How Do I Get a Dunn & Bradstreet Number?

Dunn and Bradstreet is a company that provides commercial information and company characteristics of businesses worldwide. This service allows other companies to determine the credibility of their potential business partners/competitors and also provides useful information for contractors and the government to determine the profitability of a relationship with any company that is registered with Dunn and Bradstreet. Each company that registers with Dunn and Bradstreet receives a specific number (similar to a Tax ID number) that identifies it in the D&B system. When someone wants to do a background check on the company, all that is needed is the Dunn and Bradstreet number in order to get information regarding the company's reputation in the industry.

Instructions

1. Begin by visiting the Dunn and Bradstreet website (see Resources) and browse the variety of credit services your company has with Dunn and Bradstreet. Next, under the section that says "I want to:" click on "Get a D&B D-U-N-S number" with the left mouse button. When the D-U-N-S page comes up, left click on the "Get a D&B D-U-N-S number" button.

2. Type your business name, city and state into the appropriate boxes on the next page that pops up to check to see if your company is already registered. A list of companies will come up on the next screen. Pick yours if it is listed. If it isn't listed, choose an option at the right of the page. Either "Establish a D&B Credit file" or "Get a D-U-N-S number." Choose "Get a D-U-N-S number."

3. On the next screen, enter your first and last name, your title, email address, and company phone number. Click submit and follow the onscreen instructions for filling in more information on your company, the industry it is in, its typical revenue stream, and its clients. Once all of that info is filled in, submit your application. Within the next 30 days, you will receive your official D&B packet containing your D-U-N-S number.

Tips & Warnings

• Have financial, credit, and organization materials for your company on hand when you start the process, as it is difficult to leave and come back to the application at a later date.

• Do not attempt to register a new number if your company is already registered in the D-U-N-S system, as this could be seen as an attempt at credit fraud.

Resources

• Dunn & Bradstreet website