When creating an Apple Developer Account, if you choose the Entity type Company / Organization, you will be asked for a DUNS number in the next step.
What is the D-U-N-S number?
"D‑U‑N‑S" (which stands for Data Universal Numbering System), is a system used to maintain up-to-date and timely information on more than 280 million global businesses. It is a proprietary system developed and regulated by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It assigns a unique numeric identifier - referred to as a DUNS number - to a single business entity.
Why do I need a DUNS number?
Apple has a policy where they verify every single company before letting them create a developer account. To make the verification easier and faster, Apple requests all businesses to enter their DUNS number.
Note: Currently, this method of obtaining a DUNS number is absolutely free.
Yes, it would be best if you were a registered corporation, such as LLC, C, or S Corps in order to enroll as a Company Organization account so we can upload and maintain updates to your app.
Requesting a D-U-N-S Number
D&B may have already assigned your organization a free D-U-N-S Number. Before enrolling, use the D-U-N-S Number look up tool to see if you have one. If your company is not listed, you’ll have the option to submit your information to Dun & Bradstreet for a free D-U-N-S Number.
You will be asked for the following information when requesting a D-U-N-S Number using the D-U-N-S Number look up tool:
Legal entity name
Headquarters address
Mailing address
Your work contact information
As part of their verification process, a D&B representative may contact you directly for more information (e.g., type of business, number of employees). Please have your business registration documents ready.
Receiving and Managing Your D-U-N-S Number
After requesting a D-U-N-S Number, please allow up to 5 business days to receive your number from D&B. Expediting your D-U-N-S Number creation process will not shorten this waiting period. If your application has taken longer than two weeks to process, please email D&B.
Once you receive your D-U-N-S Number, please allow up to 2 business days for Apple to receive your information from D&B. After this period, you may enroll as a company/organization in the Apple Developer Program.
To update your D&B profile, please email D&B. It takes up to 2 business days for D&B to provide updated information to Apple.
During enrollment, I received the message, "Your organization is not listed as a legal entity." What does this mean?
The business you entered is either listed in the D&B database with a different legal status (e.g., sole proprietorship), or its legal status has not been verified. When enrolling, make sure to use the legal entity name of your organization, as Apple does not accept DBAs, fictitious businesses, trade names, or branches for enrollment as a company/organization. If you believe your business should be listed as a legal entity, have your business registration documents ready and email D&B. Complete business registration documents are required to verify your organization’s legal status.
I'm having trouble getting the correct DUNS number. Who should I contact?
Please reach out to [email protected] and [email protected]. Let them know that you are trying to set up your Apple developer account and you need an up-to-date DUNS number to complete the application process.
If you are having a difficult time getting a response or movement at that email and If your business is in the United States, then please reach out to D&B customer service at 866 584 0283.