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.

Disclaimer: D&B processes and pricing may change. Verify current terms at dnb.com.

Continue Learning

This article is part of our Business Credit: The Complete 2025 Guide to Building Corporate Credit guide series.

Related articles in this series:

D-U-N-S Number: How to Get Your Free D&B Number in 24 Hours

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?

What happens to my D-U-N-S Number if I change business structure?

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.

Disclaimer: D&B processes and pricing may change. Verify current terms at dnb.com.

Continue Learning

This article is part of our Business Credit: The Complete 2025 Guide to Building Corporate Credit guide series.

Related articles in this series:

D-U-N-S Number: How to Get Your Free D&B Number in 24 Hours

D-U-N-S Number: How to Get Your Free D&B Number in 24 Hours

What Is a D-U-N-S Number?

The Free Method: Standard Application

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Step 2: Apply Online

Step 3: Wait for Processing

Step 4: Receive Your Number

The Fast Method: Expedited Processing

D&B Direct Expedite (24-72 Hours)

SBA/Government Path (Free Expedite)

Common Application Problems (And Fixes)

Problem: "Business not found"

Problem: Duplicate D-U-N-S request

Problem: Verification call issues

Problem: Wrong information on file

After You Get Your D-U-N-S Number

Verify Your Business Information

Add Trade References (If You Have Them)

Apply for Vendor Credit

Set Up Credit Monitoring (Free)

What D&B Tries to Sell You (And What to Skip)

Skip These (Usually)

Consider These (Maybe)

D-U-N-S Number FAQ

How long does a D-U-N-S Number last?

What happens to my D-U-N-S Number if I change business structure?

Can I have multiple D-U-N-S Numbers?

Does getting a D-U-N-S Number cost money?

Will D&B contact my business?

What if my D-U-N-S Number shows no information?

Can sole proprietors get D-U-N-S Numbers?

Your D-U-N-S Number Checklist

Preparation

Application

After Approval

Next Steps

Continue Learning

Need Help with Your Credit Strategy?

Related Articles

Business Credit Monitoring: Track Your Scores and Protect Your Profile

LLC Credit Building: Establish Business Credit for Your LLC

Business Tradelines: How They Work and Why They Matter

D-U-N-S Number: How to Get Your Free D&B Number in 24 Hours

D-U-N-S Number: How to Get Your Free D&B Number in 24 Hours

What Is a D-U-N-S Number?

The Free Method: Standard Application

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Step 2: Apply Online

Step 3: Wait for Processing

Step 4: Receive Your Number

The Fast Method: Expedited Processing

D&B Direct Expedite (24-72 Hours)

SBA/Government Path (Free Expedite)

Common Application Problems (And Fixes)

Problem: "Business not found"

Problem: Duplicate D-U-N-S request

Problem: Verification call issues

Problem: Wrong information on file

After You Get Your D-U-N-S Number

Verify Your Business Information

Add Trade References (If You Have Them)

Apply for Vendor Credit

Set Up Credit Monitoring (Free)

What D&B Tries to Sell You (And What to Skip)

Skip These (Usually)

Consider These (Maybe)

D-U-N-S Number FAQ

How long does a D-U-N-S Number last?

What happens to my D-U-N-S Number if I change business structure?

Can I have multiple D-U-N-S Numbers?

Does getting a D-U-N-S Number cost money?

Will D&B contact my business?

What if my D-U-N-S Number shows no information?

Can sole proprietors get D-U-N-S Numbers?

Your D-U-N-S Number Checklist

Preparation

Application

After Approval

Next Steps