DUNS Numbers for App Owners | Ireland's App Developers

Learn more about DUNS numbers.

For mobile app owners: Everything you need to know about DUNS numbers

Reading time: 8 minutes

Table of Contents:

• Why is a DUNS number important?
• What happens without a DUNS number?
• Existing Developer Accounts
• How to Get a DUNS Number
• Summary

A DUNS number (Data Universal Numbering System number) is a unique nine-digit identifier. Think of it as your business’s social security number—its sole purpose is to establish and verify your company’s identity in global databases.

Why is a DUNS number important for mobile app owners?

For developers planning to publish under a company name rather than an individual identity, a DUNS number is not just a formality—it’s a requirement. For example, Apple mandates that organisational enrollments in the Apple Developer Program include a valid DUNS number. This helps Apple verify that your organisation is a legally recognised entity, ensuring that your apps display your company’s name rather than your personal name on the App Store. Google Play has followed a similar path by updating its verification process: new organisational developer accounts now need to provide a DUNS number as part of their identity check. If you don’t have one, you might be forced to enrol as an individual—which limits your ability to present a professional company brand and may subject you to additional testing requirements.

What happens if you don’t have a DUNS number?

• Apple: If you’re enrolling as an organisation but lack a DUNS number, you’ll be unable to have your company name displayed as the seller on the App Store. In such cases, you might have to register as an individual, which means your personal name appears on your apps. That option might work for solo developers but isn’t ideal if you want a branded, professional presence.

• Google Play: For new organisation accounts, the absence of a DUNS number can delay or even block your registration. Moreover, existing accounts will soon need to update their information to include a DUNS number during a verification process. If you miss the deadline, there’s a risk that your apps might be removed from Google Play until you comply.

What about existing developer accounts?

The requirements differ slightly between new and existing accounts:

• Apple: Existing organisation accounts should already have provided a DUNS number during enrollment because it’s mandatory for company accounts. If you’re operating under an individual account, Apple won’t force you to update it unless you decide to convert to an organisational account in order to have your company name appear on the App Store.
• Google Play: Existing developer accounts will have a transition period during which you can update your account information. Google is allowing you to choose a deadline (or will assign one if you don’t choose) to verify your details, including adding your DUNS number if you’re registered as a company. Failing to update your verification details by that deadline could put your apps at risk of removal.

How to get a DUNS number

Obtaining a DUNS number is straightforward:

• Check first: Use the official lookup tool provided by Dun & Bradstreet to see if your organisation already has a DUNS number.
• Apply if needed: If your business isn’t found, you can apply for one directly through the Dun & Bradstreet website—this service is free if you’re not expediting the process (expedited processing is available for a fee, but most developers can wait up to 30 days).
• Provide accurate information: When applying, be prepared to supply your legal business name, headquarters address, and other basic details. It’s essential that these match the records held by Dun & Bradstreet, as discrepancies can delay verification.

Summary

For mobile app owners looking to build a professional, branded presence on app stores, securing a DUNS number has become a critical step. It not only meets the enrollment requirements for platforms like Apple’s Developer Program and Google Play Console but also adds a layer of credibility and trust to your business identity. If you’re already up and running, be aware that existing accounts will soon need to update and verify these details to remain in compliance. Planning ahead and ensuring that your business records are accurate will help you avoid any disruptions in your app publishing process.