The UEI CAGE Lookup Helper is a format validator and explainer, not a live lookup. It checks whether a UEI is exactly 12 alphanumeric characters and whether a CAGE code is exactly 5 alphanumeric characters, then links users to SAM.gov Entity Search for official verification.
UEI and CAGE Format Validator
Validate the basic alphanumeric format of a UEI or CAGE code, then use SAM.gov Entity Search for the actual official lookup.
Unique Entity Identifier, 12 alphanumeric characters.
Commercial and Government Entity code, 5 alphanumeric characters.
UEI format
Valid 12-character alphanumeric UEI format.
Format check only. This does not confirm that the entity exists, is active, or is registered in SAM.gov.
CAGE format
Valid 5-character alphanumeric CAGE format.
Format check only. This does not confirm that the entity exists, is active, or is registered in SAM.gov.
What these identifiers mean
UEI means Unique Entity Identifier. It is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier issued through SAM.gov. The UEI replaced the DUNS number for federal awards management in April 2022.
CAGE means Commercial and Government Entity code. It is a 5-character alphanumeric code assigned by DLA, the Defense Logistics Agency. For U.S. entities, a CAGE code is auto-assigned during SAM.gov registration. Foreign entities receive an NCAGE code.
To look up an actual entity UEI or CAGE, use SAM.gov Entity Search. There is no public bulk lookup API, so this tool validates format and links you to the official source.
Open SAM.gov Entity SearchRelated guide
UEI CAGE Code Guide
Understand what UEI and CAGE codes are used for in public contracting.
Related guide
SAM.gov Registration Guide
Get the official registration context before using identifiers in bid portals.
Example
A subcontractor has a sample UEI and wants to check whether it has the right basic format before searching SAM.gov.
How to Use This Tool
- 1Enter the UEI you want to check.
- 2Enter the CAGE or NCAGE code you want to check.
- 3Review the length and alphanumeric format messages.
- 4Open SAM.gov Entity Search to verify the actual entity record at the official source.
How to Apply the Results
Use a valid-format result only as a typo check before searching SAM.gov. If SAM.gov does not return the entity, treat the identifier as unverified even if the format passes here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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