The Data Universal Numbering System or D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit number that gets assigned to businesses who apply for one. The D&B number was developed as a way of identifying businesses. Once a Dun & Bradstreet number is assigned to a business, it stays with that entity even if the company goes out of business. It is a life to death number.
Once your business has been assigned a Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number it will be listed among other companies in the D&B database. Anyone who would want to do business with your company will be able to access your company's profile by doing a D-U-N-S number lookup. Here are some reasons why your business should apply for a Dun & Bradstreet number:
1. A D&B number is required to conduct business with the United States Federal government.
2. Acquiring a D&B number is the first step in establishing your business credit history.
3. Businesses who want to sell to you or give you a loan will not do so unless you are a business with a D-U-N-S number.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Apply for your Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number
Obtaining a D-U-N-S number is very easy. The application for getting a D-U-N-S number asks for the name, address, telephone number, owner's name, names of officers, a description of the primary line of business, year established and last year's revenue figures.
I recommend: Get your D-U-N-S number directly from
D&B. You can do it right online or over the telephone. D&B is also a major provider of credit reports so you can establish your business credit with them by completing a business
credit profile. Check out
myFICO for additional information on credit history.
Update your information contained in the Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number business listings
When you receive a D-U-N-S number your company's data is automatically entered into a database of Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number business listings. Other businesses will use a D-U-N-S number search to get an objective view of potential new companies to conduct business with in the future. For this reason you should update your information at least twice a year, and more frequently if your company is undergoing major changes, to ensure the accuracy of the information that is being reported on your company.
I recommend: Update your D&B data with
eupdate. It's a good idea to check your company's credit history at least once a year by contacting
Experian for a report. Learn the ABC's of business credit history from
Entrepreneur.com.
Screen suppliers and vendors with a D&B number lookup
Before entering into a business relationship, screen the other company with a D-U-N-S number lookup. A D-U-N-S number is attached to the D&B credit history so you can ensure that the company you are looking into is the correct entity.
I recommend: There are other service providers who allow you to do a D-U-N-S number lookup such as
Zapdata and
KnowX. The lookups are free, but you will have to pay a fee for detailed reports.
D&B has a service called D&B’s Supplier Information Report that allows you to screen potential suppliers.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- D-U-N-S Number assignment is free for all businesses required to register with the United States Federal government for contracts or grants.
The official source of Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number is
the Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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