If you have ever tried to navigate government registration systems, you know it can feel like opening a massive box of parts with no instructions. You know everything you need is in there somewhere. You just need someone to tell you what goes where.
The good news is that getting a CAGE Code in 2025 is more straightforward than it used to be. The government retired the old DUNS number, modernized SAM.gov, and simplified how CAGE Codes are assigned. A lot of older articles still online have not caught up, which is why you might see outdated instructions about calling Dun and Bradstreet or applying directly to the Defense Logistics Agency. None of that applies to U.S. based companies anymore.
Here is what the government makes crystal clear and what it does not spell out with exact precision.
What Is a CAGE Code?
A CAGE Code is your company’s official five character identifier used by the federal government. It is assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency. If you want to work with the Department of Defense or most federal agencies, you need one.
The process is free. Updating it is free. Renewing it is free. If someone tries to charge you, close that tab immediately.
Step One. Create Your Login.gov Account
All roads start here. Login.gov is the secure sign in service for federal systems.
Setting it up is quick. Choose a strong password. Add your authentication method. You will need this account every time you access SAM.gov.
Step Two. Start Your SAM.gov Entity Registration
This is where your official journey begins. While SAM.gov used to require a DUNS number, that system was retired in 2022. SAM now creates a Unique Entity ID for you as part of registration.
Before you begin, gather a few essentials.
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Your legal business name
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Your physical business address
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Your EIN or TIN
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Your bank routing and account number if you plan to receive federal payments
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Your NAICS codes
SAM guides you through each section step by step.
Step Three. Complete Entity Validation
This is the part where your information is checked against authoritative data sources. The system compares your legal name, address, and other details with government records.
Here is where variation can happen. Some entities match immediately. Others need to upload a document to verify their address or business name. This is completely normal. The government does not publish a guaranteed timeline for this step because it depends on your specific records.
Most companies move through validation within a few days. Some take longer if the data on file with the IRS or state business authority does not match exactly. If SAM asks for additional documentation, respond quickly because that speeds everything up.
Step Four. Finish the Full SAM Registration
Once your entity is validated, you complete the rest of SAM registration. This includes answering business details, entering your banking information, identifying your business type, and making various representations and certifications.
When you submit your registration, SAM reviews everything. After that review is complete, something important happens. If your business is located in the United States and you do not already have a CAGE Code, the Defense Logistics Agency assigns one automatically during the SAM process.
This is not a separate application. There is no second form to submit. The government confirms this in official guidance, although it does not publish an exact timeline for how long it takes in every case. The timeframe varies based on entity validation, review of your SAM submission, and any follow up required.
How Long Does It All Take
The government does not promise a specific turnaround time for the entire process. Based on published guidance, SAM registration activation can take up to 10 business days once everything is submitted. Entity validation sometimes takes additional time depending on how closely your documents match federal records.
In practice, many companies complete SAM registration and receive their CAGE Code within one to three weeks. Some move faster. Some take longer if documentation issues arise.
Helpful Tips To Make Everything Smoother
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Use the exact legal name that appears on your IRS records. Even punctuation matters.
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Make sure your physical address is correct. PO boxes are not accepted for validation.
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Watch your email for any requests from SAM and respond quickly.
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Check your spam folder too. Important notices can end up there.
A Quick Word About Security Clearances
Years ago, companies could request a CAGE Code for a Facility Clearance without completing SAM registration. That process relied on a specific form and agency sponsorship. Today, this exception is rarely used and most agency sponsors require SAM registration so that entity information is accurate and verified.
If you are being sponsored for a Facility Clearance, your government sponsor will tell you exactly what to provide. For everyone else, SAM.gov is the correct path.
Getting a CAGE Code today is not as complicated as it once was, but the steps need to be followed exactly.
