DUNS Number and do you need it as a State Licensed Nail Technician?

Corporate Headquarters for Dun & Bradstreet

I get this question all the time from licensed nail technicians and NuFeet Academy students, so I thought it would be a great topic to cover here on the blog.

If you're building a business as a state-licensed nail technician or certified Medical Pedicurist, you've probably come across the term DUNS number and wondered: Do I need one? Let’s break it down.

What Is a DUNS Number?

A DUNS number (short for Data Universal Numbering System) is a unique nine-digit identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet. It’s commonly used to track business credit and is sometimes required when working with large vendors, corporate clients, or applying for certain government programs.

Do Medical Pedicurists Need One?

Most likely, no. If you're operating as a sole proprietor, LLC, or small business providing direct services to clients, you don’t need a DUNS number to legally operate or grow your practice.

You might consider getting one if:

You plan to apply for government contracts or grants.
You want to work with large hospitals or institutions that require a DUNS number for vendors.
You’re building business credit and using vendors who report to Dun & Bradstreet.

What Kind of Government Contracts?

Here are a few examples where you might need a DUNS number (or now, a UEI):

Partnering with Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals to provide routine foot care services.
Submitting proposals to state or local health departments offering podiatric foot hygiene outreach.
Contracting with nursing homes or senior centers that receive federal funding to offer medical pedicure care.
Applying for Small Business Administration (SBA) programs or COVID-19 recovery grants.
Participating in community health initiatives that are funded by government agencies.

Important Note: The Government No Longer Uses DUNS

As of April 2022, the federal government has replaced the DUNS number with a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). If you're pursuing government contracts or grants,

you'll need to register at SAM.gov to get a UEI instead.

The Bottom Line

Unless you’re working with the government or applying for specific grants, you do not need a DUNS number as a Medical Pedicurist. Focus on providing high-quality care, maintaining your certifications, and building a business that reflects your values and professionalism.