If you plan to submit apps for review in the Apple App Store, complete the Google Play business verification, or prefer to engage with global companies, you will need to secure a D-U-N-S Number. This is a global business identity number assigned by Dun and Bradstreet (D&B), which acts as verification of your organisation’s existence (in legal and financial form).
However, the process can be stressful to many Indian businesses:
- Where do I apply?
- What documents do I need?
- How long does it take?
This guide provides you with a clear step-by-step approach to completing your D-U-N-S application from India, along with tips to proactively prevent delays with D&B.
What is a D-U-N-S Number?
A D-U-N-S Number (Data Universal Numbering System) is an internationally recognized 9-digit global business identifier that is relied upon by governments, enterprises, banks, and app stores to verify your business identity.
In India, D-U-N-S numbers are mandatory for:
- Apple Developer Program enrollment
- Google Play Console business verification.
- Import/export registration
- Corporate banking
- Vendor on boarding
- Being compliant for international trade
It demonstrates that you are a legitimate business that is currently active and can be verified.
Step-by-Step Process for Submitting a D-U-N-S Number Application in India
Here are the exact steps businesses in India will take in 2025.
Step 1: Decide Who Needs the D-U-N-S Number
The first step is to know the right legal entity to apply for. You can apply as:
- Private Limited Company
- LLP
- Partnership Firm
- Sole Proprietor
- One Person Company
- Trust or Society
Note: For the Apple Developer Program, the sole proprietor will apply as an individual; however, they can still get a D-U-N-S number, which Apple requires to have on file for business verification.
Step 2: Gather Required Business Documents
To deny a rejected application, the following documents will need to be collected in advance:
Essential Documents
- Registered business name
- Business address proof (electricity bill, rent agreement, utility bill)
- GST certificate (if applicable)
- Business PAN number
- Owner/Director information
- Assigned business telephone number
- Active business email address
Optional Documents (Helpful for Faster Verification)
- Shop Act license
- MSME/Udyam certificate
- Incorporation certificate
- Website or digital presence
Additionally, complete the information, and the easier and faster D&B company will verify the application.
Step 3: Visit the Official Dun & Bradstreet India Portal
Visit the official D-U-N-S registration page for Indian companies and individuals by searching “Dun and Bradstreet India D-U-N-S application”, then click on the first link.
Once you’re on the Dun and Bradstreet page, click “Get a D-U-N-S Number” and choose the type of business entity.
After clicking “Get a D-U-N-S Number,” you will see options for each entity type, including:
- For Apple Developers
- For MSME
- For Exporters
- For Enterprises
- For Global Identity Profile
Choose the correct entity type based on your use case.
Step 4: Fill Out the D-U-N-S Application Form
The application will request the following information:
Business Details
- Legal entity name
- Trade name (if different)
- Registered office address
- Date of establishment
- Number of employees
Contact Details
- Owner/director name
- Official email
- Phone number
Business Verification Details
- GST number
- PAN number
- Nature of business
- Website URL
The information must match your government records exactly.
Any discrepancy in this information is the number one cause of a D-U-N-S application delay or rejection.
Step 5: Choose Between Standard and Express D-U-N-S Services
D&B India has two options to choose from:
1. Standard Application (Free)
- Processing time: 30 – 45 days
- No fee
2. Express Request (Paid)
- Processing time: 5 – 7 days
- Quicker updates
- Dedicated verification
The majority of businesses choose Express, particularly for app store registrations.
Step 6: Submit KYC Documents and Complete Verification
Upon applying, you will receive an email requesting the upload of:
- GST certificate
- Address proof
- Authorization letter (if applicable)
- ID proof of the /director
Make sure all documents:
- is scanned clearly
- matches the information submitted
- is current
D&B will then verify the legitimacy of your business; this will include internal reviews, phone verification, and other public databases for verification.
Step 7: Complete the Physical or Phone Verification
D&B will contact you via:
- Phone call
- Physical verification (rare)
The purpose is to check:
- Whether your business exists
- Your business activity
- Whether your address is correct
Please keep your business documentation available during verification.
Step 8: Receive Your D-U-N-S Number
After verification, you will receive your 9-digit D-U-N-S number via email.
Example: 65-123-9876
You can now use it for:
- Apple Developer Program
- Google Play Console business verification
- Vendor registration
- Corporate banking
- International trade
Keep this number safe. It remains associated with your business permanently.
Processing Time for D-U-N-S Number in India (2025 Update)
| Application Type | Time Required | Cost |
| Standard Request | 30 to 45 days | Free |
| Express Request | 5 to 7 days | Paid |
| Premium Priority | 1 to 3 days | High fee |
Time varies based on:
- Correctness of details
- Document clarity
- Response time to D&B queries
Common Mistakes That Delay D-U-N-S Number Approval
To decrease the chances of rejection, try not to make one of these typical recipient errors:
- Submitting a business name that differs from your GST, incorporation documents, or certificate;
- Providing a personal phone number instead of a business phone number;
- Listing an incorrect business address;
- Having no website or no online presence;
- Providing incomplete KYC;
- Not responding promptly to D&B verification emails.
If you do not make one of these mistakes, you will get your D-U-N-S number approved much quicker!
How Device Doctor India Helps You Get a D-U-N-S Number Faster
Many businesses struggle with:
- Prolonged delays,
- Document issues,
- Incorrect information during the application process,
- Application rejection,
- We need an expedited process for Apple or Google developer accounts.
This is where Device Doctor India becomes helpful.
Device Doctor India assists with:
- Preparing and verifying documents, fixing unusual discrepancies,
- Completing the application promptly and properly communicating with D&B,
- Getting you a desired D-U-N-S approval quicker,
- Getting you an Apple Developer Account and/or Google Play Console account,
They guarantee that your D-U-N-S application is approved without mistakes faster, specifically for app developers, startups, software businesses, etc.
In the unfortunate event that your D-U-N-S number was already rejected, Device Doctor India will assist in correcting the record and resubmitting it correctly.
Who Should Apply for a D-U-N-S Number in India?
You need your D-U-N-S number if you’re:
- An app developer developing apps for iOS
- Registering a Google Play business account
- A business collaborating with international partners
- A startup bidding for global tenders
- A business requiring global trade verification
- An exporter or manufacturer
- A software agency
Even a freelancer or independent contractor can apply if they conduct themselves as a business.
Tips for a Smooth D-U-N-S Application Process
Here are some best practices:
- Use your business domain e-mail, not Gmail or Yahoo
- Keep your company’s address the same across all documents
- Have your business website live
- Be prompt with responses to updates from D & B
- Do not select an incorrect business category
- Maintain a copy of any document you submit
Attention to detail can help avoid a gap of weeks.
Conclusion
Obtaining a D-U-N-S number in India is important for businesses that are looking for global credibility and ease of use on apps like Apple and Google. If you follow the instructions accurately, it is a relatively simple process; if the documents do not match up or do not have all the information, it could take weeks or months to obtain your number.
This step-by-step guide will help you apply without errors and avoid common mistakes.
If you want faster approval, error-free documentation, or need help with Apple Developer or Google Play Console onboarding, Device Doctor India provides complete assistance for D-U-N-S number processing and verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard (free) D-U-N-S number application takes 30–45 days. If you choose the paid express service, you can get your D-U-N-S number in 5–7 days, depending on document accuracy and verification speed.
Yes, the standard D-U-N-S number is free in India. However, Dun & Bradstreet offers paid express options if you need faster processing for app store verification or business compliance.
Yes, sole proprietors can apply for a D-U-N-S number using their legal business name, GST certificate (if available), and business address proof. Many freelancers and small businesses get a D-U-N-S number for Apple or Google Play verification.
Apple and Google use the D-U-N-S number to verify that your business is legitimate, active, and globally recognized. It helps prevent fraud, ensures compliance, and confirms your legal entity status during developer account registration.
Rejections usually happen due to mismatched information or unclear documents. You must correct the details and reapply. If you’re unsure how to fix it, Device Doctor India can help repair your D-U-N-S profile and resubmit your application properly.
