D-U-N-S® Number
A D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned to businesses by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It is required to enroll in the Apple Developer Program as a Company/Organization. This guide explains what a DUNS number is, how to check if you already have one, and how to request one if needed.
In this article:
What a D-U-N-S Number is and who needs one
How to look up an existing DUNS number
How to request a new DUNS number
International merchants and special cases
Common issues and processing times
Who Needs a D-U-N-S Number?
A DUNS number is required for both Apple Developer Program enrollment and Google Play Console enrollment as an Organization or Business. Both platforms use it to verify your business identity before allowing you to publish apps.
Your business must be a recognized legal entity to qualify:
Eligible: Corporation, LLC, Limited Partnership, Non-profit, Educational institution
Not eligible: Sole proprietor, DBA/trade name, fictitious business name, branch office
If your business is currently a sole proprietorship, you'll need to update your business structure before proceeding with Tapcart.
Check If You Already Have One
Many businesses already have a DUNS number and don't know it. Before requesting a new one, check first:
Visit Apple's DUNS lookup tool: https://developer.apple.com/enroll/duns-lookup/
Enter your company's legal name and address
If a match is found, your DUNS number will be displayed
You can also search directly on the D&B website: https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/lookup.html
How to Request a New D-U-N-S Number
If no match is found, you can request a DUNS number for free through Apple's enrollment process:
Go to Apple's DUNS lookup page
Search for your company — if no match is found, you'll see an option to submit a request
Fill in the required business information:
Legal business name (must match your official registration)
Business address
Contact name and phone number
Submit the request
Processing time: D&B typically takes 5–14 business days to process a new DUNS request. In some cases, they may contact you to verify your business information. You'll receive a confirmation email once your number is assigned.
Important: Do not start the Apple Developer enrollment until your DUNS number is activated. Attempting to enroll with a pending or inactive DUNS will result in your enrollment being rejected.
International Merchants
D-U-N-S Numbers are available worldwide — Dun & Bradstreet operates in over 200 countries. Here's what international merchants should know:
Canadian businesses: Yes, Canadian businesses can and do get DUNS numbers. The process is the same — use Apple's lookup tool or request directly from D&B. Your DUNS number will be associated with your Canadian legal entity.
UK, EU, and Australian businesses: The same process applies. D&B has local offices in most major markets.
Processing times may vary by region: International requests can take slightly longer than US-based requests.
If you're having trouble obtaining a DUNS number in your region, contact your Tapcart Implementation Manager to help troubleshoot.
Common Issues
DUNS name doesn't match Apple enrollment
The legal entity name you enter during Apple Developer enrollment must exactly match the name on your DUNS record. If they don't match (e.g., "LLC" vs. "L.L.C." or a DBA name vs. legal name), Apple will reject your enrollment. Contact D&B to update your record if needed.
DUNS showing as inactive
A newly issued DUNS number takes a few days to propagate through Apple's system after D&B activates it. If you received your DUNS confirmation but Apple's enrollment says it's not found, wait 24–48 hours and try again.
"I already have a DUNS but it's under a different name"
This commonly happens when a business has been renamed or restructured. Contact D&B to update the name on your existing DUNS record rather than requesting a new number.
More Questions
If you have any questions throughout the process, please contact your Implementation Specialist or email us at [email protected]. We're here to help!