Overview
The Data Universal Numbering System — D-U-N-S® — is a proprietary nine-digit identifier assigned to a single business entity. It was introduced in 1963 by Dun & Bradstreet to support credit reporting. Today the D-U-N-S® database covers more than 300 million businesses worldwide and is recognised by the European Commission, the United Nations, Google, Apple, and over 50 industry and trade associations.
Why might you need one?
- Bidding on contracts that require verified business identity
- Applying for loans, grants, or trade finance
- Onboarding with multinational buyers or platforms
- Establishing a credit profile separate from your personal identity
How much does it cost?
Any D-U-N-S® Number is issued solely by Dun & Bradstreet. Processing time is typically several weeks. For authoritative pricing information, please visit the official Dun & Bradstreet website (see Wikipedia summary).
How does our service relate?
We are an independent document-checking and filing service. We do not issue D-U-N-S® Numbers; we are not authorised by Dun & Bradstreet; and we do not represent them in any way. What we offer is document-checking and filing preparation:
- You provide your business details and required documents.
- We check your documents for completeness, readability, and the fields Dun & Bradstreet typically asks for.
- We complete the Dun & Bradstreet application form using the information you provide and submit your filing to them.
- If Dun & Bradstreet asks clarifying questions during their review, we forward those questions to you and pass your responses back to them as part of the same filing.
The decision to issue the D-U-N-S® Number — and the number itself — remains the sole authority of Dun & Bradstreet.