SAM.gov Registration Guide: How To Register Your Business In 2027

Last updated: November 14, 2026

To register in SAM.gov, create a Login.gov account, request a Unique Entity ID, then complete a full entity registration with your legal and tax details, banking information, points of contact, NAICS codes and representations and certifications. Registration is free, typically takes a week or more to activate, and must be renewed every 365 days.

The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is the federal government’s official registry of entities that do business with it. You need an active registration to receive federal contracts and most grants, and agencies, primes and market intelligence tools all pull data from it.

Before You Start: What You Need

• Your legal business name and physical address exactly as they appear in IRS and state records
• Your Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN, or SSN for some sole proprietors)
• Bank account and routing information for electronic payments
• Your NAICS codes and, if you have them, Product Service Codes
• Names and contact details for your points of contact
• A Login.gov account tied to your work email

Step-By-Step SAM.gov Registration

1. Create a Login.gov account

SAM.gov uses Login.gov for sign-in with multi-factor authentication.

2. Get your Unique Entity ID

The UEI, a 12-character identifier issued in SAM.gov, replaced the DUNS number in 2022. You can request a UEI alone if you only need to report as a subrecipient.

3. Choose the registration purpose

Select whether you want to bid on contracts and all awards or only financial assistance. Contractors should choose all awards.

4. Complete core data

Enter business information, tax details, financial information for payments and your entity type and ownership.

5. Complete assertions

Add NAICS codes, size information and Product Service Codes. Your size is calculated against SBA size standards for each NAICS code.

6. Complete representations and certifications

Answer the FAR and DFARS reps and certs once in SAM.gov rather than in every proposal.

7. Add points of contact and submit

Designate an accountable business point of contact and submit. Follow any instructions for the entity administrator letter.

8. Wait for validation and your CAGE code

Your TIN is validated with the IRS and a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is assigned. Check your email for requests for additional information.

How Long Does SAM.gov Registration Take?

Expect at least seven to ten business days, and longer if your name and address do not match IRS or validation records exactly. Start well before any bid deadline.

Common SAM.gov Mistakes

• Name or address mismatches with IRS records, which cause validation delays
• Letting the registration lapse past the 365-day renewal date
• Paying third-party services that imply they are official; registration is free on SAM.gov
• Choosing too few NAICS codes, which hides you from searches
• Forgetting to update banking details, which delays payments

After Registration: Next Steps

Create a profile in the SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search so contracting officers can find you, explore certifications such as 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB and HUBZone, and start tracking opportunities. Our guide on how to win government contracts covers what comes next, and free help is available from APEX Accelerators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SAM.gov registration free?

Yes. Registering on SAM.gov is free. Be cautious of companies that charge fees and imply they are the official registration service.

How often do I renew my SAM.gov registration?

You must renew at least every 365 days to keep it active.

What is the difference between a UEI and a CAGE code?

The Unique Entity ID identifies your entity across federal systems. The CAGE code is a five-character identifier used mainly in defense and contracting systems and assigned after registration.

Do subcontractors need to register in SAM.gov?

Subcontractors often need at least a Unique Entity ID for reporting, and many primes require full registration. A full registration is required to receive prime contracts.

Conclusion

SAM.gov registration is the gate to every federal award. Gather your information first, make sure it matches IRS records, renew on time and use the registration to start building your federal pipeline.

For more rankings, comparisons and guides on this topic, visit the Defense & Government Contracting hub.