DUNS Number registration in India

In the competitive landscape of business today, establishing business credibility and global acceptance is necessary for most Indian business persons. A critical step in developing that credibility is registering for a D-U-N-S Number (Data Universal Numbering System) with Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).

If you are a Startup looking to collaborate with international clients, a technology developer wanting to publish your app on Apple App Store and/or Google Play Store, or an exporter entering a global market, get a D-U-N-S Number so your business can be credible and trustworthy.

However, you will need to have the right documentation in place in order to get the D-U-N-S Number. This article will explain what a D-U-N-S Number is, its importance, the complete list of documents required for D-U-N-S Number registration in India, and advice to help the process go smoothly.

What Is a D-U-N-S Number?

The D-U-N-S Number, which stands for Data Universal Numbering System, is a unique identifier assigned to a business with a specific 9-digit number, through Dun and Bradstreet. It serves as an global ID and is used to identify and track information on the credit and operations of a business.

There are over 330 million businesses which have a D-U-N-S Number globally, is accepted by large corporations, banks, and government agencies for the purposes of:

Supplier verification
Credit reporting
Business risk assessment
International trade compliance

For Indian businesses looking to expand internationally, having a D-U-N-S Number adds instant credibility when working with foreign businesses.

Why You Need a D-U-N-S Number in 2025

Here are some of the main reasons why Indian businesses should get a D-U-N-S Number:

Global Identification – Your business will be included in a global database utilized by Fortune 500 companies.
Eligibility for International Sites- D-U-N-S Number requires registration on all international sites, such as Apple Developer, Google Play.
Responsive Business- A D-U-N-S Number allows various organizations to confirm your business exists, is trustworthy, and legal status.
Ease of access to obtaining finances – Lenders/banks check organizations for a D-U-N-S Number when getting financed.
Together, it will assist you in becoming eligible for international tenders, and contracts.

In short, having a D-U-N-S Number will help your organization, prospects, and is an extremely important aspect for you to obtain as you look to expand your organization internationally

Documents Required for D-U-N-S Number Registration in India

Before initiating your registration, please ensure that all your documentation is accurate. Inaccurate or incomplete documentation may create unnecessary delays.

The following is a verified list of documents needed to register for a D-U-N-S Number in India without any issues:

1. Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration Proof

This document serves as an official proof of the existence of your company.
This can be provided by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for registered companies, or by a relevant government authority for other entities.

Acceptable documents include:

Certificate of Incorporation (for Pvt. Ltd., LLP, or Public Ltd. companies)
Shop and Establishment Certificate (for proprietorships)
MSME/Udyam Registration Certificate (for small and medium businesses)

2. PAN Card of the Business

This includes the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card of the business (or the owner’s PAN card in the case of sole proprietorships. This is necessary for D&B to validate the tax identity of your company.

Ensure that:

The name on the PAN card is your business name or your owner’s name.
The name on the PAN card is active and not expired.

3. GST Registration Certificate

If you have registered your business under GST, you should submit your GST Certificate. It evidences the operation of your business, the mailing address, and the registration of your business with the Indian tax authorities.

For businesses that are not registered for GST (e.g., NGOs, newly funded start-ups), this document may not apply to your business.

4. Registered Office Address Proof

You are required to provide valid proof of your registered business address.

Accepted address proofs include:

Latest utility bill (electricity, water, or gas bill — not older than 3 months)
Rent or lease agreement (in case you have rented the office)
Property tax receipt (in case you own the office)

Ensure the address on these documents is the same as what is shown on your registration and GST documents.

5. Contact Information of Authorized Signatory

You are required to provide the formal contact details of your authorised signatory and he/she will be the individual dealing with the D-U-N-S registration.

Required details:

Full Name
Designation (i.e. Founder, Director or Partner)
Contact number (business contact preferred)
Official email (not personal email like Gmail or Yahoo email)

This helps Dun & Bradstreet in the checking of authenticity by the record that is done with the phone or email verification system.

6. Business Details and Background Information

D&B will also require information regarding your business including:

Date of establishment
Number of employees
Business (LLP, Pvt. Ltd., Proprietorship, NGO, etc.)
Critical business operations and industrial segment.

Giving proper information will have the correct representation of your profile at the global database.

7. Financial Statements (If Required)

This may require the applicants, especially the bigger companies or exporters, to provide financial records to prove that they are legitimate.

You can provide:

Audited balance sheet
Profit & Loss Statement
Annual turnover certificate

This information helps D&B make an assessment of your business’s financial health.

8. Identity Proof of Authorized Signatory

The identity of the authorized signer of the D-U-N-S Number application must be verified with government-issued identification.

Accepted documents include:

Please ensure the identification matches the information that is quoted in your business documents.

9. Website or Online Presence (Optional but Recommended)

If your business has an official website, include the link. The link boosts your business credibility and enables D&B to check your online presence.

Having a website also enhances your visibility when prospective global customers are searching your D-U-N-S profile.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a D-U-N-S Number in India

After collecting all documents and information of the business, you will have the following steps:

Check if you already have a D-U-N-S Number using the D&B database to make sure your business does not already have a number.
Visit the official D&B India website Dun & Bradstreet India website
Complete the application form with your business information exactly as it appears in the necessary documents you have gathered.
Upload any requested documentation ensuring clarity and label consistency (as necessary) while uploading all documents.
Expect to get a call or email from D&B for any other questions or verification.
After verification, you will have your unique 9-digit D-U-N-S Number sent in an email.

Processing Time:

Regular processing: 20-30 working days (usually free)
Expedited processing: 5-7 working days (usually paid in separate fees)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inaccurate or incomplete documents
Personal email IDs not business emails
Different addresses on different documents
Failing to check which business already has a D-U-N-S Number (if necessary)
Submitting documents that are illegible, unnotarized, and/or expired.

Being careful with the little things can save you weeks of business time.

Tips for Faster Approval

Convert all documents into either PDF or JPG formats, maintaining a file size of less than 5MB.
Check that all documents, such as the business name and owner’s name, are spelled the same way throughout.
Use your business email address that is from your domain, rather than a generic service provider, this can speed up the verification process.
If you require expedited approval, there is also an express verification service that can be done through D&B.

How Device Doctor India Can Help

The application for a D-U-N-S Number can sometimes feel daunting for someone applying for the first time. That is where Device Doctor India can help you out.

Device Doctor India offers a full range of complete services for business setup and registration in India for Indian entrepreneurs:

D-U-N-S Number
UAE and worldwide registration
MOA, AOA, and license documents
Google Business Profile

By letting them do the work for you, you can save time and avoid mistakes at the same time, while ensuring you can focus on creating and registering your business.

Conclusion

Applying for your D-U-N-S Number is far more than simply filing paperwork — it is a strategy to create global trust and recognition for your business. With the required and appropriate documents, the application process becomes fast and easy.

Once you receive your D-U-N-S number, it is a permanent identifier that provides global business opportunities and will add to your reputation and credibility.

If 2025 is the year that you are ready to take your business to the next level, get your documents in order, and apply today — or better still, let Device Doctor India guide you through the hassle-free registration process.