Federal Contractor Readiness Guide
How to Get a CAGE Code
Learn how Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) codes are assigned through SAM.gov registration, what data must be correct, and how to verify your code using official DLA and SAM resources.
What it is
A CAGE code is a five-character identifier assigned to entities doing business with the U.S. federal government. For most U.S. organizations, DLA assigns or validates the CAGE code as part of SAM.gov entity registration rather than through a separate stand-alone CAGE application.
Who needs it
U.S. contractors and grant recipients that must appear in SAM.gov, defense supply chains, or systems that reference a CAGE (for example DIBBS, SPRS cyber reporting tied to SAM hierarchy, or JCP certification).
Prerequisites
- Active or in-progress SAM.gov entity registration with Login.gov access
- Legal entity name and physical address that match supporting records
- Authorized representative who can attest to SAM.gov data
Step-by-step process
- 1. Confirm whether you need a new CAGE code
Most U.S. entities receive a CAGE code when they complete SAM.gov entity registration. If you already have an active SAM record, your CAGE code is displayed on that record instead of requiring a separate CAGE-only request.
- 2. Register or update your entity in SAM.gov
Enter accurate legal name, physical address, and entity structure in SAM.gov. DLA uses this data when assigning or validating CAGE codes for U.S. registrants.
- 3. Submit SAM.gov registration and monitor validation
After submission, monitor SAM.gov messages until the registration is active. CAGE assignment or linkage is handled through the SAM.gov–DLA process described in official SAM and DLA materials.
- 4. Record and verify your CAGE code
When SAM.gov shows an active registration, record the CAGE code from your entity record. Use the official DLA CAGE search to verify published CAGE data when needed.
Information and documents you need
- Legal business name and physical address
- UEI (assigned through SAM.gov registration)
- Points of contact listed on the SAM entity record
- Entity-specific documents only if SAM.gov validation requests them
Cost
SAM.gov publishes current entity registration fee requirements on its official registration pages; there is no separate federal CAGE-only application fee described in SAM.gov or DLA CAGE program materials for standard U.S. entity registration.
Typical processing time
Processing time varies; the official source does not publish a guaranteed completion timeframe.
Common mistakes
- Requesting a duplicate CAGE instead of updating the existing SAM.gov record
- Using a mailing address that does not match legal registration data
- Quoting on defense systems before the SAM registration—and CAGE—are active
What happens after approval / completion
Use your CAGE code on defense quotes, JCP applications, PIEE/SPRS roles tied to SAM hierarchy, and contractor profiles. Keep SAM.gov current because CAGE hierarchy updates for cyber reporting flow from SAM.
Official sources
- SAM.gov — Entity Registration (primary)
- DLA — CAGE Code Search (primary)