CAGE Code: What It Is, How to Get One, and How to Look One Up
CAGE Code: What It Is, How to Get One, and How to Look One Up
If you are entering government contracting, you will encounter the term "CAGE code" early and often. It appears on SAM.gov registrations, capability statements, contract documents, proposals, and vendor databases throughout the federal procurement ecosystem. Despite its ubiquity, the CAGE code is one of the most frequently misunderstood elements of the registration process, with new contractors often confused about how to obtain one, what it is used for, and how it relates to other identifiers like the UEI.
This guide explains everything you need to know about CAGE codes: what they are, who assigns them, how to get one, what the format looks like, how to look one up, and how to handle common issues.
What Is a CAGE Code?
A CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity code) is a five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to entities that conduct business with the federal government. Originally developed by the Department of Defense for logistics and procurement tracking, the CAGE code is now used across the entire federal contracting ecosystem to uniquely identify companies, government agencies, and organizations.
The CAGE code serves several purposes:
- Entity identification: It provides a standardized, unique identifier for each contractor facility in government procurement systems.
- Logistics and supply chain tracking: The Department of Defense uses CAGE codes to track suppliers, manage inventory, and coordinate the global defense supply chain.
- Contract management: CAGE codes appear on contract documents, purchase orders, invoices, and payment records throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Vendor verification: Government agencies use CAGE codes to verify contractor information and ensure they are dealing with registered, legitimate entities.
- NATO interoperability: Through the NATO Codification System, CAGE codes (and their international equivalent, NCAGE codes) enable allied nations to share supplier data and coordinate procurement across borders.
Who Assigns CAGE Codes?
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), specifically the DLA Logistics Information Service, is responsible for assigning and maintaining CAGE codes for U.S. and Canadian entities. DLA maintains the master CAGE code database, processes new assignments, and updates records when company information changes.
For entities outside the U.S. and Canada, CAGE codes are assigned by the entity's national codification bureau (NCB) under the NATO Codification System. These codes are designated as NCAGE codes (covered in detail later in this guide).
How to Get a CAGE Code
For U.S. businesses, getting a CAGE code is straightforward: it is assigned automatically as part of the SAM.gov registration process. You do not need to apply for a CAGE code separately or contact the DLA directly.
The Process
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Register in SAM.gov. Follow the standard entity registration process, including entering your legal business name, EIN/TIN, physical address, and banking information. See our SAM.gov Registration guide for a detailed walkthrough.
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Submit your registration. After completing all sections of the SAM.gov registration, submit it for processing.
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CAGE code assignment occurs during validation. As part of the entity validation process, SAM.gov coordinates with DLA to assign your CAGE code. This typically takes 3 to 5 business days.
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Receive your CAGE code. Once assigned, your CAGE code appears in your SAM.gov entity record. You can view it by logging into SAM.gov and navigating to your entity registration.
What If You Already Have a CAGE Code?
If your company was previously assigned a CAGE code (from prior government contracting work, a previous SAM.gov registration, or through the DLA directly), enter your existing CAGE code during the SAM.gov registration process. The system will validate your code against DLA records and associate it with your current registration.
Timeline
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Complete SAM.gov registration | 1-3 hours |
| IRS TIN validation | 1-2 business days |
| CAGE code assignment by DLA | 3-5 business days |
| Total SAM.gov activation | 7-10 business days |
The CAGE code assignment is one component of the overall SAM.gov registration validation process. You do not need to do anything additional beyond submitting your SAM.gov registration.
CAGE Code Format
CAGE codes follow a specific format:
- Five characters in length
- Alphanumeric (combination of letters and numbers)
- Does not contain the letters I or O (to avoid confusion with the numbers 1 and 0)
- Does not contain the number 0 (to avoid confusion with the letter O)
- Each code is unique to a specific entity and facility location
Examples of Valid CAGE Code Formats
- 1ABC2
- 5XY3Z
- 7NM8K
- 3DEF4
- 6QRS1
What a CAGE Code Is Not
- It is not your UEI (Unique Entity Identifier), which is a 12-character alphanumeric code.
- It is not your EIN/TIN (Employer Identification Number), which is a 9-digit number issued by the IRS.
- It is not your NAICS code, which classifies your business industry.
- It is not a product code or contract number.
Each of these identifiers serves a different purpose in the government contracting ecosystem, and they are not interchangeable. Your CAGE code is specifically a facility-level identifier managed by DLA.
How to Look Up a CAGE Code
There are several ways to look up a CAGE code, whether you are verifying your own code, researching a potential teaming partner, or investigating a competitor.
DLA CAGE Code Search
The Defense Logistics Agency maintains the official CAGE code search tool at cage.dla.mil. You can search by:
- CAGE code (if you have the code and want to see the associated entity)
- Company name
- City, state, or country
- Status (active, inactive)
This is the authoritative source for CAGE code data and provides the most current information.
SAM.gov Entity Search
SAM.gov's public entity information search allows you to look up registered entities and view their CAGE codes along with other registration data including UEI, NAICS codes, address, and certification status. Navigate to SAM.gov and use the entity information search under the "Search" menu.
SamSearch
SamSearch's contract search includes CAGE code data alongside contract award history, agency relationships, and company profiles. This provides a richer context than a standalone CAGE code lookup because you can see the entity's contracting history, NAICS codes, and related award data in a single search.
What Information Is Returned in a CAGE Code Lookup?
A CAGE code lookup typically returns:
- Legal business name
- Physical address (street, city, state, zip/postal code, country)
- CAGE code status (active or inactive)
- Associated entity type (commercial, government, foreign government)
- SIC code (legacy industry classification, though NAICS is now the standard)
- CAO (Contract Administration Office) code
CAGE Code vs. NCAGE Code: International Businesses
If your business is located outside the United States and Canada, you will need an NCAGE code (NATO CAGE code) instead of a standard CAGE code.
What Is an NCAGE Code?
An NCAGE code is the international equivalent of a CAGE code. It follows the same five-character alphanumeric format and serves the same identification purpose, but it is assigned and managed through the NATO Codification System (NCS) by your country's national codification bureau (NCB).
Key Differences
| Feature | CAGE Code | NCAGE Code |
|---|---|---|
| Assigned to | U.S. and Canadian entities | Entities outside U.S. and Canada |
| Assigned by | DLA (Defense Logistics Agency) | National Codification Bureau (NCB) |
| Format | 5-character alphanumeric | 5-character alphanumeric |
| Used in | U.S. federal procurement, NATO | NATO member and partner nations |
| Cost | Free | Free (varies by country) |
| SAM.gov registration | Assigned during registration | Must be obtained before SAM.gov registration |
How International Businesses Get an NCAGE Code
Unlike U.S. businesses, international entities must obtain their NCAGE code before registering in SAM.gov:
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Identify your national codification bureau. Each NATO member and partner nation has a designated NCB. The DLA maintains a list of all NCBs at the NATO CAGE/NCAGE website.
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Submit an NCAGE code request to your NCB. Requirements vary by country but typically include your legal business name, address, and business registration documentation.
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Receive your NCAGE code. Processing times vary by country, ranging from a few days to several weeks.
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Register in SAM.gov using your assigned NCAGE code. International SAM.gov registrations may take up to 30 business days to process.
Common International Issues
- Processing time: NCAGE code assignment can take longer in some countries. Start the process early.
- Name format: Some NCBs have specific requirements for how business names are formatted. Follow your NCB's guidelines exactly.
- SAM.gov international registration complexity: International entities face additional validation steps in SAM.gov, including NCAGE verification and international banking setup.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
CAGE Code Not Assigned After SAM.gov Submission
If your SAM.gov registration has been pending for more than 10 business days without a CAGE code being assigned:
- Check your SAM.gov registration status for any error messages or items requiring correction.
- Ensure your physical address is valid, complete, and formatted correctly. CAGE codes are facility-level identifiers, and address validation is part of the assignment process.
- Contact the DLA CAGE program at cagemail@dla.mil or call 1-877-352-2255 for status.
CAGE Code Shows Incorrect Information
If your CAGE code record shows an outdated address, old business name, or other incorrect data:
- Update your SAM.gov registration first. Changes to your SAM.gov entity record (name, address, etc.) automatically flow to the CAGE code system through DLA.
- Allow 3 to 5 business days for the update to propagate.
- If the information still does not update after SAM.gov changes, contact DLA CAGE directly.
Duplicate CAGE Codes
Some companies end up with multiple CAGE codes, often due to address variations, name changes, or legacy registrations. DLA can consolidate duplicate codes:
- Identify all CAGE codes associated with your entity using the DLA CAGE search tool.
- Contact DLA CAGE at cagemail@dla.mil to request consolidation.
- Specify which CAGE code should be retained as the active code.
CAGE Code Status Shows "Inactive"
A CAGE code may become inactive if:
- Your SAM.gov registration expires and is not renewed.
- Your business closes or changes its legal structure.
- DLA determines the code is a duplicate and deactivates it.
To reactivate an inactive CAGE code, renew your SAM.gov registration or contact DLA CAGE with documentation supporting reactivation.
Business Name Change
If your business has legally changed its name:
- Update your name with the IRS (Form 8822-B).
- Update your SAM.gov registration with the new legal name.
- The CAGE code record will update automatically through DLA after SAM.gov processes the change.
- Note: Your CAGE code itself does not change when your business name changes. The same five-character code stays with your entity.
CAGE Codes in Practice: Where You Will Use Them
Once you have your CAGE code, you will encounter it throughout your government contracting activities:
- SAM.gov registration: Your CAGE code is a core element of your entity record.
- Capability statements: Always include your CAGE code. See our Capability Statement guide for best practices.
- Proposals: Your CAGE code appears on proposal cover pages and administrative volumes.
- Contract documents: The awarded contract will reference your CAGE code.
- Invoices and payment processing: Government payment systems use your CAGE code to route payments.
- Subcontracting: Prime contractors will request your CAGE code when adding you as a subcontractor.
- Government vendor databases: Your CAGE code links your entity across FPDS, USASpending.gov, and other federal data systems.
- Security clearance processing: If you apply for a facility security clearance, your CAGE code is part of the application.
Your CAGE code is a permanent part of your identity in the government contracting ecosystem. Keep it current by maintaining your SAM.gov registration and promptly updating any changes to your business name, address, or organizational structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CAGE code?
A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is a five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to companies and organizations that do business with the federal government. Originally developed by the Department of Defense, it is now used across the entire federal procurement ecosystem to identify contractor facilities in procurement, logistics, supply chain, and payment systems. Every entity registered in SAM.gov has a CAGE code.
How do I get a CAGE code?
U.S. businesses receive a CAGE code automatically as part of the SAM.gov registration process. You do not need to apply for one separately or contact the Defense Logistics Agency directly. When you submit your SAM.gov entity registration, DLA assigns your CAGE code during the validation phase, which typically takes 3 to 5 business days. For a complete registration walkthrough, see our SAM.gov Registration guide.
How much does a CAGE code cost?
A CAGE code is completely free. There is no cost to obtain, maintain, or renew a CAGE code. It is assigned automatically through SAM.gov registration for U.S. entities and through the national codification bureau for international entities (NCAGE). Be wary of third-party services that charge fees for CAGE code assistance, as the process is straightforward and free through official channels.
What does a CAGE code look like?
A CAGE code is a five-character alphanumeric code consisting of numbers and letters. It does not contain the letters I or O or the number 0 to avoid visual confusion. Examples of valid formats include 1ABC2, 5XY3Z, and 7NM8K. Each CAGE code is unique to a specific business entity and facility location.
What is the difference between a CAGE code and an NCAGE code?
A CAGE code is assigned to U.S. and Canadian entities by the Defense Logistics Agency. An NCAGE (NATO CAGE) code is assigned to entities located outside the U.S. and Canada by their country's national codification bureau under the NATO Codification System. Both follow the same five-character alphanumeric format and serve the same identification purpose. The key operational difference is that international entities must obtain their NCAGE code before beginning SAM.gov registration, while U.S. entities receive their CAGE code as part of the SAM.gov process.
Can I look up a company's CAGE code?
Yes. You can look up CAGE codes through the DLA's official CAGE Code Search tool at cage.dla.mil, through SAM.gov's public entity information search, or through SamSearch's contract search, which includes CAGE code data alongside contracting history and company profiles. You can search by company name, location, or CAGE code.
What happens if my CAGE code information is wrong?
If your CAGE code record contains incorrect information such as a wrong address or outdated business name, update your SAM.gov entity registration first. Changes to your SAM.gov record automatically propagate to your CAGE code record through DLA, typically within 3 to 5 business days. For issues that cannot be resolved through SAM.gov updates, contact the DLA CAGE program directly at cagemail@dla.mil or call 1-877-352-2255.
Do I need a CAGE code for state and local government contracts?
CAGE codes are specific to federal government contracting and the NATO procurement system. State and local governments operate their own vendor registration systems and do not typically require a CAGE code. However, if you plan to pursue any federal contracts or subcontracts, a CAGE code (obtained automatically through SAM.gov registration) is mandatory. Many businesses that start with state and local contracts eventually pursue federal work, making early SAM.gov registration and CAGE code assignment a worthwhile investment.
