If you own a Private Limited Company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), in India as well as if you have recently established a new company in India (Startup) you may de facto become aware of D-U-N-S®️ Numbers when you are creating accounts with platforms like Apple App Store, Google Play Console and while dealing with clients from overseas.
Dun & Bradstreet, has noticed that many Founders of new venture/startups find it difficult to understand what a D-U-N-S Number is, if it is essential, or how to rapidly receive one in India.
In this guide, we will outline everything regarding D-U-N-S®️ Numbers relative to Private Limited Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships, and Startups in India, including: advantages of D-U-N-S®️ Numbers; the process to apply for a D-U-N-S®️ Number; and ways to obtain a D-U-N-S®️ Number in a shorter time frame for businesses located in India.
What is a D-U-N-S®️ Number?
D-U-N-S®️ Numbers (Data Universal Numbering System) are issued by Dun & Bradstreet, and represent a unique identification number of nine digits that is designated to each business in the world.
These numbers will allow governments, business, and financial institutions worldwide access to information that demonstrates the existence and credibility of a business as a legitimate entity/legally formed business.
For example, Companies such as Apple, Google, Amazon etc., and Global Suppliers use DUNS Numbers as an avenue to verify the identity of businesses. Your company will become a member of the DUNS database once your company is assigned a D-U-N-S®️ Number.
Why Private Limited, LLP & Startups Need a D-U-N-S®️ Number
Most Indian startups begin as local businesses, but many of them will find themselves needing to develop their business internationally as they continue to expand and grow.
A DUNS Number helps your company gain credibility internationally.
Some of the most common reasons for businesses to utilize the DUNS number are as follows:
1. Apple Developer Account Verification
If your business would like to submit mobile applications to Apple’s App Store using your business account, Apple requires you to provide them with your business’ DUNS Number to validate that your company is legitimate.
Should your company not possess a DUNS number it could result in the rejection of your developer account.
2. Google Play Console Company Verification
Google likewise requires businesses to validate that they are a legitimate company when establishing an organization account within their Google Play Console.
Your company most likely will be required to provide a DUNS Number when registering an application as an organization on See the time-stamped copy of the Google Play Console within here.
3. International Business Verification
Many of the world’s corporate entities use the DUNS number to validate their existing suppliers or contractors prior to engaging in business with them internationally.
As such, acquiring a DUNS Number for your rapidly growing new startup will provide a greater sense of credibility and trust with potential international corporations that you may want to build business partnerships with.
4. Vendor Registration
In order to be approved as a vendor for many government agencies and large corporations, they require businesses to possess a DUNS Number prior to approving a truly legitimate organization to be listed as a vendor.
This will provide an easier means of confirming the company’s existence and legally registered status.
5. Global Business Identity
You can think of the DUNS number as your company’s global ID card.
Having a DUNS Number will provide your company with the means of being recognized on an international basis, particularly when doing business with clients in other countries.
Is D-U-N-S®️ Mandatory for Private Limited, LLP & Startups?
The answer depends on how your business operates.
DUNS number is not required for companies unless required or “outsourced” for specific activities:
It is required when:
- Set Up Your Apple Developer Organization Account
- Verify Your Google Play Console Company Account
- Publish Apps Using Company Name
- Work With International Corporations
- Participate in Global Vendor Registration Programs
Individual developers publishing applications generally do not require a DUNS number.
On the other hand, if you want to use a Developer Organization Account and are building your business to establish a professional brand identity, then you should use an Organization Account, which will require a DUNS number.
Types of Companies That Can Get a D-U-N-S®️ Number
Different types of businesses in India are eligible for DUNS Number
1. Private Limited Companies
Private Limited Companies continue to be the most popular Business Structure for Startups. Companies often need a DUNS Number for publication of an App or Partnering as well working with International Companies and Vendors.
2. LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) is another common Business Structure in India. Qualifying LLP’s may obtain their DUNS Number with their respective LLP Registration Documents.
3. Startups
Recently established companies can also obtain DUNS numbers providing that they have the proper documentation and details.
Some start ups get their DUNS as an early step to support their international growth plans.
Documents Required for D-U-N-S®️ Registration in India
There are some basic documents required for D-U-N-S®️ registration in India.
Generally, these are:
- Company Incorporation Certificate,
- GST Registration Certificate (if registered)
- Business PAN Card
- Company Address Proof
- Contact Information of the Company’s Registered Official Signatories
- Official Business Email Address and Phone Number.
The documents you provide must match exactly to the actual registration information submitted to Dun & Bradstreet in order to not cause verification delays.
How to Get a D-U-N-S®️ Number in India
The two ways Indian businesses can obtain DUNS numbers are as follows:
1. Free Registration (Official Process)
You can register directly using Dun & Bradstreet’s official registration process free of charge, but the processing time will be of a longer duration than the second option. Average processing time would be 15 – 30 working days.
In the no-cost verification process, you will:
- Fill out and submit your company information to Dun & Bradstreet.
- Wait for Dun & Bradstreet to verify the information you supplied on your business.
- Dun & Bradstreet will either email or call to verify the information you supplied.
- Upon confirmation, you will receive a 9-digit DUNS identifier number
Note that there is no monetary cost to obtain a DUNS number, however, it is common for some companies to create significant verification process delays, due to various issues arising as a result of unsuccessful document verification or follow-up communications.
2. Fast-Track Registration (Paid Service)
Many developers and start-ups use Duns India Company services if their business requires a DUNS Number quickly. This service allows a business to obtain a DUNS Number in as little as 24 hours. The cost of the service is ₹5,999, which is viewed as a valuable investment for companies needing to launch applications quickly.
If you go with the free option for obtaining a DUNS Number, it may take an additional 15-30 days to receive the number, thereby delaying the publishing of an application or the setting up of a developer account.
For start-ups with a tight timeline, going with the fast-track option can avoid delays and lost opportunities.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a D-U-N-S®️ Number.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a D-U-N-S®️ Number
Submit the following information about your business:
Step 1: Submit Company Details
Provide information such as:
- Your company name
- Your business address
- Your contact information
- Your registration information
Step 2: Verification Process
Dun & Bradstreet will validate the information submitted online. They perform a verification of your submitted information. You may receive a call/email requesting confirmation of your information from Dun & Bradstreet.
Step 3: Approval and Number Generation
Once verified, the Dun & Bradstreet system generates a nine-digit DUNS Number based on your business. Your DUNS Number is recorded in Dun & Bradstreet’s database and will be included in Tableau’s database of global businesses.
Step 4: Use the DUNS Number
Once you receive your DUNS Number, you can use it in the following ways:
- Apple Developer Program
- Google Play Console
- Register as an international vendor
- Verify your global business
Common Mistakes That Delay DUNS Approval
Many businesses experience delays in their registry because of minor errors during the registration process.
Here are some common issues:
- Incorrect spelling of Company Name
- Differences in the Formatting of Company Addresses
- Use of Personal Information Instead of Business Information
- Inconsistencies Between Supporting Documents And The Duns Application.
Even Small Differences In Your Duns Number Application Will Create Delays; Therefore, Please Ensure All Information Matches Exactly.
Benefits of Having a D-U-N-S®️ Number
There Are Many Benefits to Having a D-U-N-S®️ Number.
- You Will Be Part of the Global Business Verification Network.
- Apple and Google Can Easily Verify Your Business, Allowing For Faster Developer Account Approvals.
- You Will Have an Increased Level of Credibility with Clients and Partners That Can Confirm that can confirm that you are a Legitimate Company.
- To Do Business with Some of the Largest Companies, You Will Be Required To Provide A D-U-N-S®️ Number Before Being Allowed to Register As A Supplier.
Is It Worth Getting a D-U-N-S®️ Number?
If You Are a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Start-up That Plans on Operating Globally, The Answer Is YES.
Examples of How Your D-U-N-S Number Can Benefit Your Business Include:
- Increased Level of Credibility
- Increased Ability For Global Partnerships
- Ability To Publish Apps In Your Company Name
- Simplified Process For International Verification
If Time Is Not An Issue To You Then You Can Go Through The FREE Registration Process.
However, Most People Prefer To Use Duns India Company’s Services Because They Provide You With A D-U-N-S®️ Number Within 24 Hours For ₹5,999, As Compared To The Weeks It Can Take To Receive From The D&B Customer Service Line.
FAQs
No, it is not mandatory for all startups. However, it becomes necessary when registering an Apple Developer organization account or verifying a Google Play Console company account.
Yes, LLP companies can apply using their LLP registration documents and business details.
Free registration usually takes 15–30 days, while fast-track services through Duns India Company can provide it within 24 hours.
Yes, one DUNS Number works for both Apple Developer accounts and Google Play Console verification.
No, a DUNS Number does not expire. Once issued, it remains permanently linked to your business.