What Is a D-U-N-S Number and Why Should Your Business Have One?

If you're starting a business in the United States or already have an LLC and are looking to grow, you've likely heard of the famous D-U-N-S number. Maybe a global supplier asked for it, or an e-commerce platform required it, or perhaps you need it to apply for a business line of credit.

But… what exactly is it? What is it used for? How do you apply for one? And why is it increasingly relevant for entrepreneurs and companies from Latin America?

In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the D-U-N-S number and how it can help you build business credibility in the U.S.

What Is a D-U-N-S Number?

The D-U-N-S Number (Data Universal Numbering System) is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses and organizations, issued by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), one of the most recognized business information agencies in the world.

Unlike the EIN (which is your tax ID with the IRS), the D-U-N-S focuses on your company’s business identity and credit history. Think of it as a business “ID” that connects you with banks, vendors, marketplaces, and any organization that wants to verify your company’s legitimacy and reliability.

‍

‍

What Is the D-U-N-S Number Used For?

While not legally required, having a D-U-N-S number is highly recommended for businesses aiming to grow, expand internationally, or establish relationships with larger companies. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Access to contracts with large corporations

Many companies in the U.S. require their vendors to have a D-U-N-S number to verify their identity and financial trustworthiness.

2. Registering your business on Apple, Amazon, or Google

Platforms like the Apple Developer Program, Amazon Vendor Central, and Google Play Console will ask for a D-U-N-S if you're registering as a business entity.

3. Building business credit history

With your D-U-N-S, you can begin establishing a credit profile for your company—separate from your personal credit. This helps you access trade credit, corporate cards, and better financial terms.

4. Increased visibility and credibility

Your company will be listed in Dun & Bradstreet’s global database, boosting trust with potential clients, investors, and business partners.

How to Get a D-U-N-S Number

The process is free and handled directly through Dun & Bradstreet’s website. However, it can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with business terminology or if your company is newly formed.

Basic requirements:

• A legally registered U.S. business (e.g., an LLC)
• A U.S. business address (physical or virtual)
• A business phone number
• Legal company name and contact information

General steps:

1. Go to the official D&B page: https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html
2. Search the database to see if your business already exists (D&B often creates one automatically when your LLC is formed).
3. If it doesn't appear, submit a request by filling out the form with your company details.
4. Wait 5 to 30 days to receive your number (faster processing is available for a fee).

Can I Get a D-U-N-S from Latin America?

Yes. It doesn’t matter where you’re located physically—if you have a U.S.-registered company (for example, through Openbiz), you can get a D-U-N-S number.

The key requirement is a U.S. business address, which can be a virtual office like the one we offer in Miami, along with a valid business phone number.

What’s Included in a D-U-N-S Profile?

Once assigned, your company will have a commercial profile with Dun & Bradstreet, which may include:

• Legal business name
• Address and phone number
• Business type (LLC, C-Corp, etc.)
• Number of employees
• Industry or business activity
• Payment history with suppliers
• Business credit risk score (Paydex Score)

As your business starts operating (e.g., paying vendors, getting credit, issuing invoices), this activity will be recorded and improve your credit profile.

How Does the D-U-N-S Number Help My Business Reputation?

Imagine this: a potential client wants to hire you. They search for your business and find:

• You have an active D-U-N-S number
• You're legally registered in the U.S.
• You have a commercial address and phone number
• You're listed in trusted databases

All of this positions you as a serious, professional business—even if you're operating from home or from Latin America. In today’s digital world, where remote transactions are the norm, this kind of credibility can make or break a deal.

Can I Improve My D-U-N-S Score?

Absolutely! Once you have your D-U-N-S number, you can actively build and improve your business credit history, opening more opportunities along the way.

Here are a few tips:

• Pay your vendors on time (especially if they report to D&B)
• Use services that report your credit activity (e.g., Brex or Divvy)
• Monitor your score with tools like Nav or Credit Signal
• Keep your business information updated on the D&B platform

‍

‍

Does the D-U-N-S Number Expire?

No. Once issued, your D-U-N-S number is permanent. There’s no expiration or need to renew it, but it’s important to keep your profile information up to date.

You can view and update it through the Dun & Bradstreet portal.

Do I Need Professional Help to Get a D-U-N-S?

The process is open to anyone, but many entrepreneurs run into obstacles, such as:

• Not having a valid U.S. business address
• Being unsure about what information to enter
• Having a newly formed LLC that doesn’t show up yet
• Not speaking fluent English or being confused by the form

At Openbiz, we help our clients obtain their D-U-N-S as part of our complementary services when they form an LLC with us. We make sure everything is correctly set up from the beginning so you can access tools like this without headaches.

Having a D-U-N-S number is a strategic move to formalize and professionalize your business—especially if you want to sell in the U.S., work with large companies, or build a strong business foundation.

It's not mandatory, but it can open many doors—from tech platforms to better credit options, commercial trust, and international growth.

📩 Already have your LLC and ready to take the next step?
At Openbiz, we’ll help you form your company in the U.S., set up your business address, open bank accounts, handle taxes... and get your D-U-N-S number smoothly.

‍