Skip to main content

Unique Entity ID (UEI)

The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is a 12-character ID assigned by SAM.gov that identifies businesses doing federally funded work. It replaced the DUNS number in April 2022.

Most county contracts don't need a UEI. You may need one when a county project is paid with federal grants, because the county must check that contractors aren't excluded from federal work.

How to get one

Request a UEI free at SAM.gov. You can get just a UEI, or complete a full SAM registration if you want to bid on federal contracts directly. Never pay a third party for a UEI; the government doesn't charge for it.

Where it's used

Federally funded county bids may ask for your UEI on a certification form. Save it in your FactWise Vault so autofill can add it when needed.

Sources

Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and thresholds change; check the current statute and the bid documents.