Getting a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is the first step to establishing a business's credit profile in the United States that isn't tied to your personal finances. A DUNS number can improve your startup's visibility, boost its credibility, and let potential business partners verify your company's identity. Requesting this identifier for your startup can help you prepare for opportunities that could arise as your business grows.

Below, we'll explain what a DUNS number is, when a startup might be asked for it, how to get one, and how it differs from other identifiers connected to your startup.

Key takeaways

• A DUNS number is a nine-digit identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) that's used to verify a business's identity, track its corporate credit activity, and evaluate its financial stability and creditworthiness. You don't need one to start a company, but businesses, government agencies, and lenders might request it as part of their application, procurement, and onboarding processes.

• An organisation can have multiple identifiers. For example, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is used to file federal tax returns and process payroll; a state file number identifies your business in the state where it's registered; and the government body that issues a business licence usually assigns it a number.

• Businesses can keep DUNS records accurate and prevent mismatches during vendor, grant, or lending applications by regularly reviewing their profiles and updating outdated information in the D-U-N-S Profile Manager. If you find inaccurate data in your record, you can dispute it, and D&B will review the request to determine the information's validity.

What is a DUNS number?

A DUNS number is a nine-digit identifier used to verify a business's identity and track its corporate credit activity in the US. Every assigned code is unique. If your business has multiple locations, each location will receive a different identifier.

With this identifier, your startup can build a business credit profile separate from your founders' personal credit histories. Lenders, vendors, suppliers, and potential business partners use the data tied to a business's DUNS number to determine creditworthiness and financial stability.

D&B, a private company that collects credit data on more than 650 million businesses worldwide, issues these identifiers. However, it's not an official government registration. So you'll still need to follow your state's process to register your company with the appropriate agencies to ensure it complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

When startups are asked for a DUNS number

Government agencies, private businesses, lenders, and other organisations might ask for your DUNS number when:

• You're applying for a contract or grant

• You want to work with a vendor or corporate customer that requires it for procurement

• You're applying for a business loan

You don't need a DUNS number to start a business, but obtaining it early can help prevent delays if it's requested for onboarding, a request for proposal, or a loan application as your business grows.

How to get a DUNS number

You don't have to pay a third-party service to get a DUNS number for your business. Apply directly at no cost using these steps:

• Go to D&B's website: Select the "D-U-N-S Number" menu option and request a DUNS number. Choose the type of business you operate.

• Complete the registration form: The required details vary based on your business structure and could include your business name, address, phone number, owner information, formation year, industry, and employee count.

• Choose standard or expedited processing: With standard processing, there's no charge, but it can take as long as 30 working days to receive your DUNS number. Expedited applications are processed within eight working days for a fee of US$229.

• Verify your information: After you submit your registration form, a representative from D&B might contact you to confirm the details you provided. Once verification is complete, you'll receive an email with your DUNS number.

• Repeat the process: DUNS numbers are specific to a location. If you have multiple locations, request a separate identifier for each.

DUNS number vs. other business identifiers

Your startup could have multiple business identifiers, each serving a different purpose. Understanding how each works and who assigns it can reduce confusion as you complete registration paperwork.

Common types of identifiers your business might be assigned include the following:

• DUNS number: D&B issues DUNS numbers, which are linked to a business's credit information, including its payment history, business credit scores, and public records (e.g., lawsuits, business bankruptcies). The data is combined to create a risk assessment and evaluate an organisation's credibility and financial health.

• EIN: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) assigns EINs to businesses. You'll need your EIN to file federal tax returns and process payroll. It could also be required to open a business bank account or credit card.

• State file number: When you legally form your business, the state where you register it assigns it a state file number. This is used to identify your business within the state.

• Business licence number: Many companies need a business licence to comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. When a regulatory board or government agency issues a business licence, it generally assigns it a number.

How to look up an existing DUNS number

The D-U-N-S Number Lookup tool lets you see whether a business already has an identifier. Before requesting a DUNS number for your startup, you can check whether it already has one to avoid a duplicate request. Sometimes, D&B assigns a DUNS number to a business that hasn't requested one if it has enough data from other sources, or if a supplier or financial institution seeks information about it.

How to keep DUNS records accurate over time

Accurate DUNS records can help prevent mismatches during vendor, grant, or lending applications. You can manage your business details using the D-U-N-S Profile Manager. To protect your data, updates are restricted to owners, directors, and officers, and D&B will verify your identity before making any changes.

Reviewing records annually helps keep details accurate. Checking the listing before a procurement deadline, grant application, or business loan application lets you correct inaccuracies before they can affect funding or business relationships. You'll also want to update your records when your company's legal name, address, ownership, or employee count changes.

If you find inaccurate data in your record, you can dispute it. D&B will review the request to determine whether the information in your file is correct.

How Stripe Atlas can help

Stripe Atlas handles everything you need to legally launch your company – incorporation, employer identification number (EIN), equity setup, and tax filings – so you can fundraise, open a bank account, and start accepting payments in as little as two working days, from anywhere in the world.

Join 100,000+ startups incorporated using Atlas, including startups backed by top investors like Y Combinator (YC), a16z, and General Catalyst.

Get started in minutes with Atlas

The application takes under 10 minutes. You'll choose your company structure, confirm your name is available, add up to four cofounders, set your equity split, and e-sign. Then Atlas takes it from there, including notifying cofounders to sign their documents electronically.

Banking and payments before your EIN arrives

Atlas files your EIN application automatically after incorporation. You don't have to wait – Atlas enables pre-EIN payments and banking so you can start accepting payments and making transactions right away. US founders with a Social Security number (SSN) are typically eligible for expedited IRS processing.

Automatic 83(b) tax election filing

Atlas files your 83(b) election for you – US and non-US founders alike – with US Postal Service (USPS) certified mail and tracking to reduce personal income taxes. You'll get a signed 83(b) election and proof of filing directly in your Stripe Dashboard, with certified mail confirmation.

World-class company legal documents

Atlas provides all the legal documents you need to start running your company, drafted by Cooley, one of the world's leading venture capital law firms, and stores them directly in your Stripe Dashboard. These documents are designed to help you fundraise immediately and ensure your company is legally protected, covering aspects like ownership structure, equity distribution, and tax compliance.

US$2,500 in Stripe credits, plus US$50K+ in partner discounts

Atlas startups get US$2,500 in Stripe product credits for their first year, plus US$50,000+ in partner discounts on essential tools like AWS, Google, Xero, Perplexity, and more. Delaware registered agent service is also included free for your first year.

Learn more about how Atlas can help you set up your new business quickly and easily and get started today.

FAQs about DUNS numbers and whether your startup needs one