What Is a DUNS Number?

A DUNS number, which stands for Data Universal Numbering System, is a distinct series of nine digits that serves to identify a business.

This number is created by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) and is used to generate a business profile within its USA database.

The business profile includes the company's name, address, phone number, line of business, number of employees, and other pertinent corporate details.

In the United States, the DUNS number is the most commonly used means of identifying genuineness of the company. Dun & Bradstreet is responsible for keeping current information on millions of businesses worldwide.

Who Is Dun & Bradstreet?

A DUNS number only provides credit information collected by Dun & Bradstreet, which is the oldest company in America that was initially known as the Mercantile Agency. Its founder, Lewis Tappan, established it in 1841 to help merchants assess the creditworthiness of potential customers.

Presently, Dun & Bradstreet maintains records of over 265 million businesses globally, with over 100 million of them assigned a DUNS number. The US government adopted the DUNS identification number as its primary business identifier in 1994.

Benefits of DUNS Number in India

#1. The DUNS database system allows your business to be identified by corporations and organisations globally especially while dealing in the USA.

#2. D-U-N-S Registration enhance the trust and confidence in business credentials by displaying business's information through Dun & Bradstreet's website.

#3. DUNS system is standardised internationally, making it easier for businesses to be recognized and identified.

#4. D-U-N-S Registration enables business groups to build a detailed profile of their company, along with D&B's Parent Tree Linkage with its subsidiaries globally which enables customers to showcase their overall global operations, enhancing their global footprint and reach.

#5. Dun & Bradstreet's D-U-N-S Registration helps build an ecosystem of "IT Start-ups", highlighting their key credentials, which enables them to increase visibility amongst domestic / global stakeholders and investors.

#6. Maintaining a high Dun & Bradstreet PAYDEX Score (creditworthiness score from 0-100) ensures that banks and vendors can quickly do business with your company.

#7. You can establish, identify, and enhance your business's credit score to improve its reputation and credibility.

#8. With a DUNS Number, you can look up your company's credit rating and use the information to make informed business decisions.

#9. Your business can contract with other entities that require partners to have a DUNS Number for India entity.

#10. A DUNS Number is required to do business with the US government and many other organisations.

How to apply a DUNS Number in India?

#1. Go to the Dun & Bradstreet website and apply for a DUNS Number.

#2. Fill out the application form with your business information, including your legal business name, registered address, and contact details.

#3. Provide any additional information that may be required, such as your Company Incorporation certificate, Last 3 year audited financial statements, PAN card or GST registration number.

#4. Review the information you have provided and submit the application.

#5. Pay the applicable fee for the DUNS Number application. The fee varies depending on the type of business and the services you require.

#6. Wait for Dun & Bradstreet to verify your information and assign your DUNS Number.

In order to apply for a DUNS Number for your business without the risk of rejection, you can take assistance from E-Startup India Professional who can help you obtain a DUNS Number hassle free within time.

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Document Requirements to obtain DUNS Number in India

#1. Legal name of your entity

#2. Complete address for your organisation

#3. Doing business as (DBA) or other name by which your organisation is known or recognized

#4. Physical address, including city, state, and zip code

#5. Mailing address (if separate from headquarters and/or physical address)

#6. Telephone number

#7. Contact name and title

#8. Number of employees who work at the physical location you are seeking a number for.

What is the Validity of DUNS Number in India?

#1. The DUNS Number does not typically need to be renewed. Once your business has obtained a DUNS Number in India Number, it is valid indefinitely.

#2. However, it is important to update the information associated with the number on an annual basis to ensure that it remains accurate and up-to-date.

#3. Therefore, while the DUNS Number itself does not have an expiration date, it is essential to maintain current information associated with it.