Unique Entity Identifier(UEI)
The 12-character identifier assigned by SAM.gov to uniquely identify entities doing business with the federal government, replacing the DUNS number.
Overview
The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is the standard identifier for entities registered to do business with the federal government. The UEI is a 12-character alphanumeric code assigned when an entity registers in SAM.gov. It replaced the DUNS number in April 2022 as the primary government entity identifier.
Why It Matters in GovCon
The UEI is required for SAM.gov registration, and SAM registration is mandatory for federal contractors. Your UEI appears on registrations, contract awards, and federal systems. New entities receive a UEI during SAM registration; existing entities were assigned UEIs during the transition. All federal systems now use the UEI for entity identification.
Key Details
- Format: 12 characters, alphanumeric (e.g., ABC1DEF2GHIJ).
- Assignment: Issued by SAM.gov during entity registration; no separate application.
- Replacement: UEI replaced DUNS (Dun & Bradstreet) as the federal standard.
- Universal: Used across grants, contracts, and assistance; replaces multiple legacy IDs.
- No Cost: UEI assignment is free; no third-party fees.
- Persistence: UEI remains with the entity; does not change with address or ownership changes (in most cases).
Related Terms
- System for Award Management (SAM)
- DUNS Number
- Entity Validation
- Registration
More Registration Terms
A five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to entities doing business with the federal government, used across solicitations and logistics systems.
An entity that leverages collective buying power of members to negotiate discounts from suppliers and manufacturers.
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