CAGE Code Lookup: How to Find Any Contractor's Code in 2 Minutes

Whether you're verifying a subcontractor, completing a proposal, or checking your own registration status, knowing how to look up CAGE codes quickly is essential in government contracting.

This guide shows you how to find any CAGE code in under 2 minutes using free government tools.

What is a CAGE Code?

A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is a 5-character identifier assigned to companies doing business with the federal government. It's managed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and is required for:

• Government contract registration
• Proposal submissions
• Subcontractor verification
• Invoicing and payments

For a complete guide on getting your own CAGE code, see our CAGE Code Guide.

Method 1: SAM.gov Entity Search (Fastest)

SAM.gov is the official source for CAGE code lookups. Here's how:

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to SAM.gov — Visit sam.gov
2. Click "Search" — In the top navigation, click the Search button
3. Select "Entity Information" — Choose this from the dropdown
4. Enter search criteria:
   • By company name: Enter the legal business name
   • By CAGE code: Enter the 5-character code directly
   • By UEI: Enter the Unique Entity ID
5. Click Search — Results appear instantly
6. View entity details — Click on the company to see full registration including CAGE code

Pro Tips:

• Use quotes around company names for exact matches: "Lockheed Martin"
• Try variations if the first search doesn't work (Inc, LLC, Corp)
• Filter by status to see only active registrations

Method 2: DLA CAGE Code Search

The Defense Logistics Agency maintains the CAGE code database directly:

1. Visit the DLA CAGE Code Search
2. Enter the company name or CAGE code
3. View results including address and status

Note: The DLA site shows basic CAGE info but doesn't include full SAM registration details.

Method 3: FPDS (Historical Contract Data)

If you need to find a contractor's CAGE code from a past contract:

1. Go to SAM.gov Contract Data
2. Search for the contractor by name
3. View contract records which include CAGE codes

This is useful when verifying a company's past performance or researching competitors.

What Information Can You Find?

A CAGE code lookup reveals:

• Legal business name — Official company name on file
• Physical address — Business location
• CAGE code — The 5-character identifier
• Status — Active, expired, or inactive
• UEI — Unique Entity Identifier (12-character)
• Registration dates — When registered and when it expires

With a SAM.gov search, you can also see:

• Small business certifications (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB)
• NAICS codes the company is registered for
• Points of contact
• Socioeconomic status

Common CAGE Code Lookup Scenarios

Verifying a Subcontractor

Before teaming with a company, verify their CAGE code is active and their SAM registration is current. An expired registration means they can't receive government payments.

Completing a Proposal

Most RFPs require CAGE codes for the prime and all subcontractors. Look up and verify all team member codes before submission.

Checking Your Own Status

Search for your company to confirm your CAGE code is active and your registration hasn't expired. SAM registrations must be renewed annually.

Researching Competitors

Look up competitor CAGE codes to research their contract history using USAspending.gov.

Troubleshooting: Can't Find a CAGE Code?

If your search returns no results:

• Try different name variations — Inc vs Incorporated, LLC vs L.L.C.
• Check for typos — CAGE codes are case-insensitive but names must match
• Search by location — Add city/state to narrow results
• Company may not be registered — Not all businesses have CAGE codes
• Registration may be expired — Filter to include inactive registrations

Get Your Own CAGE Code

Don't have a CAGE code yet? You'll get one automatically when you register in SAM.gov. The process takes about 2 weeks.

Complete CAGE Code Guide →

SAM.gov Registration Guide →