# How to register in SAM.gov Registering in SAM.gov is free and done at sam.gov: sign in with login.gov, request a UEI, then complete the entity registration (core data, assertions such as NAICS codes, representations and certifications, and points of contact). Registrations stay active for 365 days. SAM.gov registration is free. Anyone charging a fee to register is a third-party seller, not the government.Checked on 2026-11-12.Official source: [SAM.gov entity registration](https://sam.gov/entity-registration) | Cost | Free | | --- | --- | | Where | sam.gov | | Sign-in | login.gov | | Validity | 365 days | | Identifier issued | UEI; CAGE code assigned by DLA for US entities | ## What do you need before you start? - Your legal business name and physical address exactly as on IRS records - Your EIN (TIN) and taxpayer name as the IRS has it - Bank account and routing number for payments - Your NAICS codes and, if you sell products, PSC codes - Points of contact for government business and electronic business ## What are the steps? - Create a login.gov account and sign in at sam.gov. - Request a Unique Entity ID (UEI) for your business. - Choose a registration purpose: All Awards to bid on contracts, or Financial Assistance Awards Only for grants. - Complete core data, assertions, representations and certifications, and points of contact. - Submit. SAM.gov validates your TIN with the IRS and your CAGE code with DLA. - Watch your email for activation, and note the expiration date 365 days out. ## How long does SAM registration take? After submission, validation by the IRS and DLA usually takes days to a few weeks. Mismatches between your entry and IRS or address records are the most common delay. ## How do I check my registration status? Sign in to your SAM.gov workspace, or look up your UEI on the [SAM registration status](https://samgovapi.io/sam-registration-status) page, which reads the public extract. ## Where can I get free help? APEX Accelerators (formerly PTACs) give free registration help in every state; the Federal Service Desk (fsd.gov) answers SAM.gov questions. SAM.gov registration is free. Anyone charging a fee to register is a third-party seller, not the government. ## Questions How much does SAM registration cost?Nothing. Registration and renewal in SAM.gov are free.Do I need a CAGE code first?No. US entities are assigned a CAGE code by DLA during SAM.gov registration.Can I bid with a UEI only?A UEI alone lets you report as a subrecipient. To receive prime contracts you need a full registration with the All Awards purpose. ## Related - [SAM renewal](https://samgovapi.io/guides/sam-renewal) - [SAM registration status](https://samgovapi.io/sam-registration-status) - [UEI lookup](https://samgovapi.io/uei-lookup) - [SAM registration](https://samgovapi.io/glossary/sam-registration)Updated 2026-11-12. Sources checked 2026-11-12.Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by GSA, SAM.gov or any U.S. government agency. Registering in SAM.gov is free at sam.gov.

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HTML version: https://samgovapi.io/guides/sam-registration . Markdown: https://samgovapi.io/guides/sam-registration.md

Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by GSA, SAM.gov or any U.S. government agency. Registering in SAM.gov is free at sam.gov.

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