UEI (Unique Entity ID)
The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier the U.S. federal government uses to identify your business across its award systems. It replaced the DUNS number on April 4, 2022, and is generated for free directly in SAM.gov — there is no separate third-party request and no fee.
UEI vs. DUNS
Before April 2022, the government identified entities with the DUNS number, issued by a commercial third party. The UEI is government-owned, assigned within SAM.gov, and free. If you registered before the switch, your DUNS was automatically replaced by a UEI in your SAM.gov record.
- Format: 12 characters, alphanumeric.
- Where you get it: assigned in SAM.gov when you register or request entity validation.
- Cost: free.
- Used for: federal contracts, grants, and sub-awards — it ties your registration to your awards in systems like USASpending.
UEI is not the same as a CAGE code
Both identify your entity, but the UEI is the primary SAM.gov identifier, while the CAGE code is a separate 5-character code assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency. You typically receive both through SAM.gov registration.
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Start finding contracts →Frequently asked questions
What replaced the DUNS number?
The Unique Entity ID (UEI). The federal government stopped using the DUNS number on April 4, 2022, and now assigns a 12-character UEI directly in SAM.gov at no cost.
How do I get a UEI?
You get a UEI for free by registering (or requesting entity validation) in SAM.gov. There is no separate application and no third-party fee.