Get Started with Registration and the Unique Entity ID

If you want to apply for federal awards as a prime awardee, you need a registration.

A registration allows you to bid on government contracts and apply for federal assistance. As part of registration, we will assign you a Unique Entity ID.

To see comprehensive instructions and checklist for entity registration, download our Entity Registration Checklist.

If you do not want to apply directly for awards, then you do not need a registration. If you only conduct certain types of transactions, such as reporting as a sub-awardee, you may not need to complete a registration. You may only need a Unique Entity ID.

What does it mean to get only a Unique Entity ID and not register?

Set up a SAM.gov account to register and to get a Unique Entity ID in SAM.gov. Your username and password are managed by Login.gov. Select Sign In on SAM.gov to go to Login.gov to sign in or to set up an account. Once you're signed in at Login.gov, you'll be returned to SAM.gov to complete your profile.

Download our Entity Registration Checklist

For a Registration

For registration, you are required to enter a lot of information about your entity. Below are questionnaires and checklists to help you gather what you need to complete your registration.

Download our Entity Registration Checklist
For a Unique Entity ID only

If you are only requesting a Unique Entity ID and not completing a registration, you only need to provide to provide your legal business name and physical address.

Video: Get a Unique Entity ID

Select Get Started and choose Register Entity or Get a Unique Entity ID.

If you select Register Entity, your Unique Entity ID will be assigned during the registration process. Registration is for organizations that want to directly bid on government contracts and apply for federal assistance.

You can get a Unique Entity ID for your organization without having to complete a registration. If you only conduct certain types of transactions, such as reporting as a sub-awardee, you may not need to complete a registration. Your entity may only need a Unique Entity Identifier.

If you choose to only get a Unique Entity ID, you cannot apply directly for federal awards.

• What is a Unique Entity ID?
• What does it mean to only get only a Unique Entity ID and not register?
• How do you know if you already have a Unique Entity ID?