How to register in SAM.gov (and avoid the scams)
SAM.gov registration is required to win federal contracts — and it's completely free. Here's what it involves, in plain English, plus how to spot the paid “registration” scams.
Get a UEI
Your Unique Entity ID is assigned for free inside SAM.gov — you no longer need a separate DUNS number. It identifies your business across the federal government.
Gather your info
Legal business name, physical address, taxpayer ID (EIN), bank routing for payments, and your NAICS codes. Make sure your name and address exactly match your IRS and bank records.
Register the entity
Create a login.gov account, then complete the entity registration at SAM.gov — business info, assertions (NAICS, size), reps & certs, and points of contact.
Get your CAGE code
A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is assigned during registration and confirms your entity for contracting and payment.
Keep it active
Registration must be renewed every year. Lapsed registrations make you ineligible to receive awards, so calendar the renewal date.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does SAM.gov registration cost?
- Nothing. Registering your business in SAM.gov is completely free, and so is getting your UEI and CAGE code. If a website or caller asks you to pay a fee to register in SAM.gov, it is a third-party reseller — not the government.
- Is that SAM.gov email or invoice a scam?
- Probably. A common scam sends official-looking emails or invoices ($400–600 is typical) offering to handle your SAM.gov registration or renewal. The government never charges for registration and the only official site is sam.gov. Don't pay; you can do everything yourself for free.
- How long does SAM.gov registration take?
- Entering your information takes an hour or two if you have your EIN, banking, and NAICS codes ready. Federal processing and validation (including IRS and CAGE checks) can then take a few days to a couple of weeks, so register well before you plan to bid.
- Do I need to register in SAM.gov to bid?
- Yes. You must have an active SAM.gov registration to be awarded a federal contract or grant. You can browse and research opportunities (here on ContractBeam and on SAM.gov) before registering, but you'll need an active registration to win and get paid.
- What's the difference between a UEI and a CAGE code?
- The UEI (Unique Entity ID) is your primary government-wide identifier, assigned in SAM.gov. The CAGE code is a separate code used for contracting and payment systems, also assigned during registration. You get both for free as part of registering.
While your registration processes…
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