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A DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number is a unique, nine-digit identifier for a business, issued by the business credit bureau Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It is used to track a company's financial history, establish business credit, and verify a business's legitimacy for purposes like government contracts, grants, and international trade.

What it is and what it's used for

Unique identifier: It's like a Social Security number for a business, providing a reliable way to identify a specific company or even a specific location of a company. Business credit: Much like a personal FICO score, a DUNS number helps create a business credit profile. Lenders and other businesses use the associated D&B reports to assess creditworthiness. Verification: It is often required for government contracts, federal grants, and for doing business with large corporations or internationally. Risk assessment: Potential partners and vendors use a DUNS number to evaluate a business's financial health and reliability before entering into a partnership.

DUNS numbers are free for U.S. companies to obtain through Dun & Bradstreet. You will need to provide basic information about your business, such as its name, address, and primary business type. You can apply by phone or online via the Dun & Bradstreet website.