Guide
UEI vs CAGE code: what's the difference?
UEI vs CAGE code: the UEI is a 12-character identifier assigned by SAM.gov; a CAGE code has 5 characters and is assigned in the U.S. by the Defense Logistics Agency. They are different identifiers, but CageCheck lets you search by either to find a vendor's SAM registration record.
UEI and CAGE at a glance
UEI: 12 alphanumeric characters; issued by SAM.gov; replaced DUNS as the federal entity identifier in April 2022.
CAGE: 5 characters; issued in the U.S. by DLA; identifies an entity at a specific location and is used in defense and procurement systems.
A UEI did not replace the CAGE code. If a form asks for a UEI, use the 12-character identifier; if it asks for a CAGE code, use the 5-character code from the matching record.
UEI — Unique Entity Identifier
The UEI is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by SAM.gov. In April 2022 it replaced the DUNS number as the primary way the government identifies an entity. Every active SAM registration has a UEI.
Use the UEI to locate the entity's SAM registration record and review its registration status, expiration date and NAICS/PSC profile. An identifier alone does not tell you whether the registration is still active.
CAGE code — Commercial and Government Entity
The CAGE code is a 5-character code assigned (in the U.S.) by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). It identifies a specific facility/location of an entity and is widely used in defense and procurement systems.
You can search CageCheck by CAGE code to find the associated SAM record. Match the legal name and address as well as the code, especially when a company has multiple locations.
How to look up a UEI or CAGE code
1. Open the lookup below and enter the UEI, CAGE code or legal company name you already have.
2. Match the legal name and address in the result, then read the UEI and CAGE shown on that record. A name search can return more than one entity.
3. Review the registration status, expiration date and source date separately. CageCheck shows a dated snapshot; use official SAM.gov to confirm the current record before an award or other consequential decision.
Exclusions are a separate check. If the result says exclusions were not checked, that does not mean the vendor is clear; complete the official SAM.gov exclusions search.
CAGE code lookup questions
Is a UEI the same as a CAGE code?
No. A UEI has 12 alphanumeric characters and is assigned by SAM.gov. A U.S. CAGE code has 5 characters and is assigned by DLA. Use the identifier requested by the form or procurement process.
Did the UEI replace DUNS or the CAGE code?
The UEI replaced DUNS as the federal entity identifier in April 2022. It did not replace the CAGE code.
Can I find a UEI using a CAGE code?
Search CageCheck with the CAGE code and check the UEI on the matching SAM record. Confirm the legal name and address, and read the source date before relying on the result.
SAM.gov registration and renewal are FREE at sam.gov. The U.S. Government never charges you to register, renew, or update a SAM.gov registration.
CageCheck is an independent, privately operated service. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Government, the General Services Administration (GSA), SAM.gov, or any government agency. The official registry is at sam.gov.
Look up a UEI or CAGE code
Look up a UEI or CAGE code →