Your business needs a DUNS number.
The DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number is your business's unique identifier with Dun & Bradstreet — the primary business credit bureau. Without it, your business credit file doesn't exist.
What is a DUNS number?
A DUNS number is a 9-digit unique identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet to your business. Think of it as your business's Social Security Number for credit purposes. Every business credit application, vendor account, and government contract requires it.
D&B uses your DUNS number to track your business's payment history with vendors, lenders, and suppliers. This data feeds your Paydex score — the business equivalent of a FICO score.
The DUNS number is free. D&B also sells credit monitoring and "credit builder" services, but the number itself costs nothing. Do not pay for what you can get free.
How to get your DUNS number (free)
Visit D&B's official site
Go to dnb.com and click "Get a D-U-N-S Number." Do not use third-party sites that charge fees.
Enter your business information
Legal name, address, phone, EIN, structure (LLC/Corp), industry code (SIC/NAICS), and number of employees.
Verify your identity
D&B may call or email to verify. Answer promptly — delays slow down your file creation.
Receive your DUNS number
Typically within 30 days. You can check status online. Some approvals come faster if you have an existing business history.
Check your credit file
Once assigned, ask D&B for your business credit report. Verify all information is accurate before building on it.
Common DUNS mistakes
Using a home address
D&B flags home-based businesses as higher risk. Use a virtual office or commercial address if possible.
Inconsistent business name
Your DUNS name must match your legal entity name exactly. "MyBiz LLC" and "MyBiz, LLC" are different files.
Ignoring the file
D&B creates your file with incomplete data. Review it and add missing info — website, email, phone, industry codes.
Paying for monitoring
D&B's "CreditBuilder" is $149/month. The free DUNS number gives you the same file. Build credit with vendors, not monitoring.