SAM.gov (the System for Award Management) is the official U.S. government registration system for entities doing business with the federal government. If you plan to apply for any federal grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, you must be registered in SAM.gov. Registration is free, but the process takes time — often 2 to 4 weeks — so you should complete it well before any application deadline.
Why SAM Registration Is Required
Federal agencies use SAM.gov to verify the identity and eligibility of entities receiving federal awards. Without an active SAM registration, you cannot:
- Receive a federal grant award
- Submit proposals through Grants.gov
- Bid on federal contracts
- Receive federal contract payments
SAM registration is not required for state-only or local-only programs (like Texas state grants or city incentive programs), but it is required for any program that uses federal funds — including SBIR/STTR, USDA programs, and CDBG-funded local programs.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather the following before beginning your SAM registration:
- Legal business name as registered with the Texas Secretary of State or IRS.
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
- UEI (Unique Entity Identifier). SAM.gov now assigns UEIs directly — you no longer need a separate DUNS number. Guide to UEI numbers.
- Physical business address (not a P.O. box for the primary address).
- Banking information for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) — bank routing number and account number.
- NAICS codes for your business activities.
- Business type (LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.).
- Authorized representative information — someone authorized to legally bind the organization.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Create a Login.gov Account
SAM.gov uses Login.gov for authentication. Go to Login.gov and create an account with your email address. You will need to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Step 2: Access SAM.gov and Start Registration
Log into SAM.gov with your Login.gov credentials. Navigate to "Get Started" or "Register Entity" and begin the registration process. The system will guide you through multiple sections.
Step 3: Validate Your UEI
SAM.gov will validate your entity information and assign or confirm your UEI. This validation step checks your legal business name and address against government databases. If there are discrepancies, you may need to update your IRS or Secretary of State records first.
Step 4: Complete Core Data
Enter your business information: legal name, address, business type, NAICS codes, and organizational structure. Provide your EFT banking information for receiving federal payments.
Step 5: Complete Representations and Certifications
You will need to complete a series of representations and certifications — legal assertions about your business status, including small business size standards, debarment status, and compliance with federal regulations.
Step 6: Submit and Wait for Activation
After submitting your registration, SAM.gov processes and validates your information. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days for new registrations, but can take longer during high-volume periods. You will receive an email when your registration is active.
Maintaining Your Registration
SAM registrations expire annually. You must renew your registration before it expires to maintain eligibility for federal awards. Set a calendar reminder 60 days before your expiration date. Renewal requires reviewing and updating your information.
If your registration lapses, you cannot receive new federal awards or payments until it is renewed and activated.
Common SAM Registration Problems
- Name mismatch: Your legal business name in SAM must match your IRS records exactly. Even small differences (like "LLC" vs "L.L.C.") can cause validation failures.
- Address validation failure: SAM validates your address against USPS databases. Use your exact USPS-formatted address.
- Banking information errors: Double-check your routing number and account number. EFT validation failures delay activation.
- Unauthorized representative: The person completing the registration must be authorized to legally bind the organization. Unauthorized submissions can be rejected.
Warning: SAM Registration Is Free
SAM.gov registration is completely free. There are third-party companies that charge hundreds or thousands of dollars to "help" with SAM registration. While some provide legitimate assistance, many are unnecessary middlemen. You can complete the registration yourself, and your local SBDC can provide free assistance if you need help. How to avoid grant-related scams.
Bottom Line
SAM.gov registration is a prerequisite for any federal grant or contract. It is free, but the process takes 2 to 4 weeks, so complete it well before any application deadline. Keep your registration current with annual renewals. Do not pay third-party services for something you can do yourself or with free SBDC assistance.
Not sure which programs may fit your business? Our free screening report checks your business against 150+ verified programs — grants, tax credits, loans, and incentives — and shows you which ones may match. Start your free screening →