registration

How to Get a CAGE Code — Step-by-Step Registration Guide

Getting a CAGE code is free and is part of the SAM.gov (System for Award Management) registration process. There is no separate application — DLA assigns your CAGE code automatically when your SAM.gov registration is approved. This guide walks you through every step of the process.

Step 1: Gather What You Need Before You Start

Before logging into SAM.gov, collect:

UEI — You'll receive this automatically when you start registration
EIN (Employer Identification Number) — From the IRS. Sole proprietors may use SSN but EIN is preferred
Legal Business Name — Exactly as it appears on your IRS or state formation documents
Principal Business Address — Physical address (no PO boxes)
NAICS Code(s) — Your primary industry code(s) for federal contracting purposes
Bank Account Information — For EFT payment setup

Step 2: Create a Login.gov Account

SAM.gov uses login.gov for authentication. Go to login.gov and create an account with your work email. You'll need to set up multi-factor authentication. This account is separate from your SAM.gov entity profile — it's just your login credential.

Step 3: Register Your Entity on SAM.gov

Go to sam.gov, click 'Register / Update Entity', and select 'Register New Entity.' Choose entity type (US Business / Organization is most common). You'll answer questions about your business, enter your EIN, and provide your address. SAM.gov will validate your EIN against IRS records — this can take 1–2 business days.

Step 4: Complete Core Data, Assertions, and Representations

SAM.gov registration has three phases:

Core Data — Business name, address, TIN, NAICS, banking info
Assertions — Self-certify your business size, ownership, and socioeconomic status
Representations & Certifications — Answer FAR and DFARS compliance questions

Step 5: Wait for DLA Validation and CAGE Code Assignment

After submitting, DLA validates your registration — typically 7–10 business days. During this time, DLA may assign a new CAGE code or link your registration to an existing CAGE code if your business was previously registered. You'll receive an email confirmation when your registration is active and your CAGE code is assigned.

Step 6: Renew Every 12 Months

SAM.gov registrations expire every 12 months. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before expiration. Renewal is faster than initial registration — you just log in, verify your information, and resubmit. Your CAGE code remains the same after renewal.

Decode Any CAGE Code Instantly

Enter any 5-character CAGE code to see the company name, SAM status, and certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to get a CAGE code?

No. SAM.gov registration and CAGE code assignment are completely free. Be wary of third-party services that charge for SAM registration — you do not need them.

Can I expedite CAGE code assignment?

Not officially. DLA processing is generally 7–10 business days. If you have a contract pending, contact your contracting officer — they can sometimes contact DLA to expedite.

What if my CAGE code is already assigned to another business?

CAGE codes are unique. If a code is already in the system under a different name, DLA will assign you a new code. Contact the DLA CAGE Help Desk if you believe there is an error.

Do I need a CAGE code to apply for federal grants?

Many grant programs (NIH, NSF, DOE) require SAM.gov registration and therefore a CAGE code. Check the specific grant program requirements — some use Grants.gov without requiring a CAGE code.

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