How to Get a CAGE Code: Free Step-by-Step Guide

Your CAGE code is one of the first things you’ll need before you can win a federal contract. The good news: getting one is free, and you don’t even need to apply for it separately. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) assigns your CAGE code automatically when you complete your SAM.gov registration.

If you’ve already registered on SAM.gov, you may already have a CAGE code. If you haven’t registered yet, this guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish.

What Is a CAGE Code?

A CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity code) is a unique five-character identifier that the federal government uses to track every company, organization, and government agency in its procurement system. Think of it as your business’s ID number in the federal contracting world. The Defense Logistics Agency manages the CAGE code system and assigns codes to entities in the United States and its territories.

Every business that wants to bid on federal contracts needs a CAGE code. It appears on contract documents, payment records, and procurement databases. Without one, you cannot receive a federal contract award.

What Does CAGE Stand For?

CAGE stands for Commercial and Government Entity. The system covers both private companies and government agencies. The system has been in use since the 1970s and covers entities in countries around the world.

What a CAGE Code Looks Like

A CAGE code is exactly five characters long. Here is how the format works:

The first and last characters are always numbers. The middle three can be letters or numbers. The letters I and O are never used because they look too much like the numbers 1 and 0. A CAGE code like 1ABC2 or 5XY73 is typical.

The characters don’t carry any hidden meaning. Your CAGE code doesn’t encode your location, industry, or business type. It’s purely an identifier.

Why You Need a CAGE Code

Federal agencies use your CAGE code throughout the contracting process. Here is where it shows up:

• Contract awards. Your CAGE code appears on every contract document.
• Payment processing. The government’s payment system uses your CAGE code to route payments to the right business.
• Past performance records. Your track record in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) is tied to your CAGE code.
• Security clearances. If your work requires facility clearances, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) uses your CAGE code to track your facility.
• Cybersecurity assessments. Under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.204-7019, contractors must provide CAGE codes associated with their information systems when reporting cybersecurity assessment scores.
• Ownership disclosure. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.204-17 requires contractors to disclose the CAGE codes of any parent companies or controlling entities.

Bottom line: no CAGE code, no federal contracts.

How to Get a CAGE Code (Step by Step)

For most businesses, getting a CAGE code requires zero extra effort. It happens automatically during SAM.gov registration. Here is the process:

Step 1: Get Your UEI Number

Before anything else, you need a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). This 12-character ID replaced the old DUNS number system in April 2022. You get your UEI through SAM.gov. It’s free and usually assigned within one to two business days.

If you haven’t done this yet, read our complete guide: What Is a UEI Number?

Step 2: Complete Your SAM.gov Registration

Once you have your UEI, finish your full SAM.gov entity registration. You’ll need to provide:

• Your legal business name (must match IRS records exactly)
• Physical business address
• EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Banking information for electronic funds transfer
• North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes that describe your business (how to choose NAICS codes)
• Representations and certifications (self-reported business details)

The registration form takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Our SAM.gov registration guide walks you through every screen.

Step 3: Wait for Entity Validation

After you submit your registration, SAM.gov validates your information against IRS and other government databases. This step takes 7 to 10 business days. Sometimes it takes longer if there are discrepancies in your business name or address.

Step 4: Receive Your CAGE Code

Once SAM.gov validates your entity, DLA automatically assigns your CAGE code. You don’t need to fill out a separate form. You don’t need to contact DLA. You don’t need to pay anyone. The CAGE code appears in your SAM.gov entity record when the registration is complete.

Log into SAM.gov, go to your entity record, and you’ll see your CAGE code listed alongside your UEI.

Alternative: Getting a CAGE Code Without SAM Registration

In rare cases, you can get a CAGE code without registering on SAM.gov. Per FAR 52.204-16, if a specific procurement does not require SAM registration, you can request a CAGE code directly from DLA at cage.dla.mil. DLA processes standalone requests within 10 business days.

This exception applies to a small number of situations. For most contractors, SAM.gov registration is the standard path, and it’s required for nearly all federal contracts above the micro-purchase threshold of $15,000 (2026).

How Long Does It Take to Get a CAGE Code?

Here is the realistic timeline, broken into stages:

If your business information is clean and matches IRS records, the process usually takes about two weeks. If there are discrepancies, validation can stretch to three to five weeks.

Tip: Start your SAM registration at least 60 days before you plan to bid on your first contract. This gives you a buffer for delays and time to fix any issues.

How to Look Up Your CAGE Code

Already registered? Here are two ways to find your CAGE code:

1. SAM.gov: Log in at SAM.gov, go to your entity record, and look for the CAGE/NCAGE field in your registration details.
2. DLA CAGE Search: Go to cage.dla.mil and search by company name or CAGE code. This is a public database. Anyone can search it.

You can also look up other companies’ CAGE codes using the DLA search tool. This is useful when you’re researching potential teaming partners or checking an incumbent contractor’s details.

CAGE Code vs. UEI: What’s the Difference?

New contractors often confuse these two identifiers. They serve different purposes:

You need both. Your UEI is your broad federal identifier. Your CAGE code is your procurement-specific identifier. Both are assigned during SAM.gov registration, and both are free.

For a full breakdown of UEI numbers, read What Is a UEI Number?

Do CAGE Codes Expire?

Yes, but the rules depend on when your code was assigned:

• CAGE codes assigned after August 26, 2016: These have a five-year expiration date from the date of last update. Your annual SAM.gov renewal resets the five-year clock.
• CAGE codes assigned before August 26, 2016: These do not have a formal expiration date. However, they can become inactive if your SAM registration lapses.

DLA introduced the expiration policy in September 2016.

What Happens If Your CAGE Code Goes Inactive?

If your SAM.gov registration expires, your CAGE code becomes inactive. An inactive CAGE code means:

• You cannot receive new contract awards
• You cannot bid on solicitations
• You cannot receive payments, even on active contracts
• Your business won’t appear as active in federal procurement databases

The fix is straightforward: renew your SAM.gov registration. Renewal reactivates your CAGE code. SAM registrations expire every 365 days, so set a calendar reminder well before your expiration date.

If your CAGE code has been inactive for more than five years, you may need to complete a new SAM registration from scratch. For help reactivating a revoked CAGE code, contact the DLA Customer Interaction Center at 1-877-352-2255.

NCAGE Codes for International Contractors

If your business is located outside the United States, you need an NCAGE code instead of a CAGE code. NCAGE stands for NATO Commercial and Government Entity. The format is identical, but the assignment process is different.

How to Get an NCAGE Code

1. Go to the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) portal at eportal.nspa.nato.int
2. Submit a request with your business registration documents, physical address, and point of contact email
3. Validate your request through the confirmation email sent to your point of contact
4. Wait 1 to 3 weeks for processing (varies by country)

Important: International entities must get their NCAGE code before starting SAM.gov registration. SAM.gov requires the NCAGE as part of the registration process for foreign entities. U.S. businesses don’t need to worry about this. DLA handles your CAGE code automatically through SAM.

Watch Out for CAGE Code Scams

This needs to be said clearly: getting a CAGE code is free. SAM.gov registration is free. Renewal is free. Updates are free. Any company that asks you to pay for a CAGE code is charging you for something the government provides at no cost.

Scam companies charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for SAM registration and CAGE code services. Some use official-sounding names and websites designed to look like government portals. Here is how to protect yourself:

Red Flags

• Urgent emails about your registration expiring. Scammers pull your public SAM.gov data (UEI, CAGE code, expiration date) and send fake “urgent renewal” notices. Legitimate SAM.gov emails come from .gov addresses only.
• Websites that don’t end in .gov. The only official registration site is SAM.gov. Any site with a .com, .net, or .org asking for registration fees is not a government site.
• Phone calls threatening deletion of your registration. The government does not call businesses to threaten deletion of SAM registrations.
• “Expedited processing” for a fee. There is no paid fast-track option. Everyone goes through the same process.

Where to Report Scams

• Federal Trade Commission: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• GSA Office of Inspector General: gsaig.gov/hotline
• Federal Service Desk: fsd.gov

If you want free, in-person help with your registration, contact your local APEX Accelerator. They provide free SAM.gov registration assistance at 300+ locations across the country. Find yours at aptac-us.org. For more free support options, see our complete list of free GovCon resources.

Troubleshooting Common CAGE Code Problems

Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

“My SAM registration is complete but I don’t see a CAGE code.”

CAGE code assignment sometimes takes one to three additional business days after SAM validation completes. Check back in a few days. If it’s been more than 10 business days since your registration was validated, contact the Federal Service Desk at fsd.gov or call 866-606-8220.

“My business name doesn’t match between SAM and DLA.”

Your legal business name in SAM.gov must match your IRS records exactly. Even small differences (like “LLC” vs. “L.L.C.”) can cause validation delays. Update your SAM.gov record to match your IRS documentation, then wait for DLA to sync the change.

“I got a duplicate CAGE code.”

This can happen if your business registered through different channels or changed its structure. Duplicate CAGE codes can cause problems with past performance records. Contact DLA at 1-877-352-2255 to consolidate your records.

“My CAGE code shows as inactive.”

The most common cause is an expired SAM.gov registration. Log into SAM.gov and renew your registration. Your CAGE code will reactivate once renewal processing is complete (typically two to three weeks).

“I changed my business address. Do I need a new CAGE code?”

No. Update your address in SAM.gov, and the change flows to DLA automatically. Per FAR 52.204-18, contractors must report changes within 30 days of a novation or name change. Your CAGE code stays the same.

Where CAGE Fits in Your GovCon Registration Journey

Getting your CAGE code is one step in a larger registration process. Here is the full sequence:

1. Get your EIN from the IRS (if you don’t already have one)
2. Get your UEI through SAM.gov (UEI guide)
3. Complete SAM.gov registration (registration guide)
4. Receive your CAGE code (automatic, you are here)
5. Select your NAICS codes (NAICS code guide)
6. Build your capability statement (capability statement guide)
7. Start finding opportunities (how to find contracts)

If you’re brand new to government contracting, start with What Is Government Contracting? for the full picture. Then work through these steps in order. Each one builds on the last.

FAQ

How much does a CAGE code cost?

Nothing. CAGE codes are assigned for free by the Defense Logistics Agency during SAM.gov registration. If anyone asks you to pay for a CAGE code, that’s a scam. The entire SAM.gov registration process, including CAGE code assignment, costs zero dollars.

Can I get a CAGE code as a sole proprietor?

Yes. Any legally formed business entity can get a CAGE code through SAM.gov registration. Sole proprietors, LLCs, S-corps, C-corps, partnerships, and nonprofits all qualify. You need an EIN from the IRS to register.

How long does it take to get a CAGE code?

About two to three weeks from start to finish. The bulk of that time is SAM.gov entity validation. Your CAGE code is assigned automatically once validation completes. Give yourself at least two months of lead time before your first bid.

What is the difference between CAGE and NCAGE?

CAGE codes are for businesses in the United States. NCAGE codes are the international version, assigned through NATO’s system for businesses outside the U.S. Both use the same five-character format. Foreign entities must get their NCAGE code before starting SAM.gov registration.

Do I need to renew my CAGE code separately?

No. Renewing your SAM.gov registration (required every 365 days) automatically keeps your CAGE code active. There is no separate CAGE code renewal process. Just keep your SAM registration current and your CAGE code stays valid.

Next Steps

You now know exactly how to get your CAGE code and what to expect along the way. Here is what to do next:

1. If you haven’t registered on SAM.gov yet: Start with our step-by-step SAM.gov registration guide. Your CAGE code will come automatically.
2. If you’re already registered: Log into SAM.gov and confirm your CAGE code is listed in your entity record. Then move on to building your capability statement.
3. If you need free help: Contact your local APEX Accelerator. They help with SAM registration, CAGE codes, and everything else in the registration process. The service is free.

Getting your CAGE code is a milestone. It means you’re registered, you’re in the system, and you’re one step closer to competing for federal contracts. The registration paperwork is behind you. Now it’s time to start finding opportunities.