Much like individual people, each business has a unique identity. While we may have Social Security Numbers, Taxpayer IDs, and other forms of official registration, businesses too have a system of identity verification.
Enter – the D-U-N-S number. D-U-N-S is short for Data Universal Numbering System. Each number is nine digits in length and is unique to a given business.
The D-U-N-S Number and associated data, analytics, and insights are issued and managed by a company called Dun & Bradstreet. They issue these identifiers as well as maintain a Data Cloud with information on each of the registered businesses – amounting to hundreds of millions of businesses around the world!
Live Business Identity
Putting together the unique identity of a business along with the information that D&B gather form the basis of the Dun & Bradstreet Live Business Identity. This is a detailed snapshot of a business’s relationships, risk assessment, creditworthiness, and other data.
Consider Dun & Bradstreet’s unique Live Business Identity a dynamic descriptor of nearly every business on Earth, enabling reciprocal business relationship insight.
Dun & Bradstreet Website
To look up a business’s Live Business Identity, visit the D&B D-U-N-S Number Lookup page.
Business Credit
The data compiled by Dun & Bradstreet is used to generate a D&B business credit file. Potential lenders and/or business partners can access this information and determine whether or not they wish to work with a given business. Having a D-U-N-S number enables these individuals to access your business’s credit report, and you can find the same information on other businesses if they have a D-U-N-S number.
Establishing business credit with a D-U-N-S number also separates it from your personal credit. Without a D-U-N-S number, you may have to provide your personal credit information in order to get a loan, and any business loans or debt can negatively impact your personal credit. Registering for a D-U-N-S number enables your business to build its own credit and prove its financial stability independent of your credit, and without affecting it.
How to Get a D-U-N-S Number
There is a fairly simple application process to follow in order to get a D-U-N-S number for your business. First, ensure that your business is registered as a legal entity, such as an LLC or corporation. Then visit the Dun & Bradstreet website to apply, after which you may receive a call from a D&B representative. Your D-U-N-S number should be registered within about 30 days.
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