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How to Get a DUNS Number in 2026: Fast & Easy Guide

A DUNS number is one of the most important identifiers your business can have. Whether you're applying to the Apple Developer Program, setting up a Google Play developer account, bidding on government contracts, or building your business credit profile — you'll need a D-U-N-S number. This guide walks you through every method available in 2026, from the free 30-day process to getting your number in just 2 minutes.

What Is a DUNS Number and Why Do You Need One?

A DUNS number (Data Universal Numbering System) is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned to your business by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It acts as a universal business identity — recognized by governments, enterprises, and platforms worldwide as the standard way to verify that your company exists and is legitimate.

First introduced in 1962, the DUNS system now covers over 455 million businesses across 224 countries. It is the backbone of global B2B commerce, public procurement, and developer ecosystems.

Who Requires a DUNS Number?

Apple Developer Program

Required to publish apps as an organization on the App Store. Apple uses DUNS to verify your company exists before granting an organization account.

Google Play Console

Required for developer accounts registered as businesses. Google verifies your entity via DUNS.

US Federal Government Contracts

All businesses seeking federal contracts, grants, or awards must have a DUNS number (now transitioning to UEI for SAM.gov, but DUNS is still widely referenced).

EU and International Procurement

Many European governments and international organizations use DUNS to vet suppliers.

Business Credit Building

D&B uses your DUNS number as the anchor for your business credit file (Paydex score). Without it, you can't build a business credit profile.

Enterprise B2B Partnerships

Large corporations often require DUNS verification before entering supplier or partner agreements.

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3 Methods to Get a DUNS Number

There are three main ways to obtain a DUNS number, each with different timelines, costs, and levels of effort. Here's a quick comparison before we dive into the details:

MethodCostTimeEffort
D&B Official WebsiteFreeUp to 30 daysHigh (manual forms)
Apple DUNS Lookup ToolFree3–5 business daysMedium (requires Apple account)
DUNS Verify€4.992 minutesMinimal (instant lookup)

Method 1: Official D&B Website (Free, 30 Days)

The official method is to request your DUNS number directly from Dun & Bradstreet. This is free of charge but can take up to 30 business days. D&B will manually verify your business information before assigning a number.

When to use it: If you're not in a rush and want to establish your D&B profile from scratch with full control over your company information.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Go to the D&B DUNS Number request page (dnb.com)
  2. Select your country and click "Get a D-U-N-S Number"
  3. Fill in your company name, address, phone number, and legal structure
  4. Provide the name of the business owner or senior executive
  5. Enter the number of employees and your primary business activity (SIC code)
  6. Submit your request — you'll receive a case number by email
  7. Wait for D&B to verify and process your application (up to 30 days)
  8. Receive your 9-digit DUNS number by email once approved

Important note: D&B also offers an expedited paid service ("D-U-N-S Number Plus") that delivers your number faster, but this can cost $229 or more. For most businesses, this premium service is not necessary.

Method 2: Apple DUNS Lookup Tool (Free, 3–5 Days)

If you need a DUNS number specifically for the Apple Developer Program, Apple offers a built-in DUNS lookup and request tool within their developer enrollment process. This is faster than the official D&B process — typically 3 to 5 business days.

When to use it: When you need a DUNS number specifically to create an organization account on Apple Developer. Apple coordinates directly with D&B on your behalf.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Start the Apple Developer enrollment at developer.apple.com/enroll
  2. Select "Organization" as your entity type
  3. When prompted for your DUNS number, click "Look up your D-U-N-S number"
  4. Enter your legal company name, address, and contact details
  5. If your company is found, Apple will display your existing DUNS number
  6. If not found, Apple submits a DUNS number request to D&B on your behalf
  7. Wait 3–5 business days for D&B to process and assign your number
  8. Return to Apple Developer enrollment to continue with your new DUNS number

Method 3: DUNS Verify (2 Minutes, €4.99)

DUNS Verify is the fastest way to find your existing DUNS number or verify that your business already has one. Rather than waiting weeks for D&B's process, DUNS Verify searches the D&B database instantly and delivers your DUNS number in under 2 minutes.

When to use it: When your business may already have a DUNS number (most registered businesses do) and you need it urgently — for an Apple Developer application, a government contract deadline, or any business verification requirement.

Step-by-step process:

  1. Go to DUNS Verify (dunsverify.com)
  2. Enter your company name and country
  3. Select your company from the suggested results
  4. Complete the secure payment (€4.99)
  5. Receive your verified DUNS number instantly

This method works because the majority of registered businesses already exist in the D&B database — often assigned a DUNS number without the business owner's knowledge. DUNS Verify simply surfaces that number quickly and verifies it is accurate and active.

Common Issues and How to Solve Them

"My company name isn't found in the D&B database"

This can happen if your business is very new, registered under a different legal name, or located in a country with limited D&B coverage. Try searching with your full legal name exactly as it appears on your business registration. If still not found, proceed with a new DUNS request through D&B's official site.

"Apple says my DUNS number is invalid"

Apple performs its own validation of DUNS numbers against the D&B database. If your number is rejected, it may mean the company information in D&B's records doesn't match what you entered in Apple's form. Ensure your legal business name, address, and phone number are exactly as registered with D&B.

"I got a DUNS number but my D&B profile shows wrong information"

You can update your business information in the D&B database by contacting D&B directly. Log in to your D&B account or call their business support line. Note that changes can take 1–5 business days to propagate.

"I already have a DUNS number but don't know what it is"

This is the most common situation. Most registered businesses already have a DUNS number assigned automatically by D&B. Use DUNS Verify to quickly retrieve your existing number without going through the full D&B request process.

"My DUNS request has been pending for over 30 days"

Contact D&B customer support directly with your case number. Long delays are sometimes due to incomplete information or an address that couldn't be verified. D&B may need additional documentation like a business license or utility bill to confirm your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a DUNS number free?

Getting a DUNS number through D&B's official website is free. D&B does offer paid expedited options and premium services, but the basic DUNS number itself costs nothing. DUNS Verify charges €4.99 to quickly retrieve your existing number from the D&B database.

How long does it take to get a DUNS number?

Via D&B directly: up to 30 business days. Via the Apple DUNS lookup tool: 3–5 business days. Via DUNS Verify (if your business already exists in D&B): under 2 minutes.

Can I have more than one DUNS number?

Each physical location of a business can have its own DUNS number. If you operate multiple branches, each branch can be registered separately. However, a single legal entity at a single address should only have one DUNS number.

Do sole proprietors / freelancers need a DUNS number?

Sole proprietors can get a DUNS number if they operate under a business name. However, for Apple Developer individual accounts or personal Google Play accounts, a DUNS number is not required — only organization accounts need one.

Does a DUNS number expire?

No, DUNS numbers do not expire. They are permanent identifiers assigned to your business. However, if your business closes or changes its legal structure significantly, D&B may mark the number as inactive.

Is a DUNS number the same as a UEI?

No. As of April 2022, the US federal government replaced DUNS with the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for SAM.gov registrations. However, DUNS is still required for Apple, Google Play, international procurement, and business credit. See our DUNS vs UEI guide for a full breakdown.

What's the difference between a DUNS number and an EIN?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS for US tax purposes. A DUNS number is issued by D&B for business identity and credit purposes. They serve completely different functions and you will typically need both. See our DUNS vs EIN comparison.

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Fast service

Get your DUNS number in 2 minutes

No more 30-day wait. Receive your D-U-N-S number directly by email, certified by Dun & Bradstreet.

Get my DUNS number — €4.99