How to Get a DUNS Number in India: Step-by-Step Guide

A DUNS Number establishes credibility. It indicates that a company's business is operationally sound. The DUNS Number is a unique nine-digit identifier for each company created by Dun & Bradstreet. It is evidence of your company's legal existence and commercially recognised identity as a business worldwide.

The number is integral for formalising your digital business presence. It is especially crucial for Indian companies wishing to engage in international trade, secure government tenders, partner with enterprises, and verify developer accounts on platforms such as Apple App Store and Google Play.

DUNS number in India becomes an essential asset when your business is stepping into regulated, global, or even enterprise ecosystems. Credibility and verification validated by a data-backed identity, such as a DUNS number, carry a lot of weight in that regard. Here’s who needs it in India:

1. Exporters and Importers:

   DUNS Numbers lend additional trade credibility. It also demonstrates compliance with global procurement and due diligence standards.

2. Businesses applying for government tenders.

   In particular, many public-sector and PSU tenders require a DUNS number to validate a vendor's financial viability and authenticity.

3. Small/Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Start-Ups:

   Investors and international partners require the assessment of the organisation for legitimate risk profiles and operational readiness. This becomes a strong use case for a DUNS number before entering into any agreements with an organisation.

4. Companies Partnering with Large Enterprises:

   Using a DUNS Number, large enterprises can validate potential suppliers before entering into contracts with them, conduct risk analysis on that supplier before contracting and streamline processes for contracted suppliers across a global supply chain.

5. Developers of Mobile Applications:

   It is a requirement for any organisation account holder to have a DUNS Number to validate their business identity and prevent the duplication of developers or fraudulent registrations on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

6. Businesses In Need of Building A Credit Profile:

   Obtaining a DUNS Number is required in order to create a business credit profile, which is essential for financing, trade credit and the long-term growth of the business.

Ultimately, a DUNS number becomes relevant whenever external validation of your business comes into play, whether for compliance, partnerships, platforms, or financing. This makes it a practical requirement rather than a strategic afterthought when learning how to get DUNS number in India.

Accurate documentation speeds up verification with fewer follow-ups. While applying, keep these documents ready at hand:

1. PAN Card - Confirms the legal tax identity of the business and links financial records accurately.

2. GST Certificate - Validates business registration status and operational legitimacy under Indian tax laws.

3. Certificate of Incorporation or Registration Proof - Establishes the legal existence, ownership structure, and official formation date of the entity.

4. Address Proof - Verifies the registered business location for compliance and risk assessment purposes.

5. Authorised Signatory Details - Confirms who is legally empowered to represent and verify information on behalf of the business.

Following each of these steps carefully will help you avoid delays and ensure faster issuance of the DUNS number.

• Step 1 – Visit the Official Dun & Bradstreet India Portal

  Visit D&B India’s official website and choose “Get a D-U-N-S® Number” to begin with your application through the authorised source.

• Step 2 – Register Your Business Details

  Accurately enter all the required core business information requested in the process, including legal business name, PAN, GST details, registered address, and authorised contact details.

• Step 3 – Select the Primary Reason for Application

  Specify the exact reasons. It can range from regulatory compliance to enterprise boarding. This will help Dun & Bradstreet assess what needs to be validated for issuing your business a DUNS number faster.

• Step 4 – Submit the Registration Form

  Review all the filled-in details carefully. Double-check it before submitting the form. Inconsistencies or missing information can cause additional verification checks and delay the process.

• Step 5 – Provide Documents and Complete Verification

  When Dun & Bradstreet reaches out, furnish the requested documents promptly. Once verified, your DUNS Number is issued and shared via email, covering how to get DUNS number in India efficiently.

If you’re unsure whether your business already has one, knowing how to find DUNS number in India can save time and prevent duplicate registrations.

Using the D&B Lookup Tool

Use the official lookup feature from Dun & Bradstreet to search your DUNS number. You can check by entering the company name, city, or registered address.

Using GST, PAN, or Company Name

If your business is already registered with D&B, these identifiers help retrieve your DUNS number during verification or enquiry follow-ups.

Dun & Bradstreet offers two methods for obtaining your DUNS number: standard (free) and expedited (paid). Depending on how urgent your need is, you will want to use the method that meets your needs for cost and timeline.

Standard (Free)

Indian Companies may apply for a free DUNS Number through Dun & Bradstreet’s website. Free DUNS numbers may take up to thirty (30) business days to process, depending on how complex it is to verify the application and how quickly information is given during follow-up inquiries.

Expedited (Paid)

If you have urgent needs such as launching an application in the App Store, submitting a regulatory filing, or onboarding with an enterprise, Dun & Bradstreet also offers expedited processing options through paid services.

Expedited services reduce the time it takes to receive your DUNS number. It also comes with priority access and may bundle additional services. These may include an assessment of your business’s credit profile. The cost of expedited services is determined based on the specific benefits you are requesting. The timelines are also a factor.

Now that you have understood how to get DUNS number in India, let us dive into what benefits it can bring for your business.

• Builds credibility globally

  It is your business’s universally recognised identifier. International clients, lenders and partners can use it to quickly determine your legitimacy and proven track record.

• Necessary for participating in international trade and publishing apps

  DUNS number is required for participating in international procurement, submitting regulatory documents, and may be required for an organisation's account on platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play.

• Provides data to form a credit profile and assess credit risk

  DUNS number provides the relevant data to develop a structured credit profile for your business so you can make informed credit decisions, evaluate trade credit relationships, and assess the risk of doing business with suppliers based on their creditworthiness.

• Give Access to Fortune 500 Companies

  As major enterprises depend on data from Dun & Bradstreet, they can use this information to ensure their vendors meet compliance responsibilities, check compliance with federal and local laws, and assess potential risk within their global supply chains using DUNS Numbers.Overall, a DUNS Number will move your business from informal recognition to enterprise-grade credibility. It opens doors to global markets, platforms, and partnerships that demand verified trust.

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