DUNS Number Showing Wrong Company Name? Here’s How to Fix It 

You look up your DUNS number expecting to see your business name, and instead it shows a different name, an old name, or a version with spelling errors. It’s a frustrating moment, especially if you need that number for an Apple Developer, Google Play, or Microsoft Partner Center application. The good news is that a DUNS number showing wrong company name is a data problem, not a dead end, and it can be corrected.

We cover the wider set of lookup errors in our guide, DUNS Lookup Showing Wrong Information. This post focuses specifically on the company name issue.

Why This Matters More Than It Seems

Platforms don’t just check that your DUNS number exists. They compare the business name in D&B’s record against the name you enter during verification. If D&B’s record says one thing and your registration documents say another, the match fails, and your application can be rejected or stall, even though your number is completely valid.

That’s why a mismatched name in the record is one of the most common hidden causes behind verification failures on global platforms.

Common Reasons a DUNS Record Shows the Wrong Name

1. The record uses your trade name, not your legal name: If your business is publicly known as “Example Co.” but legally registered as “Example Ventures Private Limited,” D&B’s record may have picked up the public-facing name instead.
2. Your business changed its name, but the record wasn’t updated: After a rebrand, a change in company structure, or a name change filed with the MCA, the DUNS record often keeps showing the old name until someone requests the update.
3. A spelling or formatting error in the original data: Missing suffixes like “Pvt Ltd,” a typo, or different punctuation can creep in, especially if the record was created automatically from third-party sources rather than from your own application.
4. The number belongs to a related entity: If your business has a parent company, subsidiary, or sister concern, you may be looking at another entity’s DUNS number, not your own.
5. A duplicate record exists: Sometimes a business ends up with more than one record, with one showing the correct name and another showing an incorrect or outdated one.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix a DUNS Number Showing Wrong Company Name

Step 1: Confirm exactly what’s on file

Use D&B’s official free lookup tool and note the name, address, and any other details currently shown. Take a screenshot so you have a clear before-and-after reference.

Step 2: Compare it with your official documents

Check the record against your Certificate of Incorporation, GST certificate, or other registration documents. Identify the exact difference: an old name, a missing suffix, a typo, or a completely different entity.

Step 3: Rule out a wrong or duplicate number

Make sure the DUNS number you’re looking at actually belongs to your legal entity. If you suspect a duplicate or a related company’s record, mention this clearly when you contact D&B.

Step 4: Submit a correction request to D&B

Corrections go through D&B directly, either via their official update option or their support channels. Provide your DUNS number, the incorrect name currently shown, and your correct legal name, along with supporting documents.

Step 5: Follow up and re-verify

Once D&B confirms the update, look up your DUNS number again to make sure the corrected name appears. Only then retry your platform verification.

If you also need to correct an address or other details, our guide on how to update your DUNS record walks through the same process.

What Documents D&B May Ask For

For a name correction, D&B typically wants proof that the name you’re requesting is your legal name. This usually means:

• Certificate of Incorporation or LLP/partnership registration
• GST registration certificate
• Any official document showing a name change, if your business was renamed

Having these ready before you contact D&B usually speeds things up.

What to Avoid

• Don’t apply for a brand-new DUNS number just because the name is wrong. That creates a duplicate record and makes verification harder, not easier.
• Don’t change your platform application to match the wrong DUNS name. That can create inconsistencies with your registration documents.
• Don’t assume the error will fix itself. Records rarely self-correct without a request.

How Long Does a Correction Take?

Timelines vary depending on how the request is submitted and whether D&B needs extra documents. Simple spelling fixes with clear supporting documents tend to move faster than cases involving duplicate records or name changes across entities. Responding quickly to any D&B follow-up is the biggest factor in keeping it short.

Want Your DUNS Record Corrected ASAP? Connect With DUNS Assist

If a wrong name on your record is holding up a platform verification, contact DUNS Assist. We help you and consult you through the entire correction process, making sure your request includes the right documents and details from the start so you avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.