D-U-N-S Number: How to Get Your Free D&B Number in 24 Hours
Step-by-step guide to getting your D-U-N-S Number from Dun & Bradstreet. Learn the free method, expedited options, and what to do after you have it.

D-U-N-S Number: How to Get Your Free D&B Number in 24 Hours
Your D-U-N-S Number is a nine-digit identifier that unlocks business credit. Without it, you can't build a Paydex score. With it, you can start establishing trade references and accessing vendor credit.
Getting a D-U-N-S Number is free. Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) will try to sell you monitoring packages, credit-building services, and expedited processing. You don't need any of it.
Here's exactly how to get your D-U-N-S Number—free or fast, your choice.
What Is a D-U-N-S Number?
D-U-N-S stands for Data Universal Numbering System. It's a unique nine-digit identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet to individual business locations.
Why it matters:
- Required for a Paydex score
- Used by vendors to verify your business
- Required for government contracts
- Used by lenders for business credit checks
- Essential for B2B credit applications
What it looks like: XX-XXX-XXXX (example: 12-345-6789)
Every business location gets its own D-U-N-S Number. If you have multiple locations, each gets a separate number.
The Free Method: Standard Application
This costs nothing. Processing takes up to 30 days.
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you apply, have this ready:
- Legal business name (exactly as registered)
- Physical business address (not PO Box for primary)
- Business phone number
- Legal structure (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
- Year business started
- Number of employees
- Primary industry/business activity
- Annual revenue (estimate is fine)
- Name of principal/owner
Step 2: Apply Online
Go to: dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html
- Click "Get a D-U-N-S Number"
- Select your country
- Choose "Free D-U-N-S Number"
- Complete the application form
- Verify your information
- Submit
You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number.
Step 3: Wait for Processing
Standard processing: Up to 30 business days
D&B will verify your business exists using public records, business registrations, and sometimes a phone call.
You may receive:
- Verification call from D&B
- Email requesting additional documentation
- Letter confirming your D-U-N-S Number
Step 4: Receive Your Number
Once approved, you'll receive your D-U-N-S Number via email. Save this number—you'll need it for every business credit application going forward.
The Fast Method: Expedited Processing
Need your D-U-N-S Number faster? You have options.
D&B Direct Expedite (24-72 Hours)
Cost: ~$229 for same-day or next-day processing
Go to: dnb.com and select expedited application
When it's worth it:
- Government contract deadline
- Time-sensitive vendor application
- Starting credit-building campaign immediately
SBA/Government Path (Free Expedite)
If you're applying for government contracts or SBA loans, you can get expedited processing for free.
Through SAM.gov:
- Register at SAM.gov (System for Award Management)
- During registration, request D-U-N-S Number
- Processing: 1-2 business days
- No cost if you're legitimately registering for federal contracts
Through iUpdate (for existing profiles): If D&B already has a file on your business, you may be able to claim/update it faster through their iUpdate portal.
Common Application Problems (And Fixes)
Problem: "Business not found"
D&B may say they can't find your business in their records.
Fix:
- Ensure your business is registered with your state
- Verify your business has been filed with the IRS (EIN)
- Check that your address matches state registration
- Try again after 7-10 days
Problem: Duplicate D-U-N-S request
You may already have a D-U-N-S Number without knowing it.
Fix:
- Search for your business at dnb.com
- Call D&B: 1-800-234-3867
- If you find an existing number, claim it rather than creating a new one
Problem: Verification call issues
D&B may call your business phone to verify.
Fix:
- Ensure your business phone is answered professionally
- Let anyone answering know D&B may call
- Call back if you miss them: 1-800-234-3867
Problem: Wrong information on file
D&B data can be outdated or incorrect.
Fix:
- Use iUpdate to correct information
- Submit documentation supporting corrections
- Follow up within 30 days
After You Get Your D-U-N-S Number
Having the number is step one. Now you need to build your D&B profile.
Verify Your Business Information
Go to D&B's iUpdate portal and verify:
- Business name is correct
- Address matches your official address
- Phone number is correct
- Industry code (SIC/NAICS) is accurate
- Employee count is current
Incorrect information can cause problems with vendor applications.
Add Trade References (If You Have Them)
If you have existing vendor relationships that haven't reported to D&B, you can add them manually:
- Login to D&B iUpdate
- Add trade reference information
- D&B may verify with the vendor
Apply for Vendor Credit
With your D-U-N-S Number active, start applying for Net-30 vendor accounts:
- Uline
- Quill
- Grainger
- Summa Office Supplies
These vendors report to D&B, which builds your Paydex score.
Set Up Credit Monitoring (Free)
D&B CreditSignal offers free basic monitoring:
- Alerts when your profile is pulled
- Paydex score visibility
- Trade reference tracking
Go to: dnb.com/products/small-business/creditsignal.html
What D&B Tries to Sell You (And What to Skip)
D&B is in the business of selling business information services. They will try to upsell you. Here's what you actually need:
Skip These (Usually)
CreditBuilder Plus ($149-$499/month) Accelerates reporting, but you can build credit without it through vendor accounts.
D&B Business Credit Advantage ($599/year) Comprehensive monitoring, but CreditSignal is free.
Hoovers Subscription Business intelligence data. Not needed for credit building.
Consider These (Maybe)
Expedited D-U-N-S ($229) Only if you need the number immediately.
D&B Verified Profile (varies) May help if you're pursuing enterprise B2B contracts. Not needed for standard credit building.
D-U-N-S Number FAQ
How long does a D-U-N-S Number last?
Forever, as long as your business exists. Numbers are not recycled. Even if your business closes, that D-U-N-S Number is permanently retired and will never be assigned to another entity. This permanence is why D&B uses nine digits—the system needs to accommodate billions of unique business identifiers globally.
What happens to my D-U-N-S Number if I change business structure?
If you convert from sole proprietor to LLC, or LLC to Corporation, you typically keep the same D-U-N-S Number. However, significant changes may require verification through iUpdate. Contact D&B if your legal structure changes to ensure your profile stays accurate and your credit history transfers properly.
Can I have multiple D-U-N-S Numbers?
Yes—one per business location. A single-location business has one number. Multi-location businesses have one per location.
Does getting a D-U-N-S Number cost money?
The number itself is free. Expedited processing costs money. Monitoring/building services cost money. But the basic D-U-N-S Number is always free.
Will D&B contact my business?
Possibly. They may call to verify information. This is normal and not a scam (as long as the call comes from a verified D&B number).
What if my D-U-N-S Number shows no information?
A new D-U-N-S Number won't have credit data until vendors start reporting. This is normal. Build your profile through vendor accounts.
Can sole proprietors get D-U-N-S Numbers?
Yes. Sole proprietorships can get D-U-N-S Numbers, but building business credit is easier with an LLC or Corporation.
Your D-U-N-S Number Checklist
Preparation
- Business legally formed and registered
- EIN obtained from IRS
- Business phone number established
- Business address verified
Application
- Apply at dnb.com (free) or request expedite if needed
- Save confirmation email and reference number
- Watch for verification calls or emails
After Approval
- Save D-U-N-S Number in secure location
- Verify information through iUpdate
- Set up free CreditSignal monitoring
- Apply for first vendor accounts
Next Steps
Your D-U-N-S Number is the key that unlocks business credit. Get it, verify your information, then start building with vendor accounts.
The sooner you have your number, the sooner you can start establishing trade references and building your Paydex score.
Apply today—you'll have your D-U-N-S Number within 30 days, or within 24 hours if you choose to expedite.
Ready to build on your D-U-N-S Number foundation? Freedom Consulting helps business owners establish credit profiles. Book a free consultation to create your business credit roadmap.
Related: Net-30 Vendor Accounts List | How to Build Business Credit in 90 Days
Disclaimer: D&B processes and pricing may change. Verify current terms at dnb.com.
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This article is part of our Business Credit: The Complete 2025 Guide to Building Corporate Credit guide series.
Related articles in this series:
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