How to Get a CAGE Code: Step-by-Step SAM.gov Registration

Every company that wants to do business with a U.S. federal agency needs a CAGE code. The good news is that obtaining one costs nothing — it is assigned automatically by the Defense Logistics Agency when you complete your SAM.gov entity registration. The challenge is that the registration process involves several steps, some of which trip up first-time applicants. This guide will walk you through each phase.

Before You Begin: What You Need

Gather the following before starting your SAM.gov registration:

• EIN or SSN: Your Employer Identification Number (for businesses) or Social Security Number (for sole proprietors).
• Legal business name and DBA: Exactly as it appears on your IRS tax filings.
• Physical address: SAM.gov does not accept PO boxes as a primary address.
• NAICS codes: Select the codes that best represent your business activities. Not sure which ones apply? Browse our NAICS code guide for federal contractors.
• Banking information: For electronic funds transfer setup.
• UEI: SAM.gov will assign a Unique Entity Identifier automatically during registration if you do not already have one.

Step 1 — Create a Login.gov Account

SAM.gov uses Login.gov for authentication. Go to login.gov, create an account with a government-strength email address, and enable two-factor authentication. Keep your Login.gov credentials safe — you will need them every time you renew your registration.

Step 2 — Start a New Entity Registration on SAM.gov

Log into SAM.gov and click "Register Entity" under the Entity Registrations section. Choose "U.S. Entity" (domestic) or "Foreign Entity" (international). If you are a foreign entity, you will ultimately receive an NCAGE code instead of, or in addition to, a U.S. CAGE code.

Step 3 — Complete the Core Data Section

Enter your legal name, physical address, and EIN. SAM.gov will cross-reference this with IRS records — the name must match exactly. Select your entity type (corporation, LLC, sole proprietor, etc.) and confirm your fiscal year end date.

Step 4 — Select NAICS Codes and PSC Codes

NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes define what your business does. You can add multiple NAICS codes but must designate one as your primary code. Product and Service Codes (PSCs) describe what you sell to the government. Choose carefully — these codes influence which set-aside opportunities appear in your search results on SAM.gov. Our NAICS pages break down the most popular codes for federal contractors.

Step 5 — Representations and Certifications

This section contains dozens of compliance certifications — small business status, ownership disclosures, and regulatory compliance attestations. If your company qualifies as a small business, confirm your size against the SBA table of size standards by primary NAICS code. If you have socioeconomic certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB), you will certify them here as well.

Step 6 — Notarize a Letter (New Registrants)

For first-time registrations, SAM.gov requires a notarized letter confirming your entity's authorized representative. This added step can take several business days. Prepare the letter early and use a notary that is familiar with government registration documents.

Step 7 — Wait for DLA Review

After submitting, the Defense Logistics Agency reviews the application and assigns your CAGE code. This typically takes 3–10 business days for domestic entities. You will receive an email with your assigned code.

After You Receive Your CAGE Code

Once you have your CAGE code, you can verify it on our CAGE Code Decoder. Bookmark your SAM.gov registration renewal date — registrations expire annually and must be renewed to keep your CAGE code active. See our guide on CAGE code expiration and renewal for reminders and best practices.

For agency-specific contracting requirements, explore our agency pages to understand how the Department of Defense, GSA, and others use CAGE codes in their procurement processes.