Overview of What a D-U-N-S is & How You Can Request One!
A required step to enroll in the Apple Developer program is acquiring a DUNS number. In this article, we will review the qualifications to receive and request this. If you have any questions throughout the process, please contact your Implementation Specialist or chat/email us at help@tapcart.co! We’re here to help!
What is a D-U-N-S Number?
The D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit number used to identify business entities on a location-specific basis. Assigned and maintained by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), the D-U-N-S Number is widely used as a standard business identifier and is required to complete your Apple Developer Enrollment. It is used to check the identity and legal entity status of your organization as part of your enrollment verification process for the Apple Developer Program.
Please note, your business must be recognized as a legal entity (ie., Corporation, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Company) to enter into the legal terms and obligations of the Apple Developer Program as a ‘Company/Organization’. This is required for Tapcarts’ Implementation process. DBA’s, fictitious businesses, trade names, and branches are not accepted. Companies and educational institutions must provide a D-U-N-S Number registered to their legal entity, while a D-U-N-S Number is optional for government organizations.
How to Request a D-U-N-S Number?
If your business is recognized as a legal entity, D&B may have already assigned your organization a free D-U-N-S Number. Before enrolling, use the D-U-N-S Number lookup tool to see if you have one!
- If Yes, you can proceed to complete your enrollment in Apple Developer
- If No, your company is not listed, you will have the option to submit your information to D&B for a free D-U-N-S Number. By check-marking the box and selecting ‘Submit’, you will give Apple authorization to provide your business information to D&B.
Please note, you will be asked for the following information when requesting a D-U-N-S Number using the lookup tool:
- Legal Entity Name
- Headquarters Address
- Mailing Address
- Your Contact Information
As part of D&B’s verification process, a D&B representative may contact you directly for more information (ie., type of business, number of employees). Please have your business registration documents readily available.
Important Note: If your business is recognized as an Individual, Sole Proprietor, or Single Person Business, you will need to update your business license to a legal entity. As previously mentioned, this is required for your Apple Developer enrollment as a ‘Company/Organization’. Tapcart will not be able to assist you with implementation, as an ‘Individual/Sole Proprietor’.
If you have already enrolled in Apple’s Developer program as an ‘Individual/Sole Proprietor’, you will need to reach out to the D&B team to update your account and upgrade the legal status of your D-U-N-S Number. You can reach out to them here or at (855) 444-3091. Please note, it takes up to 14 business days for D&B to provide updated information on legal status to Apple. Once your D-U-N-S number is activated as an Organization, you can complete your enrollment with Apple Developer as an ‘Organization’.
Next Steps
After requesting a D-U-N-S Number, please allow up to 5 business days to receive your number from D&B. Expediting your D-U-N-S Number creation process will not shorten this waiting period. If your application has taken longer than two weeks to process, please contact D&B here.
Once you receive your D-U-N-S Number, please allow up to 2 business days for Apple to receive your information from D&B. After this period, you may move on to enroll as a ‘Company/Organization’ in the Apple Developer program.
More Questions
If you have additional questions on requesting or receiving your D-U-N-S Number, we’re happy to help! Please reach out to your Implementation Specialist or you can email us at help@tapcart.co.