D-U-N-S number for an Apple developer account: only for companies
Sources checked
You need one only if you enroll as a company or another organization. Apple uses the D-U-N-S number to verify an organization's identity, legal entity status and address, and government organizations are the one exception. If you enroll as an individual, you don't need one.
Why it matters
The choice decides whose name customers see. As an individual, your personal legal name is shown as the seller of every app on the App Store. As an organization, the organization's legal name is shown instead, and the D-U-N-S number is how Apple confirms that organization exists.
The number costs nothing, but it takes time. Dun & Bradstreet may already have given your company a free D-U-N-S number, and if not, you can request one. Apple says to allow up to 5 business days for Dun & Bradstreet to issue it, then up to 2 more before Apple can see it, and paying to expedite it does not shorten that wait. If it takes more than two weeks, Apple suggests emailing D&B. Only then can you enroll as an organization, and Apple's own check of the enrollment comes after that.
Apple will only accept a legal entity, such as a corporation, a limited partnership or a limited liability company. It does not accept DBAs, fictitious business names, trade names or branches, and it asks a sole proprietor to enroll as an individual.
Who it applies to
You need one to enroll a company, an educational institution or another organization. A government organization may enroll without one, and individuals and sole proprietors never need one.
The Apple Developer Program costs $99 a year either way. An organization also needs a public website on its own domain and a work email on that domain, and the person enrolling must have the authority to sign Apple's agreements for it.
Common questions
Is a D-U-N-S number free?
Yes. Apple says Dun & Bradstreet may already have given your organization a free D-U-N-S number, and if it has not, you can request one free.
Can I enroll under a DBA or trade name?
No. Apple does not accept DBAs, fictitious businesses, trade names or branches for enrollment as an organization.
How long does a D-U-N-S number take?
Apple says to allow up to 5 business days for Dun & Bradstreet to issue it, then up to 2 more before Apple can see it. If it takes more than two weeks, Apple suggests contacting D&B.
Sources
Each source was read on the vendor's own site on October 17, 2026.
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