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What Is a CAGE Code? A Complete Guide

A CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity code) is a unique 5-character identifier assigned to every business that registers to do business with the US government. It is issued free of charge by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) as part of the SAM.gov registration process. CAGE codes appear on every federal contract, invoice, and vendor record — they are the government's universal vendor identifier.

What Does a CAGE Code Look Like?

A CAGE code is always exactly 5 characters long and uses a specific alphanumeric format. The first character is always a digit (0–9). The remaining four characters are a mix of letters (A–Z, excluding I and O to avoid confusion with 1 and 0) and digits. Example: 7XYZ2 or 3ABC1. CAGE codes are not sequential — they are assigned by DLA based on registration order.

Who Issues CAGE Codes?

In the US, CAGE codes are issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) through the SAM.gov registration system. NATO allies use a parallel system called NCAGE (NATO Commercial and Government Entity) codes, administered by each nation's national codification authority. US CAGE codes and NCAGE codes are mapped together in DLA's global supplier database.

Why Do Federal Contractors Need a CAGE Code?

CAGE codes are required for:
  • Receiving payments from any US federal agency
  • Submitting proposals on SAM.gov contract opportunities
  • Appearing in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) supplier database
  • Being added to DCAA-audited cost accounting systems
  • Qualifying for small business set-aside programs
  • Applying for SBA certifications (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone)

Do CAGE Codes Expire?

CAGE codes themselves do not expire — once assigned, a CAGE code is permanently associated with your legal business name and address. However, your SAM.gov registration expires every 12 months and must be renewed. If your SAM registration lapses, your CAGE code still exists in the DLA database, but you cannot receive new federal awards or payments until you renew.

How to Decode Any CAGE Code

Use the CAGE Code Decoder on this site to look up any CAGE code and see the associated business name, address, SAM.gov registration status, and business type. The decoder validates the code format and links directly to the entity's SAM.gov profile and FedAtlas.com contract history.

Decode Any CAGE Code Instantly

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a CAGE code the same as a UEI?

No. A UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) is a 12-character SAM.gov identifier that replaced the DUNS number in 2022. CAGE codes predate the UEI and remain in use. Most entities have both.

Can I have multiple CAGE codes?

Each legal entity (business) gets one CAGE code per principal business address. If you have subsidiaries or divisions at different addresses registered separately, each may have its own CAGE code.

How long does it take to get a CAGE code?

CAGE codes are issued automatically during SAM.gov registration, which typically takes 7–10 business days for initial processing. Renewals are faster.

Does a CAGE code prove I can win government contracts?

No. A CAGE code (and active SAM registration) is a prerequisite, not a guarantee. You still need to identify opportunities, submit proposals, and compete.

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