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Acquiring a D-U-N-S® Number

A necessary step in registering for an Apple Developer account is obtaining a DUNS number.

 

 

What is a DUNS Number 

A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit number used to identify a business entity based on its specific location. DUNS numbers are assigned and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) and are widely used as a standard business identification code.

As part of the verification process when registering for an Apple Developer account, the DUNS number is used to verify the identity and legal entity status of your organization. While many types of businesses can obtain a DUNS number, your business must be confirmed as a legal entity (such as a corporation, limited partnership, or limited liability company) to sign the legal terms and obligations of the Apple Developer Agreement. DBAs, fictitious companies, branches, or divisions are not accepted.

 

 

How to Apply for a DUNS Number

If your organization is recognized as a legal entity, D&B may have already assigned a free DUNS number to your organization. During registration, your organization's existing DUNS number will be checked. If one is not found, you can choose to submit information to D&B to obtain a free DUNS number.

Below are steps to apply:

  1. Navigate to the DUNS number lookup tool website and log in with your Apple ID account.

  2. Fill in the required information, including your legal entity name, headquarters address, mailing address, and your contact information. Click Continue after completing the form.

  3. After submitting the information, if your organization already has a DUNS number, you will be notified that it has been found, and you can request Apple to send the DUNS number to you via email. If your organization is not found, check the box at the bottom of the page to request a DUNS number from D&B and click Submit.
Note: After submission, check your email regularly as D&B will send you relevant emails. D&B representatives may also contact you by phone to gather more information (such as business type or number of employees), so have your business registration documents ready.

 

  1. After requesting a DUNS number, it may take up to 5 business days to receive the number from D&B. Expediting the DUNS number creation process will not shorten this waiting time. If your application has been pending for more than two weeks, send an email to D&B.

 

After receiving the DUNS number, it may take up to 2 business days for Apple to receive your information from D&B. After this time, you can register for an Apple Developer account as a company/organization.