A virtual mailbox cannot be used to get a DUNS number because it requires a physical business address. This means you cannot use the following:
- Virtual mailbox
- PO Boxes
- Registered agent
- Virtual office
What is a DUNS number? Similar to a Social Security number (SSN), a DUNS number is a nine-digit ID for your business. A DUNS number must be requested from the private business credit reporting agency Dun & Bradstreet.
There are two ways to get a DUNS number
- Business owners may establish their own DUNS number.
- A DUNS number can also be created for a business when a third-party supplier or financial institution requests information about the business through Dun & Bradstreet.
What are the benefits of having a DUNS number?
The biggest benefit of establishing a DUNS number for your small business is that anyone seeking to better understand your business’ credit history and creditworthiness will likely look to Dun & Bradstreet to find this information.
Businesses that contract with government agencies are required to have a DUNS number.
How to get a DUNS number
Visit the Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) website or call 1-866-705-5711 to register or search for a DUNS number.
Note: registering for a DUNS number is free of charge, so if you encounter any organizations or websites soliciting a fee or charge to acquire a DUNS number it is likely a scam or fraudulent.
Applying for a DUNS number does require you to first establish your business as a legal entity (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, etc) with your state.
Get the full guide from the IRS site on how to obtain your DUNS number.
Is a DUNS number the same as a Federal tax ID number (EIN)?
A DUNS number is used for business credit reporting purposes versus an EIN is issued by the IRS and used for tax identification purposes.
Here is a good post from Seven Shurygin about how Google will now require a DUNS and a business address for android apps and his insights Seven Shurygin on LinkedIn: #duns #android #google