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How Do You Register in SAM.gov?

Learn how to register an entity in SAM.gov, what information to gather first, and how registration differs from getting only a UEI.

Direct answer

To register in SAM.gov, sign in through Login.gov, return to SAM.gov, gather the required entity information, and choose Register Entity from the entity-registration workflow. Full registration is for entities that want to bid on government contracts or apply directly for federal assistance. If you only need a Unique Entity ID, use the UEI-only path instead.

Registration choices

Bid on federal contracts

Full SAM registration

Registration must become active

Apply directly for federal assistance

Full SAM registration

Allow time for validation

Only need identifier

UEI-only request

Cannot apply directly for federal awards

Already registered

Workspace update or renewal

Do not start a duplicate registration

Unsure what to gather

Registration checklist

Missing details can slow submission

Need	Path	Caution
Bid on federal contracts	Full SAM registration	Registration must become active
Apply directly for federal assistance	Full SAM registration	Allow time for validation
Only need identifier	UEI-only request	Cannot apply directly for federal awards
Already registered	Workspace update or renewal	Do not start a duplicate registration
Unsure what to gather	Registration checklist	Missing details can slow submission

Submission is not the same as active status

SAM.gov says registration can take up to 10 business days to become active. Build in time for validation, review, and corrections before bid or application deadlines.

Register the entity

1Create or sign in with Login.gov from SAM.gov.
2Return to SAM.gov and open the entity registration workflow.
3Decide whether you need full registration or only a UEI.
4Gather legal, address, ownership, banking, tax, and point-of-contact information as applicable.
5Submit the registration and monitor entity status until it becomes active.

FAQ

Is getting a UEI the same as registering in SAM.gov?

No. SAM.gov says you can request a Unique Entity ID only, but full registration is needed to bid on government contracts or apply directly for federal assistance.

Do I need Login.gov for SAM.gov?

Yes. SAM.gov says usernames and passwords are managed by Login.gov, then users return to SAM.gov to complete profile and entity work.

How long can SAM registration take to become active?

SAM.gov says registration can take up to 10 business days to become active, so submission is not the same as active status.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.