Federal Contractor Readiness Guide
How to Register in SAM.gov
SAM.gov entity registration is the primary path to obtain a UEI, CAGE-related identifiers as applicable, and an active federal vendor record.
What it is
SAM.gov entity registration creates and maintains the federal vendor record used for awards, representations, and certifications.
Who needs it
Businesses and organizations that must register to compete for federal contracts or receive federal financial assistance as a registrant.
Prerequisites
- Login.gov account
- Authorized representative
- Entity legal and financial information requested by SAM.gov
Step-by-step process
- 1. Sign in to SAM.gov with Login.gov
Access SAM.gov using Login.gov credentials for an authorized representative.
- 2. Create or renew entity registration
Follow SAM.gov instructions to register a new entity or renew/update an existing registration.
- 3. Complete core representations and certifications
Provide the representations, certifications, and points of contact SAM.gov requires for your entity type.
- 4. Submit and monitor registration status
Submit the registration and monitor SAM.gov for validation messages until the record is active.
Information and documents you need
- Entity identifiers and addresses
- Financial and ownership information as prompted
- Points of contact for the entity record
- Any documents SAM.gov validation requests (entity-specific)
Cost
Refer to SAM.gov entity registration pages for current fee requirements; do not rely on third-party summaries.
Typical processing time
Processing time varies; SAM.gov describes validation timelines in its official help materials.
Common mistakes
- Missing annual renewal deadlines
- Incomplete representations and certifications
- Using an unauthorized signer
What happens after approval / completion
Maintain the registration, update after material changes, and link the active record to opportunity responses and awards.
Official sources
- SAM.gov — Entity Registration (primary)