CAGE Code vs UEI Number: What’s the Difference and Do You Need Both in 2026?

May 22, 2026

CAGE Code and UEI Number are required for businesses planning to work with U.S. federal government agencies in 2026. If you’re registering in SAM.gov, understanding these two terms is crucial for compliance and approval in applying and bidding for government contracts. However, the differences between CAGE Code and UEI Number might result in SAM.gov registration delays, rejected applications, and missed opportunities. Every identifier has a distinct function, and failing to recognize the difference can create unnecessary administrative challenges.

To stay compliant and contract-ready, businesses must understand what a UEI Number is and why the DUNS number is replaced, why federal procurement represents a CAGE Code, and why you need both identifiers for bidding on contracts. This article breaks down the differences between the CAGE Code and UEI Number, and their roles in federal systems, and helps you to ensure your business is fully compliant, and MySetAside helps to compete for government opportunities.

UEI Number

Definition

A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric code assigned by SAM.gov to identify businesses and organizations for federal contracts, grants, and financial assistance. It was replaced in April 2022 by the older DUNS number and issued and managed by SAM.gov to streamline vendor management.

Points to Remember

• Issued through SAM.gov registration.
• Uniquely identifies contractors, nonprofits, and organizations receiving federal funds.
• Necessary for all entities registered in SAM.gov.
• Government contractors, grant applicants, nonprofits that receive federal funding, and businesses bidding in federal opportunities need UEI.

CAGE CODE

Definition

A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code is a five-character identifier used by the U.S. federal government to identify a specific physical business location involved in contracting, logistics, or supply chain activities. CAGE codes are issued and maintained by the DLA Logistics Information Service and are used throughout federal procurement and defence logistics systems.

Points to Remember

• Assigned during SAM.gov registration (for U.S. entities).
• Managed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and federal logistics-related workflows.
• Identifies a specific physical business location to ensure logistical accuracy.
• Supports shipping, inspection, and payment routing.

NOTE

For businesses outside the USA, a related identifier called NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code is used for the same purpose.

Difference Between UEI Number and CAGE Code

Common Issues Faced by Businesses

Both are more than just numbers, because they provoke your eligibility for federal contracts, access to grants and funding, vendor recognition across agencies, and a streamlined procurement process. Due to rigorous validation processes, obtaining and maintaining a UEI Number and a CAGE Code sometimes frustrates businesses. The major pain points include:

1. Information like legal business name, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and physical address doesn’t match with official IRS and USPS records.
2. Many businesses struggle with identity verification, login credentials, and adapting from legacy DUNS-based systems to the newer UEI framework.
3. DLA handles the CAGE Code, which requires additional validation; typically, it takes 15 to 20 business days on top of the initial UEI validation.
4. If your business operates under a DBA (Doing Business As) and links the DBA to the core business name and tax ID, it often causes system hiccups during the entity validation phase.
5. Annual SAM.gov renewal is mandatory to keep your UEI and associated CAGE information active; failure to renew may result in missed contracts or frozen grant payouts.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Your UEI and CAGE Code

• Before registering in SAM.gov, gather the required information like business details (legal business name and physical address), sole proprietor’s tax information (EIN or SSN), state/county and year of starting the business, banking information, and NAICS Code.
• Navigate to the SAM.gov portal, where you need to create and authenticate your identity, which requires two-factor authentication.
• Select Get Started and choose Register Entity by selecting all awards that apply for both the UEI and the CAGE Code.
• Validate your legal business name and physical address as it appears on the IRS documentation.
• Then the system verifies your information, and a 12-character alphanumeric UEI will be assigned and displayed on your screen.
• Complete the registration by continuing through the remaining sections of the registration, disclosing any compliance and tax delinquency required for federal regulation, and submit your registration.
• After a successful SAM.gov submission and validation, domestic entities are typically assigned a CAGE Code through DLA review, which may take several business days depending on verification requirements.

CAGE Code and UEI Number play a vital role in federal contract registration, government grant eligibility, and SAM.gov compliance. Understanding how these identifiers work together helps businesses reduce registration errors, avoid costly delays, and position themselves for long-term opportunities within the federal marketplace. Once your UEI and CAGE Code registration is active, platforms like MySetAside can help businesses discover set-aside contracts, track opportunities by NAICS code, and compete more effectively in the federal marketplace.

FAQs

Do you need both the UEI Number and the CAGE Code?

Yes, working with the federal government requires both applying for and bidding on federal contracts.

Do I need to renew my UEI or CAGE Code?

You do not renew them separately. Your UEI does not expire, but your SAM.gov registration must be renewed annually. Your CAGE code operates on a 5-year renewal cycle or will expire concurrently if your annual SAM.gov registration is renewed.

Is the UEI Number replacing the DUNS Number?

Yes, the UEI number officially replaced the DUNS Number as the primary business identifier for federal registrations and contracting.

How much do you need to pay to obtain a UEI and a CAGE Code?

Both the UEI and the CAGE Code are completely free of cost through the official U.S. government portals (SAM.gov).

Can I have multiple UEIs or CAGE Codes for one business?

Yes, depending on your structure. A business will have a separate UEI for every legal entity registered in SAM.gov. Similarly, if your business operates in multiple locations, then you will receive a separate CAGE Code for each location.