Data Universal Numbering System

The Data Universal Numbering System, abbreviated as DUNS or D-U-N-S, is a proprietary system developed and regulated by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) that assigns a unique numeric identifier, referred to as a "DUNS number" to a single business entity. It was introduced in 1963 to support D&B's credit reporting practice. It is standard worldwide. DUNS users include the European Commission, the United Nations, and the United States government. More than 50 global industry and trade associations recognize, recommend, or require DUNS. The DUNS database contains over 250 million entries for businesses throughout the world.

The DUNS number is a nine-digit number, issued by D&B, assigned to each business location in the D&B database, having a unique, separate, and distinct operation for the purpose of identifying them. The DUNS number is random, and the digits have no apparent significance. Until approximately December 2006, the DUNS number contained a mod-10 check digit to support error detection. Discontinuing the check digit increased the inventory of available DUNS numbers by 800 million. As of 2/25/2017, the website shows that there is no charge to get a DUNS number, and the time to create the number is 24 to 48 hours. https://www.dandb.com/product/companyupdate/companyupdateLogin?execution=e1s1 When obtaining a DUNS number online, the wait is usually 30 business days, but assignment of a number can be immediate for UK businesses who provide their company registration number. When purchasing the "Small Business Starter" from Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp the wait time reduces to 5 business days or less.)

Unlike national employer identification numbers, a DUNS number may be issued to any business worldwide. Certain U.S. government agencies require that a vendor have a DUNS number as well as a U.S. Employer Identification Number (EIN). Other agencies, such as some United Nations offices and Australian government agencies, require certain businesses to have a DUNS number. DUNS numbers are now also available to individuals; previously, DUNS numbers could only be obtained by corporations or other organizations.

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