To obtain a CAGE Code, first create a SAM.gov user account and select the appropriate registration type. Submit your organization’s legal name, validated physical address, tax ID numbers, and relevant NAICS codes. The CAGE Code is automatically assigned upon successful SAM registration completion. Verify all information for accuracy in your dashboard after assignment. Annual renewal of your SAM registration guarantees continued federal contracting eligibility. The following steps provide complete details for traversing this essential business registration process.
Essential Requirements Before Starting Your CAGE Code Application
Several critical requirements must be gathered before beginning a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code application. Understanding CAGE code significance in government contracting helps businesses prepare proper documentation. Maintaining accurate records throughout the process is essential for avoiding delays and ensuring successful government contract opportunities.
First, businesses need their legal name matching official registration documents, physical address validated through utility bills or leases, and appropriate NAICS codes. The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which replaced the DUNS number in 2022, is automatically assigned during SAM registration. For organizations working with NATO, obtaining a NATO Commercial Entity code follows a similar but distinct process. The application process is completely free and can be completed online through the System for Award Management website.
Proper documentation begins with accurate legal names, verifiable addresses and industry codes before your UEI can be assigned through SAM.
Entity validation requires:
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN/EIN) or SSN for sole proprietors
- Bank routing and account numbers for Electronic Funds Transfer
- IRS-confirmed tax name matching TIN records
- Entity ownership structure documentation
Businesses must also prepare to disclose their immediate and highest-level owner CAGE codes if applicable.
Foreign entities need additional documentation, including translations of official papers. Complete SAM.gov registration must be active before CAGE code assignment.
The Complete SAM Registration and CAGE Code Assignment Process
The entire SAM registration process consists of multiple steps that must be completed sequentially to obtain a CAGE code for government contracting. Entities begin by visiting SAM.gov, creating a user account, and selecting the appropriate registration type for their organization.
During registration, applicants must provide detailed business information, including tax ID numbers and points of contact. The CAGE code significance becomes apparent as this unique identifier enables seamless interaction with federal procurement systems. Entities without an existing CAGE code will automatically receive one upon successful SAM registration. A Unique Entity Identifier is assigned to each business, replacing the previous DUNS number for identification within the government system. Annual renewal of SAM registration is required to maintain eligibility for federal contracting opportunities.
SAM registration benefits extend beyond CAGE code acquisition, offering centralized management of organizational information and enabling participation in government grant opportunities at no cost. Following the latest updates and changes to the registration procedure is essential for compliance with federal requirements.
The process concludes with completing representations and certifications for non-federal entities, followed by submission and status tracking through the SAM Status Tracker while awaiting approval, which typically takes several business days.
Post-Assignment Verification and Maintaining Your CAGE Code
Once entities receive their CAGE code through SAM registration, verification procedures must be implemented immediately to guarantee system accuracy and compliance. Organizations should conduct post verification checks by reviewing their SAM profile details, confirming the CAGE code appears correctly in the dashboard, and cross-verifying all business information against supporting documentation. The system interface navigation may initially seem complex, but following the step-by-step process ensures proper verification.
Maintaining active CAGE code status requires vigilant compliance maintenance through annual SAM registration renewal. Physical address management is particularly critical, as PO boxes must be replaced with validated physical locations, and address changes must be updated within 30 days of relocation. Government contractors should remember that UEI numbers are permanent identifiers that never expire, unlike their annual SAM registration requirements. It’s crucial to understand that CAGE Codes expire after five years from the last update if they were modified after August 26, 2016.
Keep your CAGE code active through timely SAM renewals and immediate notification of physical address changes.
Businesses should also promptly update financial information, revalidate legal structures after organizational changes, and monitor SAM.gov alerts for policy updates.
If violations occur, entities must respond to suspension notices within 15 days by submitting corrective evidence and documenting all resolution processes for future audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Expedite My CAGE Code Assignment for Urgent Contract Opportunities?
No official expedited CAGE code processing exists through standard channels.
For urgent contract opportunities, emergency waivers may apply if the request relates to disaster response. Contractors can note “hurricane” or similar emergency terms in the purpose field for priority handling.
Expedited DUNS number acquisition (24-hour service for $229) can speed up prerequisites. Standard processing remains 3-5 business days, with manual submissions taking longer.
Defense Department occasionally bypasses requirements for crisis responders.
Are CAGE Codes Transferable During Business Ownership Changes or Mergers?
CAGE codes have limited transferability during business ownership changes or mergers.
By default, these codes are location-specific and don’t automatically transfer with ownership changes.
When businesses merge or change ownership, they must submit formal documentation, such as novation agreements, to properly reassign contracts and associated CAGE codes.
The process requires immediate SAM.gov updates, ownership disclosures, and may involve different outcomes depending on whether locations remain active or close after the merger.
How Do Name Changes Affect My Existing CAGE Code Status?
Name changes have significant implications for CAGE code status.
When a business changes its name, it must update both SAM and CAGE records to reflect this change. This cage code maintenance guarantees continued eligibility for government contracts and prevents processing delays.
Companies should update their information shortly after the name change occurs, while keeping the same CAGE code number.
Failure to maintain accurate records may result in contract ineligibility or payment processing issues.
Can Multiple Divisions of the Same Company Have Separate CAGE Codes?
Yes, multiple divisions of the same company can have separate CAGE Codes.
Each division with unique operations or at different physical locations may require its own code for Division Management purposes. Individual divisions must complete the Registration Process independently and meet distinct Compliance Requirements.
This approach allows large organizations to manage contracts autonomously across divisions, though it increases administrative complexity as each CAGE Code must maintain its own compliance documentation and reporting systems.
What Happens to My CAGE Code if My Business Relocates Internationally?
When a business relocates internationally, its CAGE code must change to an NCAGE (NATO Commercial and Governmental Entity) code.
This process requires:
- Applying through the NATO Codification Tool managed by NSPA
- Submitting address validation documents for the new location
- Ensuring legal name consistency between records
- Updating SAM registration, as the existing profile becomes invalid without proper updates
The business cannot maintain both codes simultaneously, and contract eligibility may pause during this change period.