UEI numbers cannot be directly deactivated in SAM.gov since they’re tied to SAM registration status. Organizations seeking to deactivate a UEI must either let their SAM registration expire naturally or formally delete their registration by logging into SAM.gov, selecting “Delete Registration,” and providing justification. After deletion, the UEI becomes inactive and unusable for federal transactions. The process requires entity administrator credentials and multi-factor authentication to complete. Additional steps can help organizations navigate common validation challenges.
Understanding UEI Deactivation Prerequisites
Before attempting to deactivate a UEI number, organizations must understand that there is no direct deactivation option within the SAM.gov system. Instead, UEI status is directly tied to an entity’s SAM registration status, which serves as the control mechanism for UEI activity.
Organizations cannot directly deactivate UEI numbers – these identifiers are controlled entirely by your SAM registration status.
The primary prerequisite for altering UEI status is understanding this fundamental relationship with SAM registration. When a SAM registration expires or becomes inactive, the associated UEI automatically becomes unusable for federal transactions. Maintaining an active SAM status is crucial for businesses seeking eligibility for federal contracts, grants, and other government assistance programs.
This means organizations seeking to effectively “deactivate” their UEI must allow their SAM registration to expire by not completing the annual renewal process.
Organizations should note that:
- UEI inactivity occurs only through SAM registration expiration
- No separate deactivation process exists
- SAM registrations require annual renewal to maintain active status
- An inactive UEI cannot be used for federal business transactions
Entity Administrators can monitor their registration status through the Workspace menu on SAM.gov to determine whether their registration and associated UEI is active or inactive.
Step-by-Step Process to Delete Your UEI
While understanding the relationship between SAM registration and UEI status provides important context, organizations often need specific guidance on the actual deletion process.
Entity management within SAM.gov requires careful navigation through specific steps to properly deactivate a UEI number. This process is essential for entities that no longer wish to do business with the federal government or need to restructure their registration information.
The registration process for deletion includes:
- Access your SAM.gov account with entity administrator credentials, navigate to the “Workspace” section, and verify your administrative privileges before proceeding.
- Verify registration status by checking expiration dates, confirming no active federal contracts exist, and exporting registration data for your records.
- Initiate the deletion by selecting “Delete Registration,” providing required justification, and completing multi-factor authentication to confirm your request. Once deactivated, you will need to obtain a new UEI if you wish to register with NSF or other federal agencies in the future.
- Complete follow-up actions by monitoring for confirmation emails, updating internal systems, and waiting the recommended 30 days before attempting any re-registration to avoid system conflicts.
Common Challenges and Alternative Solutions
Organizations often encounter considerable hurdles when managing their UEI numbers in the SAM registration system.
Entity validation issues frequently arise when businesses undergo structural changes such as name modifications, relocations, or mergers, creating compliance issues that can jeopardize federal contracting opportunities. The registration timeline delays often result from mismatches in entity details or outdated information in the system.
The shift from DUNS to UEI has introduced new validation processes that many find confusing and error-prone. Entities experiencing technical difficulties during the transition should maintain records of all ticket numbers and communication with GSA support services.
Additionally, inconsistent business details across platforms can lead to disqualification from government contracts. Remember that registration is free, despite some private companies charging fees for assistance with the process.
To overcome these challenges, businesses should:
- Consider professional assistance for complex registrations
- Verify data accuracy regularly to maintain compliance
- Implement reminder systems for renewals (2-3 months in advance)
- Log in to SAM accounts monthly to prevent deactivation
- Maintain organized documentation of all business information
Early planning and familiarity with the SAM interface greatly reduce complications during both initial registration and renewal processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Reuse a Deactivated UEI Number for a New Entity?
UEI numbers cannot be reused for different entities under any circumstances.
Even if a SAM registration becomes inactive, the UEI remains permanently assigned to its original entity.
Deactivation implications only affect the registration status, not the UEI itself.
The system maintains this restriction to preserve the integrity of federal award tracking and entity identification.
Organizations seeking to register a new entity must obtain a completely new UEI through the SAM.gov platform.
How Long Does the UEI Deactivation Process Typically Take?
The UEI deactivation timeline varies based on several factors.
There is no standard processing duration for UEI deactivation since entities don’t directly deactivate UEIs but instead manage their registrations.
When entities update or delete their SAM.gov registrations, changes typically process within 24-48 hours, though validation backlogs may extend this period.
The GSA recommends initiating any registration changes well in advance of deadlines to accommodate potential processing delays.
Will Deactivating My UEI Affect My Previous Contract History Records?
No, deactivating a UEI number does not affect previous contract history records.
SAM.gov maintains extensive record retention policies that preserve historical contract data even after UEI deactivation.
Contract history remains accessible through federal databases for audit and reference purposes.
While the entity may lose eligibility for new contracts following deactivation, all past performance information, award details, and contract documentation remain intact in federal systems, ensuring continuity of government procurement records and transparency.
Can Multiple Administrators Request UEI Deactivation Simultaneously?
Multiple administrators cannot simultaneously deactivate a UEI because deactivation procedures operate at the registration level, not the UEI level.
While several administrator roles may exist for one entity, the system processes deactivation requests sequentially.
When an administrator initiates registration deactivation, the action is logged in SAM.gov’s audit trail, preventing conflicting simultaneous requests.
Any subsequent administrator attempting to perform the same action would encounter notification that a deactivation process is already underway.
Is There a Waiting Period Before Registering a New UEI?
There is no mandatory waiting period for registering a new UEI after deactivation. Entities can typically begin a new registration process immediately if necessary.
However, the standard registration process still applies, including entity validation and documentation submission. The entire process takes approximately 1-2 weeks for completion, with manual review requiring several days.
Organizations should prepare for this timeframe when planning their registration activities after a previous UEI has been deactivated.