How to Register on SAM.gov in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

First decide: UEI only or full registration?

What to gather before you start

Use the exact information shown in your official records. Small differences in the legal name or physical address are a common source of entity-validation delays.

• Exact legal business name and physical address from formation and tax records
• Taxpayer Identification Number or EIN and taxpayer name
• Incorporation date, fiscal-year end, organization type, and ownership details
• Bank routing and account information for electronic federal payments
• NAICS codes describing the products and services you sell
• Employee count and annual receipts used for small-business size information
• Points of contact for government business, electronic business, and accounts receivable
• Answers and supporting details for representations and certifications

SAM.gov publishes an official Entity Registration Checklist covering the sections required for All Awards registration.

The SAM.gov registration process

1. 1. Create or connect your Login.gov account

   SAM.gov uses Login.gov for secure sign-in. If your organization already has a SAM profile, use the same email address so you retain access to its records and saved information. Login.gov handles sign-in; SAM.gov handles the entity record and registration.

2. 2. Choose “Register Entity”

   Sign in, open your entity workspace, and choose the full registration option for federal awards. Do not stop at a UEI-only request if your goal is to bid as a prime contractor.

3. 3. Complete entity validation

   Enter the legal name and physical address exactly as they appear on official documents. If SAM.gov cannot validate the entity, follow its request for acceptable documentation instead of repeatedly changing the data.

4. 4. Complete Core Data

   Provide taxpayer, organization, ownership, proceedings, and financial information. Double-check the taxpayer name and banking details before continuing.

5. 5. Complete Assertions and Reps & Certs

   Add NAICS codes, size information, goods and services, and the federal representations and certifications that apply to your company. Small businesses may also receive an SBA supplemental section.

6. 6. Add accurate points of contact

   Use monitored email addresses and identify people who can answer registration, contracting, and payment questions. Outdated contacts create problems when renewal or validation messages arrive.

7. 7. Review, submit, and track the status

   Review every section, submit the registration, and monitor the Entity Workspace and email for follow-up. SAM.gov says activation can take up to 10 business days. Do not assume submission means the record is active.

Common delays to avoid

• Legal name or address does not exactly match supporting documents
• Using a different Login.gov email for an existing SAM profile
• Requesting only a UEI when full award registration is needed
• Entering incomplete taxpayer, banking, or point-of-contact information
• Waiting until a solicitation deadline to begin registration
• Ignoring validation or correction messages after submission
• Paying an unsolicited company because its message looks like an official renewal notice

What to do after your status becomes active

1. Save the UEI and CAGE information associated with the active record.
2. Verify that your NAICS codes, business types, points of contact, and public record are accurate.
3. Create a focused capability statement using the same core services and differentiators.
4. Set a renewal reminder well before the 365-day expiration date.
5. Search for relevant opportunities and monitor new notices instead of waiting for agencies to find you.

Official help and registration links

• SAM.gov Entity Registration — begin registration, renew, or check status.
• SAM.gov Help — official articles, quick-start guides, and Federal Service Desk access.
• Login.gov help for SAM.gov — sign-in and account-linking guidance.
• APEX Accelerators — official assistance resources that can help small businesses complete SAM.gov registration.

SAM.gov registration FAQs