CAGE CODE GUIDE

CAGE Code Lookup: How to Find, Verify, and Get a CAGE Code

A CAGE code is a five-character Commercial and Government Entity code tied to a business location. This guide points users to the official SAM.gov and DLA lookup paths and explains how new codes are issued.

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DLA MANAGEDSAM.GOV REGISTRATIONUEI CLARIFIEDNO AFFILIATION

DIRECT ANSWER

What is a CAGE code?

A CAGE code is a five-character Commercial and Government Entity code managed by the Defense Logistics Agency. For U.S. entities, a CAGE code is assigned automatically through SAM.gov entity registration; foreign entities use an NCAGE code.

LOOKUP WORKFLOW

Use the official lookup paths first.

For a free official lookup, search SAM.gov entity records by legal business name, UEI, or CAGE code. Open the entity record and verify the CAGE code, registration status, and address.

DLA's CAGE program site also supports CAGE searches by company name or code and can confirm whether a code is active or expired. Verify the address because one parent company can hold several location-level codes.

SAM.gov
Best for checking entity registration records and related UEI details.
DLA CAGE
Best for confirming CAGE status and CAGE-specific records.
Address match
Always compare legal name and location before relying on a result.

GETTING A CODE

U.S. entities do not file a separate CAGE application.

For U.S. entities, a CAGE code is assigned automatically when the entity completes or updates its SAM.gov registration.

Foreign entities generally need an NCAGE code before or during SAM.gov registration. Legal name and address mismatches can slow assignment, so keep entity records consistent.

UEI
The Unique Entity ID is SAM.gov's primary entity identifier and replaced DUNS in April 2022.
CAGE
A location-level identifier managed by DLA and used across federal systems.
NCAGE
The NATO CAGE equivalent for non-U.S. entities.

NEXT READ

Keep the public-source trail visible.

FAQ

Questions before you act on the signal.

Is a CAGE code the same as a UEI?

No. UEI is the primary SAM.gov entity identifier. CAGE is a separate location-level identifier managed by DLA.

How do I get a CAGE code?

For U.S. entities, complete SAM.gov registration. The CAGE code is assigned through that process.

Is CAGE code lookup free?

Yes. Use official SAM.gov entity search or the DLA CAGE search.

Why does a company have more than one CAGE code?

CAGE codes are tied to locations, so organizations with multiple facilities can have multiple codes.