You cannot bid on federal contracts without being registered in SAM.gov. That part is simple. The registration process itself is anything but.

SAM.gov registration should take about an hour. In reality, it takes most businesses 2-4 weeks — and sometimes longer — because of validation delays, confusing error messages, and requirements that are not clearly explained.

This guide walks through every step, flags the common problems, and tells you how to fix them.

What SAM.gov Registration Actually Involves

At its core, SAM.gov registration does three things:

  1. Verifies your business is real (UEI validation)
  2. Confirms your tax identity (IRS TIN matching)
  3. Assigns you codes needed for contract payments (CAGE/NCAGE)

Once registered, you are in the government's contractor database. Contracting officers can find you, and you can bid on opportunities.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Create a Login.gov Account

SAM.gov uses Login.gov for authentication. If you do not already have a Login.gov account, create one at login.gov. You will need an email address and a phone for two-factor authentication.

Common problem: Using a personal email instead of a business email. Use your business email. It looks more professional and avoids confusion if multiple people in your organization need access.

Step 2: Get Your UEI (Unique Entity Identifier)

The UEI replaced the DUNS number in April 2022. When you start your SAM.gov registration, the system will validate your business information and assign a UEI automatically.

Information needed:

  • Legal business name (must match IRS records exactly)
  • Physical address (must match IRS records)
  • Date of incorporation / business start date
  • State of incorporation

Common problem — UEI validation delays: This is the #1 bottleneck. The system cross-references your information with commercial databases (Dun & Bradstreet). If anything does not match — a comma in your business name, a suite number formatted differently, an old address — validation can take days or weeks.

How to fix it:

  • Make sure your business name matches your IRS records exactly — including punctuation, abbreviations (LLC vs L.L.C.), and spacing
  • Use the address exactly as it appears on your IRS correspondence
  • If validation is stuck, check the Federal Service Desk (fsd.gov) for your ticket status
  • You can call the SAM.gov help desk at 866-606-8220 to escalate

Step 3: Complete Your Entity Registration

Once you have a UEI, fill out the full registration. This includes:

Core Data:

  • Business type (LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.)
  • Organizational structure
  • State/country of incorporation
  • Congressional district

Financial Information:

  • EIN (Employer Identification Number) — your federal tax ID
  • Banking information for EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) — this is how you get paid
  • MPIN (Marketing Partner Identification Number) — you create this yourself, acts like a secondary password

NAICS Codes:

Representations and Certifications:

  • Small business self-certification
  • Various compliance certifications (debarment, drug-free workplace, etc.)
  • Set-aside program certifications if applicable

Step 4: IRS TIN Validation

SAM.gov validates your EIN with the IRS. This is where many registrations stall.

Common problem — TIN/EIN mismatch: The business name and EIN you entered in SAM.gov must match the IRS records exactly. Even minor differences cause rejection.

How to fix it:

  • Check your IRS EIN confirmation letter (CP 575 or 147C). Use the exact name on that letter.
  • If you have changed your business name since getting your EIN, you need to update it with the IRS first (Form 8822-B).
  • Sole proprietors: make sure you are using the right name — sometimes it is your personal name, sometimes the DBA. Use whatever is on your IRS records.
  • IRS validation can take 2-3 business days. If it has been longer, check your spam folder for rejection emails and contact the help desk.

Step 5: CAGE/NCAGE Code

CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) codes are assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). If you are a domestic business, SAM.gov will request your CAGE code automatically during registration. International businesses need an NCAGE code, which must be obtained separately.

Common problem: CAGE code assignment can take 1-3 business days. Your registration will not complete until this is done. There is nothing you can do to speed it up — it is an automated process on DLA's end.

If you already have a CAGE code (from a previous DUNS registration or other government interaction), enter it manually. Do not let the system generate a new one.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Review everything carefully before submitting. Once submitted, your registration enters a validation queue. Total processing time from submission to active registration: typically 7-10 business days if everything matches. Up to 3-4 weeks if there are validation issues.

Common Error Messages and What They Mean

"TIN information does not match IRS records" — Your business name or EIN does not match what the IRS has on file. See TIN validation section above.

"Unable to validate entity information" — The UEI validation system cannot confirm your business exists. Double-check your business name, address, and incorporation state. Contact fsd.gov if it persists.

"CAGE code not yet assigned" — Your CAGE code is pending from DLA. Wait 1-3 business days and check back.

"Registration is not active" — Your registration has expired (they expire annually) or is still being processed. Check your status at sam.gov and renew if needed.

"Duplicate entity found" — The system thinks your business is already registered, possibly under a different name or old DUNS number. Contact the help desk to resolve.

Annual Renewal: Do Not Forget This

SAM.gov registrations expire every 365 days. If your registration lapses:

  • You cannot receive new contract awards
  • You cannot receive payments on existing contracts (in some cases)
  • You lose your active status in searches

Set a calendar reminder for 30 days before your expiration date. Renewal takes time too — do not wait until the last day.

Renewal requires you to review and update all your information. If your address, banking details, or NAICS codes have changed, update them during renewal.

The Micro-Purchase Threshold: $15,000

Here is something many new contractors do not realize: for purchases under $15,000 (the micro-purchase threshold), agencies can buy from any qualified source without competitive bidding. This means:

  • No formal solicitation required
  • The contracting officer can contact you directly
  • Payment is often via government purchase card (credit card)

Being registered in SAM.gov and having the right NAICS codes makes you findable for these purchases. Many small businesses get their start this way — it builds past performance without the overhead of a formal proposal.

Tips to Speed Up Registration

  1. Have all your documents ready before you start — IRS EIN letter, banking information, business formation documents. Do not start the process and then go hunting for paperwork.
  2. Match your IRS records exactly — This is worth repeating. The #1 cause of delays is name/EIN mismatches with the IRS.
  3. Use the Federal Service Desk (fsd.gov) — If something is stuck, submit a ticket. Include your UEI and a clear description of the issue.
  4. Do not create multiple registrations — If you mess up, do not start over with a new registration. Fix the existing one or contact support.
  5. Check daily — Log in to SAM.gov and check your registration status. Sometimes the system sends notifications; sometimes it does not.

After Registration: What Next

Once your SAM.gov registration is active, you are officially in the game. Here is what to do next:

  • Find opportunities — Start searching for contracts that match your NAICS codes and capabilities. Our guide to bidding on government contracts walks through the entire process from finding opportunities to submitting proposals.
  • Set up alerts — Do not just search once and forget. Set up daily alerts so you see new opportunities the day they drop.
  • Update your profile — Add relevant certifications, past performance, and capability statements as you build them.

SAM.gov registration is the most annoying part of government contracting. But it is a one-time pain (plus annual renewals). Once you are through it, you have access to the largest buyer in the world. Do not let a frustrating registration process stop you from competing for $700+ billion in annual federal spending.