CAGE code and UEI lookup
Find any small business's CAGE code and Unique Entity ID (UEI) by company name, UEI or CAGE code. Each result shows whether its SAM.gov registration is active, its SBA certifications and its main NAICS code.
Free, with no SAM.gov sign-in. SAM.gov's own entity search asks you to sign in. This lookup covers 213,327 small businesses and SBA-certified firms registered to bid on federal contracts, from SAM.gov's public data, last updated Oct 2, 2026.
What this lookup covers
It includes active SAM.gov registrations for U.S. for-profit businesses that are registered for all federal awards (contracts, not just grants) and are either small under at least one NAICS code or hold an SBA certification. That's the pool of businesses that compete for small business set-asides. We flag any company with an active SAM.gov exclusion, meaning a debarment or suspension.
Why a company might not show up
- It's a large business with no SBA certification, a nonprofit, a government body or a foreign company.
- It registered for grants only, or only got a UEI without registering. A UEI-only business can't bid as a prime contractor.
- Its registration lapsed, or it chose not to appear in SAM.gov's public search.
- It uses a different name. Try the legal name, the "doing business as" name, the UEI or the CAGE code.
For every registered entity, sign in to SAM.gov's entity search with a free account, or use DLA's CAGE Search and Inquiry at cage.dla.mil. For companies that have won federal money, USAspending.gov's recipient search shows UEIs with no account.
CAGE code vs. UEI
| ID | Who assigns it | Format | What it identifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| UEI | SAM.gov (GSA) | 12 letters and numbers | Your business as a legal entity. It never expires. |
| CAGE code | Defense Logistics Agency | 5 letters and numbers | Your business at one physical location |
| EIN | IRS | 9 digits | Your business for taxes. Kept private. |
Learn more in What is a CAGE code? and What is a UEI number?
What to do with a company's CAGE code and UEI
- Vet a teaming partner or subcontractor. Confirm its registration is active, check its certifications, and make sure it has no active exclusion.
- Fill in a bid or a sources sought response. Agencies ask for your UEI and CAGE code, and primes ask for your subcontractors'. See how to respond to a sources sought notice.
- Finish your capability statement. Your UEI, CAGE code and NAICS codes belong in its company data block. See how to write a capability statement.
- Check your own record. If anything is wrong, fix it in your SAM.gov registration. Not sure your codes are right? Try the NAICS code lookup.
Frequently asked questions
Is this CAGE code lookup free?
Yes. There's no charge and no account. The official sources are free too: SAM.gov's entity search, which needs a free SAM.gov account, and the Defense Logistics Agency's CAGE Search and Inquiry at cage.dla.mil.
How do I find my own CAGE code and UEI?
Search your business name above, or sign in to SAM.gov and open your entity registration. SAM.gov assigns your UEI, and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) adds your CAGE code during registration. U.S. businesses don't apply for a CAGE code separately.
Is a UEI the same as a CAGE code?
No. The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is a 12-character ID that SAM.gov assigns to your business. The CAGE code is a 5-character code that DLA assigns to each business location. You need both to win a contract above the micro-purchase threshold.
Is the UEI the same as an EIN?
No. Your EIN is your IRS tax ID, a 9-digit number that's treated as private. The UEI is not considered personally identifiable information, so you can print it on your capability statement and website. SAM.gov uses your EIN to confirm your business with the IRS, and you need both.
Can I look up a company by its DUNS number?
Not on SAM.gov. DUNS numbers were removed from SAM.gov on April 4, 2022, and GSA said there would be no DUNS-to-UEI lookup. USAspending.gov's recipient search still finds past award recipients by their old DUNS number and shows their UEI.
Do CAGE codes expire?
Keep your SAM.gov registration active by renewing it every year, and your CAGE record stays current with it. Change your CAGE details by updating your SAM.gov registration, not with DLA directly.
More free tools
- NAICS code lookup, with SBA size standards and open contracts
- SBA certification screener for 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone and SDVOSB
- Search open federal contracts from SAM.gov
FedReady is an independent company, not affiliated with SAM.gov, GSA, the Defense Logistics Agency or any government agency. Registration data comes from SAM.gov's public entity extract. To correct a record, update the registration on SAM.gov.