SAM.gov Registration: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

If you want to do business with the federal government, SAM.gov registration is not optional. It is the mandatory first step. No federal agency can award you a contract, issue a purchase order, or process a payment without a current, active SAM.gov registration. Yet the registration process is notoriously confusing, with multiple validation steps, government systems that must sync together, and terminology that trips up first-time registrants.

This guide walks you through every step of the SAM.gov registration process, explains what documents you need before you start, identifies the most common mistakes that delay registration, and covers how to maintain your registration going forward.

What Is SAM.gov?

SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the official U.S. government system where entities register to conduct business with the federal government. Managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), SAM.gov consolidates several legacy systems that previously served different functions:

• CCR (Central Contractor Registration): The former contractor registration database.
• ORCA (Online Representations and Certifications Application): Where contractors filed required certifications.
• EPLS (Excluded Parties List System): The debarment and suspension database.

SAM.gov now serves as the single authoritative source for entity information in the federal procurement ecosystem. It is where the government verifies your legal business name, tax identification, banking information for electronic payments, socioeconomic certifications, and the products and services you offer.

Why SAM.gov Registration Matters

1. It is legally required. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 4.1102 requires contractors to be registered in SAM.gov before receiving a contract award.
2. It enables payment. Your Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) banking information in SAM.gov is how the government pays you.
3. It establishes your identity. Your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), CAGE code, and registered NAICS codes all flow from SAM.gov.
4. It determines your certifications. Your small business size status, socioeconomic representations, and other certifications are recorded in SAM.gov.
5. It feeds other systems. Data from SAM.gov populates FPDS (contract reporting), USASpending.gov, and agency procurement systems.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather the following information and documents before beginning your SAM.gov registration. Having everything ready will save you from delays and errors during the process.

Required Information

1. Legal Business Name and DBA (if applicable) Your business name exactly as it appears on your IRS tax documents. Mismatches between your SAM registration name and IRS records are the number one cause of validation failures.

2. Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Issued by the IRS. If you are a sole proprietor without an EIN, you can use your Social Security Number, though obtaining an EIN is recommended. You can get an EIN immediately through the IRS website at no cost.

3. Physical Business Address Your principal office address. P.O. boxes are not accepted as your physical address, though you can list a P.O. box as your mailing address.

4. Banking Information for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Your business bank account routing number and account number. The government pays contractors exclusively through EFT, so this must be a valid U.S. bank account.

5. NAICS Codes North American Industry Classification System codes that describe your business activities. You can select multiple codes. Your primary NAICS code determines your small business size standard. If you are unsure which NAICS codes apply to your business, SamSearch's AI-powered NAICS code lookup can help you identify the most relevant classifications based on your service descriptions.

6. Products and Services (PSC) Codes Federal Product and Service Codes that describe what you sell or provide. These are different from NAICS codes and are used by the government to categorize contract actions.

7. Electronic Point of Contact (POC) Information You will need to designate an Entity Administrator, who is the primary person responsible for managing your SAM.gov registration, as well as an alternate POC.

8. Login.gov Account SAM.gov uses Login.gov for authentication. You will need a Login.gov account with identity verification completed. Set this up before beginning your SAM.gov registration.

Optional but Recommended

• CAGE Code: If you already have one from previous government work, have it ready. If not, one will be assigned during registration.
• Company Website URL
• SBA Certifications: If you hold 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, or other SBA certifications, have your certification numbers available.

Step-by-Step Registration Walkthrough

Step 1: Create a Login.gov Account

Before you can access SAM.gov, you need a Login.gov account with identity verification:

1. Go to login.gov and create an account with your email address.
2. Set up multi-factor authentication (required).
3. Complete identity verification by uploading a valid government-issued ID and verifying your personal information.
4. Identity verification can take a few minutes to 24 hours depending on the method you choose.

Step 2: Access SAM.gov and Start Entity Registration

1. Go to SAM.gov and sign in with your Login.gov credentials.
2. Navigate to Entity Registrations and select Get Started for a new registration.
3. Choose your entity type (business, organization, individual, etc.).
4. Select the purpose of registration. For government contracting, select I want to bid on federal contracts or other procurement opportunities. I also want to be eligible for contract awards.

Step 3: Validate Your Entity and Obtain Your UEI

1. Enter your legal business name, physical address, and entity start date.
2. SAM.gov will search for your entity in the validation databases.
3. If your entity is found, it will display the information for you to confirm.
4. If your entity is new, SAM.gov will create a new record and assign a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) -- a 12-character alphanumeric code that replaces the legacy DUNS number.
5. Record your UEI. You will need it for all future government contracting activities.

Step 4: Enter Core Data

This is the most detailed section of registration. You will complete several subsections:

General Information

• Business type and organizational structure (LLC, corporation, sole proprietor, partnership, etc.)
• State/country of incorporation
• Fiscal year end date
• Company URL

Financial Information

• EFT banking information (routing number, account number, account type)
• Remittance address for payments
• This information is encrypted and protected under federal data security requirements

Executive Compensation

• If your entity received 80% or more of annual gross revenue from federal contracts/grants and received $25 million or more in federal funds in the preceding fiscal year, you must report executive compensation data
• Most new registrants are exempt from this requirement

Proceedings Information

• Disclose any federal or state criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings within the past 5 years
• This applies if your entity received contracts totaling $10 million or more in the previous fiscal year

Step 5: Enter Assertions

NAICS Codes

• Add all NAICS codes relevant to your business
• Designate one as your primary NAICS code
• Your primary NAICS code determines your small business size standard based on SBA thresholds (revenue or employee count)
• You can add, modify, or remove NAICS codes later during renewal

Product and Service Codes (PSC)

• Select PSC codes that correspond to the products or services you offer
• These codes help contracting officers find you when searching SAM.gov for potential vendors

Size Metrics

• Enter your average annual revenue for the past three fiscal years
• Enter your average number of employees for the past 12 months
• This data is used to determine your small business size status under each NAICS code

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Information

• If you conduct business via EDI, enter your EDI configuration
• Most small businesses skip this section

Step 6: Complete Representations and Certifications

This section contains your legal certifications required under FAR 52.204-8 and other regulatory provisions:

• Business size and socioeconomic status: Certify whether you are a small business, and if applicable, certify any socioeconomic categories (woman-owned, veteran-owned, etc.)
• Place of manufacture: For supply contracts, certify where your products are manufactured
• Tax compliance: Certify that you are in compliance with federal tax obligations
• Debarment and suspension: Certify that your entity and its principals are not presently debarred or suspended
• Drug-free workplace: Certify compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act

Read each certification carefully. These are legal representations made under penalty of law.

Step 7: Enter Points of Contact

Designate the following:

• Entity Administrator: Primary person responsible for managing the SAM registration
• Alternate Entity Administrator: Backup contact
• Government Business POC: Person who interacts with government agencies regarding contracting matters
• Electronic Business POC: Person responsible for electronic commerce setup
• Past Performance POC: Person responsible for responding to past performance surveys and evaluations

Step 8: Review and Submit

1. Review all entered information for accuracy. Pay particular attention to:
   • Legal business name matching IRS records exactly
   • EIN/TIN accuracy
   • Banking information correctness
   • NAICS code selections
2. Submit your registration.
3. Note the estimated processing time displayed after submission.

What Happens After You Submit

After you submit your registration, several validation processes run:

IRS TIN Matching (1-2 Business Days)

SAM.gov validates your Taxpayer Identification Number against IRS records. The legal business name and TIN must match exactly. If there is a mismatch, your registration will be returned to you with instructions to correct the discrepancy.

CAGE Code Assignment (3-5 Business Days)

If you do not already have a CAGE code, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) will assign one. This step happens automatically as part of the registration process. Your CAGE code is a five-character alphanumeric identifier used to identify your business facility. For more details on CAGE codes, see our CAGE Code guide.

Entity Validation (7-10 Business Days Total)

The complete validation process, including all checks, typically takes 7 to 10 business days for domestic entities. International entities may take up to 30 business days due to NCAGE code processing through NATO.

Registration Activation

Once all validations pass, your registration status changes to Active. You will receive an email notification confirming your active registration. At this point, you are eligible to bid on and receive federal contract awards.

Common SAM.gov Registration Mistakes

These are the most frequent errors that cause registration delays or rejections:

1. Business Name Does Not Match IRS Records

This is the single most common issue. Your legal business name in SAM.gov must match your IRS records character for character. If your IRS records show "ABC Services, LLC" and you enter "ABC Services LLC" (missing the comma), the TIN validation will fail.

Fix: Check your IRS CP 575 confirmation letter or your most recent tax return for your exact legal name. If you need to update your name with the IRS, file Form 8822-B.

2. Wrong Entity Type Selection

Selecting the wrong entity type (e.g., choosing "Corporation" when you are an LLC) causes downstream issues with certifications and representations.

Fix: Verify your entity type against your formation documents and IRS classification.

3. Incorrect Banking Information

Typos in routing numbers or account numbers will prevent the government from paying you and can delay registration activation.

Fix: Double-check your banking information against a voided check or bank statement. Verify with your bank if unsure.

4. Not Completing Identity Verification on Login.gov

SAM.gov requires completed identity verification on Login.gov. Starting the SAM registration without this step completed results in access issues.

Fix: Complete Login.gov identity verification before beginning your SAM.gov registration.

5. Selecting Inappropriate NAICS Codes

Choosing NAICS codes that do not accurately reflect your business can create problems with small business size status determinations and limit your visibility to relevant solicitations.

Fix: Research NAICS codes thoroughly. Use the Census Bureau's NAICS code search or SamSearch's AI-powered NAICS lookup to identify the codes that best match your actual business activities.

6. Letting Registration Expire

SAM.gov registrations must be renewed annually. An expired registration means you cannot receive new awards, and agencies may be unable to process payments on existing contracts.

Fix: Set calendar reminders for 60 and 30 days before expiration. Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your expiration date.

How Long Does Registration Take?

Here is a realistic timeline for the complete registration process:

Plan accordingly. If you are responding to a specific solicitation, do not wait until the RFP drops to begin registration. Registration should be completed well in advance of any proposal deadlines.

Annual Renewal

SAM.gov registrations expire one year from the date of activation. Renewal is mandatory to maintain your eligibility for government contracts.

Renewal Process

1. Log into SAM.gov at least 30 days before your expiration date.
2. Navigate to your entity registration and select Update/Renew.
3. Review and update all sections. Even if nothing has changed, you must walk through each section and confirm the information.
4. Pay particular attention to:
   • Banking information (update if your bank account has changed)
   • NAICS codes (add or remove codes based on your evolving capabilities)
   • Representations and certifications (re-certify all legal representations)
   • Points of contact (update personnel changes)
   • Revenue and employee count (update to reflect current data)
5. Submit the renewal.
6. Allow 7 to 10 business days for revalidation.

What Happens If Your Registration Lapses

If your registration expires:

• You cannot receive new contract awards.
• Agencies may be unable to process invoice payments on existing contracts.
• You lose visibility in SAM.gov searches by contracting officers.
• Reactivation requires going through the full validation process again, which can take 7 to 10 business days.

There is no grace period. Once your registration expires, it is inactive immediately.

Troubleshooting Tips

"TIN Matching Failed"

Your business name or TIN does not match IRS records. Obtain your IRS CP 575 letter or contact the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 to verify the exact name and TIN on file. Common issues include punctuation differences, abbreviations (Inc. vs Incorporated), and name changes not yet reflected in IRS systems.

"CAGE Code Validation Pending"

CAGE code assignment by DLA can take 3 to 5 business days. If it takes longer than 10 business days, contact the DLA CAGE program at cagemail@dla.mil or 1-877-352-2255.

"Registration Returned for Correction"

SAM.gov will email you with specific items that need correction. Log in, address each flagged item, and resubmit. The most common reasons for returns are TIN mismatches, incomplete financial information, and missing representations.

Cannot Access SAM.gov

Verify that your Login.gov identity verification is complete. SAM.gov requires a verified Login.gov account. If you continue to have access issues, contact the Federal Service Desk at 1-866-606-8220 or visit fsd.gov for support.

Multiple Registrations

If your entity was previously registered under a legacy DUNS number, that registration may need to be migrated to the UEI-based system. Contact the Federal Service Desk for assistance with migration.

After Registration: Your Next Steps

With your SAM.gov registration active, you are now eligible to pursue federal contracts. Here is what to do next:

1. Save your credentials. Record your UEI, CAGE code, and Login.gov credentials in a secure location. You will reference these on every proposal and contract document.

2. Develop your capability statement. A one-page summary of your company's competencies, past performance, and differentiators. See our Capability Statement guide for a detailed walkthrough.

3. Identify relevant opportunities. Start searching for active solicitations that match your NAICS codes and capabilities. SamSearch makes it easy to search across all active federal opportunities, filter by agency, NAICS code, set-aside type, and contract value, and set up alerts for new opportunities matching your profile.

4. Understand the solicitation landscape. Learn the difference between RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, and Sources Sought notices. Our Government Contracting for Beginners guide covers the full spectrum.

5. Consider SBA certifications. If you qualify, certifications like 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and SDVOSB provide access to sole-source and set-aside contract opportunities. Explore your eligibility through the SBA's certification programs.

6. Build relationships. Attend agency industry days, meet with OSDBU (Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization) representatives, and connect with prime contractors in your market area.

Your SAM.gov registration is the foundation. Everything in government contracting builds from this first step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SAM.gov?

SAM.gov (System for Award Management) is the official U.S. government website where businesses register to do business with the federal government. Managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), it is the single system of record for entity information in the federal procurement ecosystem. Registration in SAM.gov is required before a company can bid on or receive federal contracts, grants, or certain types of federal financial assistance. It replaced several legacy systems including CCR, ORCA, and EPLS.

Is SAM.gov registration free?

Yes. SAM.gov registration is completely free. There is no cost to register, renew, or maintain your entity registration. Be cautious of third-party companies that charge fees to "help" with SAM registration. While some offer legitimate consulting services, many charge hundreds or thousands of dollars for a process you can complete yourself at no cost. The official website is sam.gov -- be wary of lookalike domains.

How long does SAM.gov registration take?

The online registration process itself takes 1 to 3 hours to complete if you have all required information ready. After submission, the government validation process (IRS TIN matching, CAGE code assignment, and entity verification) typically takes 7 to 10 business days for domestic entities and up to 30 business days for international entities. If issues arise during validation, such as IRS name mismatches, the process can take longer. Plan for a total timeline of 10 to 15 business days from start to active registration.

What is a UEI and how do I get one?

A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned to every entity that registers in SAM.gov. It replaced the DUNS number (previously issued by Dun & Bradstreet) in April 2022 as part of a government-wide transition. You do not need to obtain a UEI separately or apply through a third-party provider. Your UEI is generated automatically as part of the SAM.gov entity validation process when you create a new registration.

Do I need a CAGE code before registering in SAM.gov?

No. If you do not already have a CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code, one will be assigned to you automatically during the SAM.gov registration process by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The CAGE code is a five-character identifier used by the Department of Defense and NATO to identify contractor facilities. The assignment typically takes 3 to 5 business days as part of the registration validation process. For more information, see our detailed CAGE Code guide.

What happens if my SAM.gov registration expires?

If your registration expires, you become ineligible to receive new contract awards or contract modifications, and agencies may be unable to process payments on existing contracts. Your registration must be renewed annually. SAM.gov sends email reminders at 60 and 30 days before expiration, but you should set your own calendar reminders. Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your expiration date to allow for validation processing time.

Can I register in SAM.gov as a sole proprietor?

Yes. Sole proprietors, individuals, and all types of business entities (LLCs, corporations, partnerships, nonprofits, and tribal entities) can register in SAM.gov. Sole proprietors should select "Sole Proprietor" as their entity structure during registration. You can use either your Social Security Number (SSN) or an EIN as your taxpayer identification number, though obtaining an EIN is recommended to separate your business and personal tax identities.

What NAICS codes should I select during registration?

Select NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes that accurately describe your primary business activities and the types of government work you plan to pursue. You can select multiple NAICS codes to cover all your service areas. The code you designate as your primary NAICS determines your small business size standard, which is based on either average annual revenue or number of employees depending on the industry. Choose your primary NAICS carefully, as it affects your small business eligibility. SamSearch's AI-powered NAICS code finder can help identify the most relevant codes for your business based on plain-language descriptions of your services.