To join the Apple Developer Program, your business needs a D-U-N-S number. Apple uses it to verify that your company is a legitimate business before allowing you to publish apps on the App Store.
What is a D-U-N-S Number?
A D-U-N-S number is a unique 9-digit ID created by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It helps establish a company’s credibility and is often required when applying for loans, contracts, or partnerships.
Many registered businesses already have a free D-U-N-S number assigned by D&B. You can check this with Apple’s D-U-N-S lookup tool.
If your business already has one: you can move forward with enrollment.
If not: you can request a free number through Apple’s enrollment process. Apple will share your business details with D&B to create one.
Information Needed to Get a D-U-N-S Number
When applying, you’ll need to provide:
Legal business name
Business and mailing address
Business phone number
CEO/owner’s name
Year the business was founded
Legal structure (e.g., corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC)
Number of employees
Annual revenue
Industry classification
How to request a D-U-N-S number?
If you don’t have a D-U-N-S number, here's how you can request one:
1. Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website: Go to https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html to start the process.
2. Choose the right option: Select the option that best describes your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or nonprofit organisation.
3. Provide your business information: Fill out the form with your business name, address, and other relevant details. Be sure to provide accurate information as it will be used to verify your business.
4. Verify your information: Dun & Bradstreet may ask for additional information or documents to verify your business's identity. They may also contact you to confirm the information you provided.
5. Receive your D-U-N-S number: Once your information has been verified, Dun & Bradstreet will assign a unique D-U-N-S number to your business. You can expect to receive your number via email within 30 business days.
Important Note
If your business is recognized as an Individual, Sole Proprietor, or Single Person Business, it is necessary to update your business licence to a legal entity to enrol in the Apple Developer program as a 'Company/Organization'. Apptile cannot assist with the implementation for 'Individual/Sole Proprietor' status.
If you have already enrolled as an 'Individual/Sole Proprietor', you need to contact the D&B team to update your account and upgrade the legal status of your D-U-N-S number. Contact them here or at (855) 444-3091. Note that it takes up to 14 business days for D&B to provide updated legal status information to Apple. After activating your D-U-N-S number as an Organization, you can complete your enrollment as an 'Organization' with Apple Developer.
Next Steps
Upon requesting a D-U-N-S Number, it may take up to 5 business days for D&B to provide you with your number, and expediting the creation process will not shorten this waiting period. If your application has not been processed within two weeks, please contact D&B. Once you receive your D-U-N-S Number, please allow up to 2 business days for Apple to receive your information from D&B. After this period, you can proceed with enrolling in the Apple Developer program as a 'Company/Organization'.