SAM.gov Registration: Step-by-Step Guide
Complete walkthrough of SAM.gov entity registration. Every field explained. Registration is free and typically takes 7-10 business days.
Create a Login.gov Account
Go to login.gov and create an account using your business email. You will need to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA). Use an authenticator app rather than SMS for better security. This is your identity verification layer for all federal systems.
Tip: Use the email address that will be your primary government contact. This is hard to change later.
Start Entity Registration at SAM.gov
Go to sam.gov and click "Get Started" under Entity Registration. Sign in with your Login.gov credentials. Select "Register New Entity." You will be guided through multiple sections. Budget 30-45 minutes for the initial submission.
Tip: Have your EIN (Employer Identification Number) and bank account details ready before starting.
Core Data: Legal Business Name and Address
Enter your legal business name exactly as it appears on your IRS EIN confirmation letter. Enter your physical business address (P.O. boxes are not accepted for the physical address but can be used for mailing). If you operate from a home office, your home address is acceptable.
Tip: Your legal name must match your IRS records exactly. "LLC" vs "L.L.C." matters.
Entity Information: Business Type and Organization
Select your business type (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, etc.), state of incorporation, and fiscal year end date. For a single-member LLC, select "Limited Liability Company" and "Business or Organization." You will also enter your congressional district.
Tip: Your congressional district affects which contracting offices see you in searches. Look yours up at house.gov.
NAICS Code Selection
Select up to your primary NAICS code(s) that describe the work you perform. You can add multiple codes, but your primary code determines your SBA size standard. For IT consulting, common codes are 541512 (Computer Systems Design), 541511 (Custom Programming), or 541519 (Other Computer Related Services).
Tip: Pick the NAICS code for the work you want to bid on, not necessarily what you do today. You can update NAICS codes when you renew.
Financial Information
Enter your bank account details for receiving government payments via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). You will need your routing number and account number. Government payments are made via ACH to the account on file in SAM.gov. There is no option for check payments on new registrations.
Tip: Use a dedicated business bank account, not your personal account. Mercury, Relay, and Novo all work.
Points of Contact
Designate your Government Business Point of Contact (GBPOC) and Electronic Business Point of Contact (EBPOC). For a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, both can be you. The EBPOC is the person authorized to manage the SAM registration. The GBPOC is the person government agencies contact about your entity.
Tip: Set calendar reminders for your renewal date. SAM registrations expire annually and can take 7-10 days to renew.
Representations and Certifications (Reps and Certs)
This is the longest section. You are making legal attestations about your business: size status, ownership, place of manufacture, environmental compliance, and more. FAR 52.204-8 requires these. Answer each question accurately. False representations can result in criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. 1001.
Tip: If you are a small business, make sure to certify as small under your primary NAICS code. This is what makes you eligible for small business set-asides.
Submit and Wait
Review all information and submit. Processing typically takes 7-10 business days. You will receive a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a CAGE code (assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency). Check SAM.gov periodically for status updates. If there are errors, you will be notified and can correct and resubmit.
Tip: You cannot receive a contract award until your registration is active. Start this process before you start bidding.
Verify and Save Your Identifiers
Once approved, save your UEI (12-character alphanumeric, e.g., ZQGGHJH74DW7) and CAGE code (5-character, e.g., 1ABC2). You will need these on every proposal. Set an annual calendar reminder to renew before expiration. Lapsed registrations cannot receive awards.
Tip: Your UEI replaces the old DUNS number. If you see a solicitation asking for DUNS, provide your UEI instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does SAM.gov registration cost?
Nothing. Registration is completely free. Any service charging for SAM.gov registration is unnecessary. The government does not charge for entity registration.
How long does registration take?
Plan for 7-10 business days from submission to active status. During peak periods (fiscal year end in September) it may take longer.
Do I need a DUNS number?
No. The DUNS number was retired in April 2022. SAM.gov now assigns a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) directly. If a solicitation asks for DUNS, provide your UEI.
Can I register before I have an EIN?
No. You need an Employer Identification Number from the IRS before you can complete SAM.gov registration. EIN applications are free and instant at irs.gov.
What if I work from home?
Your home address is acceptable as your physical address in SAM.gov. Many small government contractors operate from home offices.
How often do I need to renew?
Annually. SAM.gov registrations expire one year from the date of activation. You can renew up to 60 days before expiration.
Check your eligibility before you register
Run the ClariFAR qualifier to see which set-asides and contract types you are eligible for.
Check EligibilityThis guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Verify current requirements at sam.gov.