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CAGE Code Lookup — Find Your Commercial and Government Entity Code
Search any company by CAGE code, UEI, or business name. Results pulled live from the SAM.gov Entity Management database.
A CAGE code is the 5-character DoD identifier required for defense contracts, security clearances, and military supplier qualification.
What is a CAGE code?
Researched by the BidStride Research Team
A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is a 5-character alphanumeric identifier maintained by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). It identifies contractors and government entities for DoD procurement, technical data management, and supply chain operations.
While CAGE codes originated as a DoD requirement, they are now embedded in SAM.gov for all registered federal contractors. Any company that registers on SAM.gov receives a CAGE code as part of the process.
When do you need a CAGE code?
- DoD contracts — CAGE codes appear on all military purchase orders and contracts.
- Security clearance applications — contractors seeking facility or personnel clearances must have an active CAGE.
- Military Qualifier Supplier Audits (MQSA) — aerospace and defense supplier qualifications require a CAGE.
- Technical data packages — DoD drawings and specifications reference CAGE codes for part number identification.
- Subcontractor flow-down — prime contractors often require subcontractors to have active CAGE codes.
Key facts about CAGE codes
- CAGE codes are 5 alphanumeric characters — e.g., 3D6R2 or 7A4B2.
- They are issued free by the Defense Logistics Agency.
- A company can have multiple CAGE codes — one per facility or location.
- CAGE codes are assigned automatically during SAM.gov registration for domestic entities.
- Foreign companies can request CAGE codes directly from DLA without SAM.gov registration.
CAGE code vs. UEI vs. DUNS number
Federal contractors encounter all three identifiers. Here is how they differ and when each one matters.
| Feature | CAGE Code | UEI (current) | DUNS (retired) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it identifies | The physical entity / contractor location | The legal business entity in SAM.gov | Business credit profile (retired 2022) |
| Format | 5 alphanumeric characters (e.g., 7A4B2) | 12 alphanumeric characters | 9-digit number (retired) |
| Issued by | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) | GSA via SAM.gov | Dun & Bradstreet (retired) |
| Required for | DoD contracts, security clearances, military supplier qualification | All federal contracts and grants | Retired — no longer required |
| How obtained | Assigned automatically during SAM.gov registration; or request via DLA | Assigned automatically during SAM.gov registration | Was a separate D&B application |
| Can a company have multiples? | Yes — each facility/location can have its own CAGE code | No — one per legal entity | Was one per entity |
Source: Defense Logistics Agency CAGE Code Program and SAM.gov documentation. Researched by the BidStride Research Team.
How to get a CAGE code
For most U.S. businesses, a CAGE code is assigned automatically during SAM.gov registration. Here is how the process works.
- 1
Register on SAM.gov
Go to sam.gov and sign in with a Login.gov account. Click "Register New Entity" and select your entity type.
- 2
Complete your entity registration
Enter your legal business name, physical address, EIN, and primary NAICS code. SAM.gov will check your information against federal databases.
- 3
Receive your CAGE code from DLA
Once SAM.gov validates your data, the Defense Logistics Agency assigns a 5-character CAGE code. This typically takes 3-5 business days for domestic businesses.
- 4
Request additional CAGE codes if needed
If you have multiple facilities that need separate CAGE codes, contact the DLA CAGE Code Program directly. Each location can have its own code.
CAGE code questions answered
Researched by the BidStride Research Team
A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is a 5-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to contractors, suppliers, and entities that do business with the Department of Defense. It appears on contracts, purchase orders, and technical data packages. While originally a DoD requirement, CAGE codes now also appear in SAM.gov for all registered federal contractors.
Use the search tool above — enter your company name, UEI, or CAGE code directly. You can also find your CAGE code by logging into SAM.gov and viewing your entity registration. Your CAGE code is displayed on your entity record if your registration is active. If you were a DoD supplier before SAM.gov, you may have received a CAGE code from DLA separately.
CAGE codes are assigned automatically when you register your entity on SAM.gov — no separate application is required for most domestic businesses. For companies outside the U.S. or for specific DoD supplier qualifications, you may need to request a CAGE code directly from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) via the DLA Contractor and Government Entity (CAGE) Code Program. The process is free. Most companies receive their CAGE code within 3-5 business days of completing SAM.gov registration.
The UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) is the primary identifier for your legal business entity in the federal government's SAM.gov system. It's required for all federal contracts and grants. The CAGE code was originally developed by the Defense Logistics Agency to identify contractors and their facility locations for DoD procurement. A single legal entity has one UEI but can have multiple CAGE codes — one per physical location or facility that does business with the government.
Not strictly — CAGE codes are a DoD-originated requirement. If you're registering in SAM.gov for civilian agency contracts only, you'll still be assigned a CAGE code as part of the registration process, but it's your UEI that matters most for civilian contracting. CAGE codes become critical when you're pursuing DoD work, applying for security clearances, or qualifying as a military supplier. Subcontractors on DoD prime contracts may also need CAGE codes for flow-down requirements.
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