# Unique Entity ID (UEI) | Secureframe

> Learn what a Unique Entity ID (UEI) is, how UEI replaced DUNS numbers, how to get a UEI through SAM.gov, and why UEI is required for federal government contracting.

canonical: https://secureframe.com/glossary/unique-entity-id-uei

A unique entity ID (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric code assigned to an entity when it registers on SAM.gov.

## What is a Unique Entity ID (UEI)?

A unique entity ID (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric code assigned to an entity when it registers on SAM.gov. An entity must have a UEI to do business with the U.S. government.

On April 4, 2022, the [System for Award Management](https://secureframe.com/glossary/system-for-award-management-sam) replaced the [DUNS number](https://secureframe.com/glossary/data-universal-numbering-system-duns) with the UEI as the authoritative means of entity identification for federal contracting and grants purposes.