Dun And Bradstreet Number: How To Get A Duns Number

Have you registered your company with Dun and Bradstreet?

Not sure whether your company needs to get a Duns Number?

There are four reasons why you should consider obtaining one:

1) A duns number is the most widely used identifying number for companies in the U.S.

2) When applying for a duns number you can self-report information about your business. This gives you the opportunity to ensure that your company is viewed in the best light when potential creditors review your DNB file.

3) It's the number used to create a business credit profile that's separate from your personal credit file.

4) You can establish a business credit score (Paydex Score) which gives your company the ability to establish its own creditworthiness.

So what exactly are Dun and Bradstreet Numbers?

It's known as the Data Universal Numbering System and it consist of a nine-digit number that is unique to each company. More than 50 global, industry, and trade associations recommend and/or require that businesses have one.

Here are three steps on how to get a Duns Number:

Step 1

Go to the DNB eUpdate web site at eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions.asp

Step 2

Enter your company name, city, and state then click on the 'Next' tab to conduct a company search. This will first check to see if your company already has a listing with DNB. If so, then you will need to register with iUpdate so you can update your company profile and view your existing report.

Step 3

If your company is not listed then you have three options to get a DUNS Number:

Option 1 - You can get a duns number within 30 business days at no charge by clicking on the 'Get Started' tab.

Option 2 - You can purchase one of Dun and Bradstreet's services which expedites the process. For example, D-U-N-S Registered Seal service includes a Duns number in 24 hours. There's also DUNS File Creator which takes 5 business days.

Option 3 - If your business plans to bid for government contracts or grants you can obtain a duns number free within a matter of days by going to fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Getting registered with CCR is mandatory for companies planning to do business with the U.S. Federal Government.

Once you obtain your Dun and Bradstreet number the next step is getting registered with DNB's iUpdate system. This system allows you to update and view your company credit file as well as dispute any errors that you may uncover in your business report.

Remember, once you obtain your Duns Number the next step is establishing business credit by adding positive trade references to your file. Once your business has a minimum of three trade lines reporting Dun and Bradstreet will generate a Paydex Score. This score is one of the key indicators that suppliers, creditors, and lenders use to determine what level of risk your business presents.

This is the beginning stages of how you can get started establishing a creditworthy company so you can qualify for the financing your business needs without having to rely on your personal credit.