This is one of the most common follow-up questions once someone realizes a DUNS number and an EIN aren’t the same thing: “Okay, but I already have an EIN — do I still need to bother with a DUNS number too?” The honest answer: it depends entirely on what you’re trying to do, not on whether you already have an EIN. Having an EIN doesn’t exempt you from needing a DUNS number, and it doesn’t automatically mean you need one either.
We break down how these two identifiers differ in our broader guide, DUNS Number vs EIN vs Tax ID: What’s the Difference — this post focuses on whether you personally need to apply for a DUNS number, given that you already have an EIN.
Why an EIN Doesn’t Cover What a DUNS Number Does
An EIN exists for one core purpose: identifying your business to the US IRS for tax reporting. A DUNS number exists for a completely different purpose: identifying your business to Dun & Bradstreet’s global database so other companies, platforms, and government systems can verify it’s a real, legitimate business. These two systems don’t talk to each other. Having an EIN gives D&B no information about your business at all, and D&B has no way of knowing you have one unless you separately apply for a DUNS number yourself.
So the real question isn’t “do I have an EIN” — it’s “does something I’m trying to do specifically require a DUNS number?”
Situations Where You Need a DUNS Number Even With an EIN
Government contracting: If you are registering for US federal contract eligibility (for example, on SAM.gov), you will likely be asked to provide a DUNS number or current equivalent identifier when registering, whether or not you already have an EIN for tax purposes. These are completely different steps in those processes.
Platform business verification: If you are verifying your business through an EIN, but still need to register through Apple Developer, Google Play, Amazon Global Selling, Microsoft Partner Center, or other platforms, often you will need a DUNS number for verification purposes. Your EIN plays NO role in their verification process.
Supplier and B2B Credit Relationships: Companies that are using D&B’s database to determine the credit history and legitimacy of their suppliers or business partners prior to offering them credit and/or extending a contract. This type of verification is not related to an EIN.
International business expansion: For a US business looking to expand into other countries, having a DUNS number could be beneficial (or sometimes required) even after the business is taxed in the United States.
Situations Where Your EIN Is All You Need
Simple US tax filing and payroll: If your only reason for having identifiers is standard US tax compliance — filing returns, handling payroll, opening a business bank account your EIN covers everything you need. There’s no reason to apply for a DUNS number unless something else specifically requires it.
No platform, contract, or supplier requirement mentions DUNS: If nothing you’re doing has actually asked for a DUNS number, there’s no need to get one just because you’re aware it exists. It doesn’t add anything to your tax setup or general business operations on its own.
How to Actually Check If You Need One
The process of deciding whether or not you require an interceptor for your heater is easy to determine.
The best way to know is to examine the particular requirement before you:
- Look at the precise wording of the form or application requiring a number: If it calls for “DUNS number” or “D-U-N-S,” then it is specifically asking for Dun & Bradstreet’s identifier; your EIN won’t suffice.
- Do not assume that a “business ID” or “tax ID” field is for an EIN: Many forms overseas, particularly on international platforms, will actually specify the DUNS number.
- In case you are unsure, use the D&B free lookup service to determine whether your business already has a DUNS number; some businesses are automatically assigned one regardless of their knowledge of it, and you may not want to apply if you don’t need to.
What Happens If You Apply for a DUNS Number You Don’t Actually Need
While it may not be necessary for any current platform or partner, there is no cost associated with maintaining a DUNS number, and if the platform or partner requested it, it could be helpful. With that being said, if there is no demand for it right now, why rush to get one just because you’ve heard the word! There’s no money pressure in either direction, as standard registration is free.
If I have an EIN, do I automatically also have a DUNS number?
No. The two systems are completely separate. You’d need to apply for a DUNS number directly through D&B, regardless of your EIN status.
Does the IRS share my EIN information with D&B?
No, there’s no connection between the two systems. D&B has no visibility into your EIN or IRS tax records.
Do I need a DUNS number for a simple US business bank account?
Usually, a bank typically asks for your EIN, not a DUNS number, for standard business banking.
Why did a platform ask for my DUNS number when I already gave them my EIN?
They’re likely using two different verification steps: tax identity verification through your EIN, and business legitimacy verification through D&B’s DUNS number. Both may genuinely be required.
Can I apply for a DUNS number even if nothing currently requires it?
Yes, it’s free, and there’s no downside to having one ready in case a future platform or partner requests it.