A D-U-N-S Number represents a number that is used to identify business that you own. D-U-N-S means Data Universal Numbering System, a system developed in the 60s by the Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) company for their own business.
The ‘DUNS’ system has quickly spread worldwide and it’s used by Apple to check if you’re a registered business and to identify the identity of your Company. The database is used to maintain up-to-date and timely information on more than 300 million businesses globally.
Obtaining a DUNS Number for your business is quite straightforward. The process usually takes about five working days. To apply for a DUNS Number if your business, you will need to supply the following information:
- Legal entity name
- Headquarters address
- Mailing address
- Your work contact information
Before you start, use the DUNS Number lookup tool to check if you already have one. If your company is not in the database, you can submit your information and get your DUNS number. Once you receive your D-U-N-S Number, Apple needs up to 2 business days to analyse your information. After two days, you can enroll as a company/organization in the Apple Developer Program.
Did you know?
All Registered businesses in the UK and Ireland are automatically issued with a D-U-N-S Number.
There is no charge to obtain such a number for your business. Having a D-U-N-S Number can make it easier for your customers and suppliers to do business with you, some customers even require it of their suppliers.
How can a D-U-N-S number help me?
Here are 4 ways a DUNS number can help you:
- Establish business creditworthiness. Your DUNS number is directly tied to a credit profile on your business. Keep in mind that your credit profile won’t be much use to you (and can actually harm you) until you begin establishing a strong business credit history.
- Safeguard your personal creditworthiness. When you don’t have a DUNS number tied to your business credit profile, you’ll need to depend more on your personal credit for business purposes. This can harm your personal credit if you make late payments or keep high amounts of business debt.
- Bid on government contracts. Local, state, and federal contracting opportunities will likely require your business to have a DUNS number. Any contracting opportunity in the System for Award Management (SAM) will require a DUNS number to apply.
- If you can prove to vendors and suppliers that you are a creditworthy business, they will be more likely to offer you longer trade terms, like net-30 or even net-90 day terms. The best way to do this is by establishing business credit history tied to your DUNS number.
How to get a DUNS number
Apply here to get a DUNS number. Once you’ve applied, you’ll likely get a call from a representative to help you through the process, and you’ll receive your DUNS number within 30 days.
Applying for a DUNS number is a simple process, but it does require you to first establish your business as a legal entity. Inside the application, you’ll need to provide information like your legal name, the name of your business’ headquarters and address of your business, your telephone number, whether you’re a home-based business, and the number of employees at your physical location.