SAM.gov registration is free but can take 2-4 weeks. The biggest cause of delays? Missing information when you start. Use this checklist to gather everything upfront and complete your registration smoothly.
Before You Begin: Quick Eligibility Check
To register in SAM.gov, you must have:
- A legal business entity (sole proprietor, LLC, Corp, etc.)
- A U.S. bank account (for payments)
- An EIN (or SSN for sole proprietors)
- Physical business address (P.O. boxes not accepted)
Required Documents Checklist
Print this list and check off each item before starting:
Business Identity Documents
- ☐ EIN (Employer Identification Number) — Your IRS-issued tax ID. Get one free at IRS.gov if needed.
- ☐ Legal business name — Exactly as registered with your state
- ☐ DBA/Trade name — If different from legal name
- ☐ Business start date — When your company was formed
- ☐ State of incorporation — Where your business is registered
Address Information
- ☐ Physical address — No P.O. boxes (must be where business operates)
- ☐ Mailing address — Can be different from physical
Banking Information
- ☐ Bank name
- ☐ Bank routing number — 9 digits, found on checks
- ☐ Account number
- ☐ Account type — Checking or savings
Important: The account must be in your business name. Personal accounts won't work for most contract payments.
NAICS Codes
- ☐ Primary NAICS code — Your main business activity
- ☐ Secondary NAICS codes — Other services you provide
Look up codes at census.gov/naics. Choose codes that match what you want to sell to the government.
Contact Information
- ☐ Government business POC — Name, title, email, phone
- ☐ Electronic business POC — For SAM.gov notifications
- ☐ Accounts receivable POC — For payment questions
These can all be the same person for small businesses.
Ownership Information
- ☐ Owner names — All owners with 25%+ stake
- ☐ Owner SSNs/EINs — For each owner listed
- ☐ Ownership percentages
Optional But Recommended
Small Business Certifications (If Applicable)
- ☐ Small business size standard — Know your NAICS size threshold
- ☐ Women-owned documentation — If claiming WOSB
- ☐ Veteran status proof — If claiming VOSB/SDVOSB
- ☐ HUBZone address verification — If claiming HUBZone
Representations and Certifications
- ☐ Product Service Codes (PSCs) — What you sell to government
- ☐ SIC codes — Legacy codes still required
- ☐ Annual revenue — For small business determination
- ☐ Employee count — For small business determination
Login.gov Account (Required First)
Before SAM.gov, you need a Login.gov account:
- Go to Login.gov
- Create an account with your email
- Set up two-factor authentication (phone or auth app)
- Verify your identity (driver's license or state ID required)
Tip: Identity verification can take a few days. Do this first while gathering other documents.
Registration Timeline
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Login.gov setup | 1-3 days |
| Get UEI (automatic in SAM.gov) | 1-2 days |
| Complete SAM.gov registration | 1-2 hours |
| IRS TIN validation | 3-5 days |
| CAGE code assignment | 3-5 days |
| Total | 10-20 business days |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong business name format — Use exact legal name from IRS records
- P.O. box as physical address — Must use actual business location
- Personal bank account — Use a business account
- Missing NAICS codes — Add all relevant codes upfront
- Forgetting to renew — Registration expires annually
Ready to Register?
Once you have everything on this checklist, follow our step-by-step guide:
Complete SAM.gov Registration Guide →
Need Help?
Registration giving you trouble? We can help:
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need for SAM.gov registration?
You need your EIN, legal business name, physical address, bank account information (routing and account numbers), NAICS codes, and contact information. For businesses with multiple owners, you'll need SSNs and ownership percentages for anyone with 25% or more stake.
How long does SAM.gov registration take?
Complete registration typically takes 10-20 business days. This includes Login.gov setup (1-3 days), UEI assignment (1-2 days), IRS TIN validation (3-5 days), and CAGE code assignment (3-5 days). Having all documents ready speeds up the process.
Is SAM.gov registration free?
Yes, SAM.gov registration is completely free. Beware of third-party sites charging fees for registration services. You can complete the entire process yourself at SAM.gov without paying anything.
Can I use a P.O. box for SAM.gov registration?
No. SAM.gov requires a physical business address where your company operates. P.O. boxes are not accepted for the physical address field. However, you can use a P.O. box as your mailing address if different from your physical location.
Do I need a business bank account for SAM.gov?
While not technically required for registration, you'll need a U.S. bank account to receive government payments. Most agencies require the account to be in your business name. Setting up a business account before registration is recommended.
Related Guides
Ready to Start Winning Contracts?
Join thousands of small businesses learning how to break into the $700+ billion federal marketplace.
Start Free Course →