How to Register in SAM.gov (Step by Step)
Why SAM.gov Registration Matters
If you want to do business with the federal government — whether that means winning a contract, receiving a grant, or getting listed as a subcontractor — SAM.gov registration is your entry ticket. Without it, agencies cannot pay you, and your bids will be rejected.
SAM.gov is run by the General Services Administration (GSA) and replaced several older systems (including CCR and ORCA) starting in 2012. Today it is the single source of truth for vendor information across all federal agencies.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these items before you begin — having them ready cuts your time in half:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | Your federal tax ID. Sole proprietors may use their SSN, but an EIN is strongly recommended. Get one free at IRS.gov. |
| Legal business name and address | Must match exactly what the IRS has on file for your EIN. |
| NAICS codes | The industry classification codes that describe your business. You can list more than one. Look yours up at census.gov/naics. |
| Bank account information | Routing and account number for electronic funds transfer (EFT). The government pays by direct deposit. |
| Login.gov account | SAM.gov uses Login.gov for identity verification. Create yours first at login.gov. |
Step-by-Step: How to Register in SAM.gov
Create a Login.gov account
Go to login.gov and create an account using your work email. You will need to verify your identity, which requires a government-issued ID and a phone number. This is a one-time step.
Go to SAM.gov and sign in
Navigate to sam.gov and click "Sign In" in the upper right. Use your Login.gov credentials. Once signed in, click on your name and select "Register New Entity."
Get your UEI number
During registration, SAM.gov will automatically assign you a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) — a 12-character alphanumeric code that identifies your business to the federal government. You do not need to do anything special; the system generates it as part of the process.
Fill out your entity information
Work through each section: core data (legal name, EIN, address), assertions (business type, NAICS codes, small business size standards), representations and certifications (standard compliance checkboxes), and points of contact. Take your time on the assertions section — your NAICS codes affect which set-aside contracts you qualify for.
Enter your banking information
Provide your bank's routing number and your business checking account number. The federal government uses EFT (electronic funds transfer) for all payments. This information is stored securely and only used for payment processing.
Submit and wait for activation
After submitting, your registration enters a review process. SAM.gov must verify your information against IRS records. This typically takes up to 10–12 business days. You will receive an email confirmation when your registration is active.
Annual Renewal — Don't Let It Lapse
SAM.gov registration expires every 12 months. If your registration lapses, you cannot be awarded new contracts and agencies may withhold payments. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your renewal date.
Renewal is also free and only requires you to verify that your information is still current. If nothing has changed, it takes about 10 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Name mismatch with the IRS: Your legal business name in SAM.gov must match your IRS records exactly, including punctuation and spacing. Mismatches cause registration delays.
- Wrong NAICS codes: Choosing codes that do not accurately describe your work can mean you miss set-aside opportunities or appear in irrelevant searches. Research your codes carefully.
- Forgetting to renew: An expired registration looks like an inactive vendor to contracting officers. They will skip you.
- Using a personal email for your account: Use a business email tied to your company domain. This makes renewal and account management easier as your business grows.
- Skipping representations and certifications: These checkboxes certify things like your small business status and compliance with various federal regulations. Read them — you are legally attesting to their accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register as a sole proprietor?
Yes. Sole proprietors can register in SAM.gov. You can use your SSN instead of an EIN, but obtaining an EIN first is recommended for privacy and professionalism.
Do I need SAM.gov registration for subcontracting?
It depends. If you are a subcontractor receiving federal flow-down payments, many prime contractors will require it. If you are only doing commercial work for the prime, it may not be required — but having active registration signals credibility.
What if my registration gets rejected?
The most common cause is a mismatch between your IRS records and what you entered. Check your legal name and EIN carefully. SAM.gov will notify you by email with the reason for rejection so you can correct and resubmit.
Not sure where to start?
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