UEI & CAGE Codes, Explained

What is a UEI number?

A UEI (Unique Entity ID) is a 12-character identifier assigned at SAM.gov that represents your business in the federal award system. It replaced the DUNS number in April 2022, so today the UEI is the single ID the government uses to track who you are across contracts and grants. You can't register to win federal work without one — and getting it is free.

What is a CAGE code?

A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) codeis a 5-character code that identifies your business and its specific location to federal agencies. Here's the part that saves you money: for US entities, the CAGE code is assigned automatically by the Defense Logistics Agency when you register in SAM.gov. You don't apply for it separately, and you never pay for it. (Businesses located outside the US obtain an NCAGE code first.)

UEI vs CAGE vs EIN vs DUNS

Four IDs people constantly mix up. Here's who issues each, what it costs, and whether you actually need it:

How to get each one — free

1. 1. EIN — first

   Get your free EIN from the IRS. It's usually issued immediately online and anchors everything else.

2. 2. UEI — at SAM.gov

   Request your UEI as part of registering your entity at SAM.gov. It's assigned once your business passes entity validation.

3. 3. CAGE code — automatic

   You don't do anything. For US entities the CAGE code is assigned automatically during that same SAM.gov registration.

Doing the full registration? Build a personalized, step-by-step plan with the SAM.gov Registration Checklist.

Do I need a CAGE code?

If you're registering in SAM.gov to bid on federal contracts, yes — but you don't request it. It's assigned to you automatically during registration, so there's nothing extra to do and nothing to pay. If a prime contractor or a solicitation clause asks for your CAGE code, it's the one already on your SAM.gov registration. If anyone offers to sell you a CAGE code, walk away.

Look up a UEI or CAGE code

Need to find your own UEI/CAGE, or check a company you're teaming with? It's public and free on SAM.gov.

UEI & CAGE code FAQ

What is a UEI number?

A UEI (Unique Entity ID) is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned at SAM.gov that represents your business in the federal award system. It replaced the DUNS number in April 2022. You need one to register for and win federal contracts and grants, and it's free.

What is a CAGE code?

A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is a 5-character code that identifies your business and its location to federal agencies. For US entities it's assigned automatically by the Defense Logistics Agency when you register in SAM.gov — you don't apply for it separately, and it's free. Foreign entities obtain an NCAGE code first.

What's the difference between a UEI and an EIN?

They serve different systems. Your EIN is your tax ID, issued by the IRS, and you need it before you register. Your UEI is your identity in the federal contracting system, assigned at SAM.gov. Both are free. You get the EIN first, then use it to register and receive your UEI.

Do I still need a DUNS number?

No. The DUNS number was retired on April 4, 2022 and replaced by the SAM.gov-issued UEI. You no longer need a DUNS number to register for or do business with the federal government.

How do I get a UEI or CAGE code, and is it free?

Both are free. You request your UEI as part of registering your entity at SAM.gov; once your entity passes validation, the UEI is assigned. For US entities, the CAGE code is then assigned automatically during the same registration. Never pay a third party for either — anyone selling a UEI or CAGE code is reselling a free government service.

How do I look up a company's UEI or CAGE code?

UEI and CAGE codes are public. Use the free SAM.gov entity search to look up any registered business by name and see its UEI, CAGE code, and registration status.