Guides
SAM.gov Registration Checklist
Complete step-by-step checklist to register your business on SAM.gov. Never miss a document or requirement.
Before you start
Gather all required documents and information before starting. The registration process takes 45–60 minutes with everything ready, but can take hours if you stop to look for documents.
Time estimate: 45–60 minutes to complete registration, then 7–10 business days for validation.
Documents & Information You Need
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
Request free from SAM.gov before registering (1-2 business days)
Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID (TIN)
From IRS — have this exact number ready
Legal business name
Must exactly match IRS records
Physical business address
Not a PO box — must be verified
Primary NAICS codes
Industry classification — use Census Bureau NAICS search
Bank account information
Routing number and account number for EFT payments
CAGE code (optional)
Can obtain during registration if you don't have one
Electronic Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC) name
Person who will manage the account — receives all emails
Business size and ownership information
Employee count, revenue, ownership structure, socio-economic status
Login.gov account
Create before starting SAM.gov registration — uses your EBiz POC email
Registration Process Steps
1. Create/Confirm Login.gov Account
Go to login.gov, sign up with business email, set up multi-factor authentication (MFA)
2. Get Your UEI (if not already assigned)
Go to SAM.gov and select 'Get Started' → 'Get a Unique Entity ID' — takes 1-2 business days
3. Sign in to SAM.gov
Use your Login.gov credentials to access SAM.gov
4. Select 'Register Your Entity'
Click 'Get Started' then 'Register Your Entity'
5. Complete Core Data Section
Enter UEI, legal name, physical address, business start date
6. Complete Assertions Section
Select NAICS codes, Product Service Codes (PSCs), business type
7. Complete Representations & Certifications
Answer all questions about size, ownership, compliance, certifications (takes longest)
8. Add Points of Contact
Identify EBiz POC, government POC, accounts receivable contact
9. Review All Information
Double-check everything — errors cause rejection and delays
10. Submit Registration
Click Submit — SAM.gov will begin validation (7-10 business days)
11. Monitor Email for Status
EBiz POC will receive validation updates — check regularly
12. Receive Activation Confirmation
Once validated, you can search for contracts and receive payments
After Your Registration Is Validated
- ✓You can search for and bid on federal contracts
- ✓Contracting officers can find you when they search SAM.gov
- ✓You can receive payments via electronic fund transfer (EFT)
- ✓You must renew annually or your registration will lapse
Ready to search for contracts?
Once your SAM.gov registration is active, use GovScout to find federal contracts that match your NAICS codes and capabilities.
Search contracts freeRelated guides
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for SAM.gov registration?
You need your UEI number, EIN/TIN from the IRS, business legal name (exactly as on IRS records), physical business address, NAICS codes, bank account routing and account numbers, and information about business size and ownership. Have all of this ready before you start.
How long does SAM.gov registration take?
Registration takes 45–60 minutes if you have all documents ready. Validation takes 7–10 business days for new registrations, sometimes up to 25 days during peak periods.
Can I save my SAM.gov registration progress?
Yes, you can save your progress using the Save button on each section. However, it is faster to complete all sections in one session if possible to avoid confusion.
What happens if my SAM.gov registration is rejected?
SAM.gov will email your point of contact explaining why. Common reasons: business name does not match IRS records, incorrect EIN, invalid bank account, or unverifiable address. Fix the issue and resubmit.
Is there a fee to register on SAM.gov?
No, SAM.gov registration is 100% free. Never pay a third party to register you — it is a scam. Report suspicious registration services to reportfraud@gsa.gov.