How to Get a UEI Number Free Through SAM.gov

To get a UEI (Unique Entity ID), you register your organization on SAM.gov — the UEI is assigned automatically and for free once your entity passes validation. There is no standalone UEI application: you can't get a UEI without going through SAM.gov, and you should never pay a third party for one.

Here's the exact process, how long it takes, and how to avoid the common hold-ups.

The fastest path to a UEI

Create a Login.gov account. SAM.gov uses Login.gov for sign-in. Use an email you'll keep access to.
Start entity registration at SAM.gov. Sign in, go to your Workspace, and choose to register a new entity.
Enter your legal business details exactly as they appear on official records — legal name, physical address, and business start date.
Pass entity validation. SAM.gov checks your details against authoritative records. When validation succeeds, a UEI is assigned automatically.

That's it — at the moment validation clears, your UEI exists and is visible in your Workspace.

"UEI-only" vs. full registration

SAM.gov offers two paths, and choosing the right one saves time:

Get a UEI only (validation only): Best if you just need the identifier — for example, a grant applicant who isn't bidding on contracts yet. You complete entity validation and receive a UEI without filling out the procurement reps-and-certs sections.
Complete full entity registration: Required if you intend to bid on or receive federal contracts. This includes financial information, points of contact, and reps and certs — and still produces your UEI plus a CAGE code.

You can start with UEI-only and complete full registration later if your needs change.

How long does it take?

UEI assignment (validation): typically 3–5 business days, sometimes same-day if your details match cleanly.
Full active registration: budget 1–2 weeks end to end, longer if validation needs documentation.

While validation is pending you'll see a "UEI in progress" status, and you'll get an email when the UEI is assigned.

What you'll need before you start

Your legal business name exactly as registered with your state
Your physical street address (no P.O. boxes for the physical address)
Your business start date
Your TIN/EIN (for full registration)
A Login.gov account

Getting the legal name and address to match your official records is the single biggest factor in fast validation.

Common reasons UEI assignment gets stuck

Entity validation fails or stalls. Almost always a mismatch between what you typed and authoritative records (name, address, or start date). SAM.gov lets you submit documentation (e.g., a state filing or utility bill) to resolve it.

"UEI in progress" for more than 5 business days. Open an incident with the Federal Service Desk (FSD) through SAM.gov; validation occasionally needs manual review.

You think you need a DUNS first. You don't. DUNS was retired federally on April 4, 2022 — see Unique Entity ID (UEI) explained. The UEI replaced it entirely.

After you have your UEI

Find it anytime in your Workspace, or via a public UEI number lookup.
Put it everywhere it's needed: proposals (SF-33), grant applications, invoices, and your capability statement.
Keep your registration active — renew annually so your record (and public visibility) doesn't lapse.

For the complete, screen-by-screen registration walk-through, see how to register on SAM.gov.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a UEI number? Register your entity on SAM.gov. After entity validation succeeds, a UEI is assigned automatically — no separate application.

Is a UEI free? Yes. There is no charge. Avoid any service that offers to "get your UEI" for a fee.

Can I get a UEI without registering on SAM.gov? No. The UEI is only issued through SAM.gov. You can choose the "UEI-only" validation path if you don't need full contract registration.

How long does it take to get a UEI? Usually 3–5 business days for the UEI itself; 1–2 weeks for a full active registration.

Key takeaways

Get a UEI only through SAM.gov — it's free and assigned automatically after entity validation.
Choose UEI-only if you just need the identifier (e.g., grants); full registration if you'll bid on contracts.
Expect 3–5 business days; matching your legal name and address to official records is what keeps it fast.
Never pay a third party — read what does UEI stand for if you're new to the term.