A D-U-N-S number identifies a business entity record
A D-U-N-S number is a unique nine-digit business identifier assigned and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet. It is associated with business identity information such as the legal entity name and address. It is not a personal identification number, and the digits themselves are not a credit score.
What information is connected to a D-U-N-S record?
The exact data available in a business record depends on the jurisdiction and source information, but core identity data commonly includes the legal business name, location or registered address, business contact information and organizational details. Because the identifier is used to distinguish businesses, consistency between the D-U-N-S record and official company documents matters in verification workflows.
Where is a D-U-N-S number used?
Companies may encounter a D-U-N-S number when completing supplier onboarding, business verification, marketplace or developer account registration, and other cross-border processes. Apple uses the D-U-N-S number as part of organization enrollment verification for the Apple Developer Program. Google Play organization accounts also use a D-U-N-S number as part of developer identity verification, subject to the platform’s current rules and exceptions.
Is a D-U-N-S number the same as a tax number?
No. A tax or company-registration number is issued under a national legal or tax system. A D-U-N-S number is a separate business identifier maintained by Dun & Bradstreet. A company may therefore have a local tax number, a registration number and a D-U-N-S number at the same time.
Does every company already have one?
No. Some businesses already have a D-U-N-S record because of previous commercial activity, supplier registrations or platform onboarding, while others do not. This is why the safest first step is to search for an existing record before requesting a new one.
Frequently asked questions
How many digits are in a D-U-N-S number?
A D-U-N-S number has nine digits.
Is a D-U-N-S number a credit score?
No. The number is an identifier; it is not itself an evaluation or credit score.
Should I request a new number before checking for an existing record?
No. Check for an existing company record first to reduce the risk of duplicate or mismatched records.
Official references
Requirements can change. For the platform-specific rules, also review the official source:
Need help with your company record?
Check the existing record first, then use the application or update route that matches your company’s situation.