What Is a D-U-N-S Number and Why Does Your Business Need It? (2025 Guide)

A D-U-N-S Number boosts your business credibility and is essential for platforms like Amazon, Apple, and government contracts.

Introduction

If you're a business owner looking to work with large corporations, sell on platforms like Amazon or Apple, or build business credit, you’ll likely need a D-U-N-S Number. This unique identifier is issued by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) and is used globally to verify a company’s identity.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll explain:

• What a D-U-N-S Number is

• Why it’s important

• How to get a D-U-N-S Number

• Who needs one

• Where it’s required (Amazon, Apple, government contracts, etc.)

• How it affects your business credit

What Is a D-U-N-S Number?

A D-U-N-S Number (Data Universal Numbering System) is a nine-digit unique identifier assigned to businesses by Dun & Bradstreet, a global business data company.

It helps:

• Identify your business in the global marketplace

• Establish your company’s credit profile

• Build trust with suppliers, partners, and platformsWhat Is a D-U-N-S Number?

  A D-U-N-S Number (Data Universal Numbering System) is a nine-digit unique identifier assigned to businesses by Dun & Bradstreet, a global business data company.

  It helps:

  • Identify your business in the global marketplace

  • Establish your company’s credit profile

  • Build trust with suppliers, partners, and platforms

    
    

    Think of it as a “business passport number” that helps other companies verify that your business is real and reputable.

Why Is a D-U-N-S Number Important?

• Required by Amazon, Apple Developer Program, and U.S. government contracts

• Used to verify your business identity during onboarding

• Helps establish business credit history

• Needed when applying for loans, credit lines, or grants

• Builds credibility with B2B clients and institutions

Who Needs a D-U-N-S Number?

You may need a D-U-N-S number if you:

• Sell on Amazon Brand Registry

• Register for Apple Developer Program (company account)

• Apply for U.S. federal contracts or grants

• Want to build business credit

• Deal with enterprise clients or international trade partners

Where Is a D-U-N-S Number Required?

Platform / Use Case	D-U-N-S Required?
Amazon Brand Registry	✅ Yes
Apple Developer (Company)	✅ Yes
Government Contracts (U.S.)	✅ Yes
Business Credit Reporting	✅ Yes
PayPal / Stripe / Shopify	❌ Not required but may help
Banks & Lenders	✅ Often used to verify business
eBay / Etsy / Upwork	❌ Not required

How to Get a D-U-N-S Number (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Go to the Official D&B Website

Visit: https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html

Step 2: Search for Your Business

• Enter your company name and address

• Check if you already have a D-U-N-S number (some businesses do without knowing)

Step 3: Request a New D-U-N-S

• If not found, click “Get a D-U-N-S Number”

• Fill out your company details:

  • Legal name

  • Address

  • Phone number

  • Business type

  • Number of employees

Step 4: Wait for Verification

• Usually takes 1–5 business days

• Faster processing available if applying through Apple or Amazon

✅ Once approved, you’ll receive your unique 9-digit number via email.

Is a D-U-N-S Number Free?

Yes — applying for a D-U-N-S Number is free for most legitimate business purposes, especially when:

• Registering for Apple Developer or Amazon Brand Registry

• Applying for federal contracts or credit

⚠️ Be cautious: D&B may offer paid services during sign-up, but they are not required to obtain your D-U-N-S number.

How Is It Different from an EIN?

Feature	D-U-N-S Number	EIN (Employer ID Number)
Issued by	Dun & Bradstreet (private)	IRS (government)
Purpose	Business verification	Federal tax identification
Usage	Credit, B2B, platforms	Taxes, payroll, banking
Required for	Amazon, Apple, credit	Tax filings, hiring, banking

Can You Build Business Credit with a D-U-N-S Number?

Yes. Your D-U-N-S profile is tied to your D&B Paydex Score, which is used to evaluate your company’s creditworthiness.To build credit:

• Pay vendors and suppliers on time

• Open trade lines with companies that report to D&B

• Monitor your D&B business credit report

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about building a professional online business, getting a D-U-N-S Number is a must. From working with Amazon and Apple to applying for credit and government contracts, this 9-digit ID opens doors to credibility, funding, and long-term growth.

Important Note: Before taking any action, always recheck the institution's rules, as they may have changed over time.