How to Register in SAM.gov: A Step-by-Step Guide
Everything you need to register your business in SAM.gov for free — from getting a Unique Entity ID to activating your registration so you can win federal contracts.
You cannot be awarded a federal contract without an active SAM.gov registration. It is free, it is required, and it trips up a lot of new contractors because of the validation steps. This guide walks through the whole process so you can get active and stay active.
TL;DR: Create a Login.gov account, get your Unique Entity ID (UEI) through SAM.gov, complete entity validation, fill out your core data (NAICS codes, reps & certs, banking), and submit. Plan for 1–2 weeks (sometimes more) before your registration is active. It costs nothing.
What you'll need before you start
- Legal business name and physical address exactly as they appear on official documents (this must match for entity validation).
- Taxpayer ID (EIN or SSN for sole proprietors).
- Bank account info for electronic payments.
- Your chosen NAICS codes.
- A Login.gov account (you'll create one if you don't have it).
Step 1: Create a Login.gov account
SAM.gov uses Login.gov for authentication. Set this up first with a strong password and a second factor (authenticator app recommended).
Step 2: Get your Unique Entity ID (UEI)
Go to SAM.gov and request a UEI. As part of this, SAM.gov runs entity validation — it confirms your business's legal name and address against authoritative records. This is the step that most often causes delays, so make sure your details match your incorporation documents and IRS records exactly (including suite numbers and abbreviations).
Step 3: Start your entity registration
With a validated UEI, begin the full registration. You'll provide:
| Section | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Core Data | Business details, UEI, CAGE code, physical/mailing address |
| Assertions | NAICS codes, size metrics, products & services |
| Reps & Certs | Federally required representations and certifications |
| Points of Contact | Who manages the registration and contracts |
| Financial Info | Bank account for EFT payments |
Step 4: Complete Reps & Certs honestly
The representations and certifications are legally binding statements about your business (size status, ownership, compliance). Answer carefully — these determine your small business and set-aside eligibility and are relied on by contracting officers.
Step 5: Submit and wait for activation
After submission, SAM.gov processes your registration, which includes an IRS TIN match and CAGE code assignment. Active status typically follows in 7–14 business days, sometimes longer if validation needs review.
Step 6: Keep it active
Registration expires every 12 months. An expired registration makes you ineligible for award, so set a calendar reminder 60 days before expiration to renew. Update your record promptly whenever your address, banking, or points of contact change.
Watch out for scams
The government never charges for SAM.gov registration. You'll see ads from companies offering to register you for hundreds of dollars — they're doing something you can do yourself for free. If you want help, use a free APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC), which provides no-cost government contracting assistance.
After you're registered
A live SAM.gov record makes you eligible to win — but agencies still have to find you. Build a strong capability statement, then start searching for opportunities that match your codes. If you'll also pursue state and local work, check our state procurement portals guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Is SAM.gov registration free?
- Yes. Registering in SAM.gov is completely free. The U.S. government never charges for registration. Be cautious of third-party services that charge fees to do something you can do yourself at no cost.
- How long does SAM.gov registration take?
- Active registration typically takes 7 to 14 business days after you submit, though identity and entity validation can add time. Start at least a month before you plan to bid so your registration is active when you need it.
- What is a Unique Entity ID (UEI)?
- The Unique Entity ID is a 12-character identifier assigned to your business through SAM.gov. It replaced the old DUNS number in 2022 and is now the primary way the federal government identifies registered entities.
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