNS number for any business. Thanks for reading and come back soon for more useful information!