How to Get a D-U-N-S®️ Number for App Store & Play Console (Step-by-Step)

You’ve built your app.
Your UI is ready.
Your launch date is fixed.

Then Apple or Google stops you with one line:

“Your organization could not be verified.”

For tens of thousands of Indian startups, entrepreneurs, and app developers, this notification will delay the launch of their applications by weeks or even months. The primary reason for this delay is due to a D-U-N-S®️ Number being absent or incorrect.

👉 Missing or incorrect D-U-N-S®️ Number

A D-U-N-S®️ Number is required when registering for an Apple Developer Organization Account or publishing applications as a corporation on Google Play Console.

This guide will take you through the process of acquiring a D-U-N-S® number for your App Store and Play Console step-by-step, so that in 2025 your application will go live without experiencing any rejection from either platform.

Why App Store & Play Console Require a D-U-N-S®️ Number

The App Store and the Google Play Console services have an international scope so, it is essential that any entity that publishes an app has the legal right to do so. The documentation a company has on file only demonstrates their legal right to operate within India.

Therefore, documentation from India would not be sufficient for verification of the entity outside of India and around the globe (i.e., PAN, GST, and CIN). A D-U-N-S®️ Number is issued by Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) and is used by both Apple and Google, as a way to establish the entity’s recognized identity as a legitimate business on a global level.

They use it to verify:

• The company’s legal existence
• That the business name is a valid representation of the owner
• The ownership and management of the entity
• The level of risk and credibility associated with the entity

If you do not have a D-U-N-S®️ Number, the application you submit to either Apple or Google may be rejected or be held up indefinitely.

What Is a D-U-N-S®️ Number?

The D-U-N-S®️ Number is a 9-digit number that is unique to each company and is issued by Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) 

It is:

• Accepted in 200+ countries
• Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, banks, and investors all recognize the D-U-N-S®️ Number, therefore the D-U-N-S®️ Number acts as the digital business passport for App Developers.

When Do You Need a D-U-N-S®️ Number?

You must have a D-U-N-S®️ Number if:

• You are applying for an Apple Developer Organisation Account.
• The Google Play Console has requested that you provide organisation verification.
• You want your app publisher name to be a company or startup
• You run an agency publishing apps for clients
• You plan to scale internationally or raise foreign investment

If you register as an individual developer, a D-U-N-S®️ Number is not required.
But for organizations, it is compulsory.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a D-U-N-S®️ Number for App Store & Play Console

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Most Kinds of Businesses in India are Eligible, Including:

• Private Limited Company
• LLP
• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Start Up or Micro, Small or Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
• IT Company, Software as a Service (SaaS) Firm, App Development Studio

Newly-Established Start Ups are Eligible to Apply for Their D-U-N-S®️ Number even if They Have not Generated Revenue.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

It is essential to have accurate documents rather than a large quantity of incorrect documents; therefore, most D-U-N-S®️ applications are rejected due to data being mismatched.

You must have the following documents available to apply for your DUNS

• PAN Card (Business or Proprietor)
• Company Incorporation Certificate/CIN (only applicable if you have limited company status)
• GST Registration Certificate, if applicable
• Micro, Small or Medium Enterprise (optional – but it helps if you have it)
• Proof of Business Address, (Utility Bill or Rental Agreement)
• List of Directors or Founders
• Details about your Business Website or App (if available)

All documentation must match exactly, including spelling, format and address of the information with the Government Records.

Step 3: Submit Business Information

You will be required to submit the following Business Information:

• Name of Business according to Government Registration Records (the legal name and not the brand name or app name)
• Registered Address of Business
• Nature of Business
• List of Owners and Directors
• Year Established

This Business Information is used to build your Global D&B Business Profile which will be verified later by both Apple and Google.

Step 4: Industry Classification & Profiling

Your business has an industry classification code that identifies your industry in the app stores. This step is especially important for app developers, since the wrong industry classification (for example, having an industry classification of “trading” instead of “software development”) could:

• Delay App Store and Google Play verification
• Cause Apple and Google to flag your App Store/Google Play account
• Decrease your App Store and Google Play trust score

The proper way to classify your business properly for the app stores will ensure an easier and faster approval process.

Step 5: Verification Call or Email

Dun & Bradstreet may contact you to confirm:

Dun & Bradstreet may contact you via telephone or email to confirm your:

• Ownership of the business
• Business’ physical address
• Business’ nature of operations

A lot of delays occur due to missing this step, and it’s also important that you respond to the verification call or email in a timely and professional manner.

Step 6: D-U-N-S®️ Number Issued

Once approved, you receive your 9-digit D-U-N-S®️ Number, which becomes visible in D&B’s global database.

You can now use it for:

• Apple Developer account verification
• Google Play Console organization verification
• Banking and international compliance

Cost of D-U-N-S®️ Number in India (2025)

There are two ways to obtain a D-U-N-S®️ Number (in India).

Free D-U-N-S®️ Registration via Dun & Bradstreet website

• Cost: ₹0
• Time Frame: 15-30 business days

Professional Registration via Duns India

• Cost: ₹5,999
• Time Frame: 5-7 business days

For developers who must have their D-U-N-S®️ Number available as a tool for meeting a deadline, you will save money and time with a professional registration. You will have your D-U-N-S®️ Number quicker, which will prevent delays and reduce errors in your D-U-N-S®️ Profile when it is registered for approval in the online app stores.

How Apple Uses Your D-U-N-S®️ Number

Apple uses the D-U-N-S®️ Number to cross-verify the following items:

• Company Name (Legal)
• Business Address
• Authorized Signatory
• Apple D-U-N-S®️ Database Record

If any of these items do not match the information provided on your Apple Developer application, then Apple may reject your application following payment of Apple Fees.

How Google Play Console Uses Your D-U-N-S®️ Number

Google uses the D-U-N-S®️ number as a means to:

• Verify organization authenticity and reduce the risk of fake publishers.
• Increase platform security.
• Play Console, along with the D-U-N-S®️ number, builds a stronger, long-term trust between Google and an organization.

Once verified, this leads to a smoother process in the future for getting an app approved by Google.

Common Mistakes That Delay App Approval

The majority of the time, apps are delayed due to common mistakes, such as:

• Using a brand name instead of a legal name.
• Address discrepancies between your documents.
• Duplicate D-U-N-S®️ profiles.
• Incorrect industry classification.
• No application or review process until after rejection.
• Missing verification calls.

Obtaining your D-U-N-S®️ number before submitting your application can greatly reduce these issues.

Why Choose Duns India?

Duns India is a specialized resource for D-U-N-S®️ registration specifically for developers and IT businesses and new start-ups.

There Are A Few Key Differences Between Duns India And Other Registrars:

• Profile building for both The App Store and Google Play, ensuring all the required information is included.
• Handling of documentation with zero errors.
• Faster turnaround times for processing.
• Transparent fixed pricing; India ₹5,999, globally €199.

Both Indian and International Compliance Expertise

Benefits Beyond App Publishing

The D-U-N-S®️ Number is a recognized identifier when establishing:

• Global Payments/Banking
• SaaS/Marketplace
• Enterprise Client Verification
• Investors Due Diligence
• Global Credibility for the long term.

The D-U-N-S®️ Number is a one-time investment with long-lasting potential for your organization.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to publish apps as a business, then a D-U-N-S®️ Number is necessary; not an option!

Waiting until Apple/Google denies your application wastes time, money, and momentum; the best way to be prepared is to obtain verification before you submit your application.

The process of obtaining a D-U-N-S®️ Number is straightforward, quick, and stress-free with the right documentation and an expert who will provide assistance.

You can claim your D-U-N-S®️ Number with Duns India for only ₹5,999 and be ready to:

• Go to Market Faster
• Establish Trust
• Roll-Out Globally

FAQs