Registering for your CAGE code number is necessary to bid on federal contracts with the United States government. The CAGE code number is your Central Contractor Registration (CCR) number. It's referred to as "CAGE" because the previous designation was called Commercial and Government Entity. Everyone who conducts business with the federal government must be registered with CCR. Registration for your CCR number is completed online. Email support and live support is provided during business hours. Registration may be performed by companies only and requires time, but you should receive your number in three to five days after your application is complete.

Prepare before registration. Gather the information that you will need to complete your registration. To register for your CAGE code number, you will need your company's Tax ID number (TIN), or Employer Identification Number (EIN), which can be obtained by calling the Internal Revenue Service (see the Resources section) at 1-800-829-4933. You also will need your company's D-U-N-S number for government contract work, which can be obtained by calling Dun & Bradstreet at 1-866-705-5711. These required numbers are free of charge.

Locate your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes (see the Resources section). Businesses have one or several NAICS code designations. The government uses this system to quickly identify what your business service or product is. For example, the NAICS code for New Single Family Housing Construction Contractor is 236115.

Register by filling out the application for your CAGE code number using the CCR website (see the References section). Click on "Start New Registration." Fill in the information, saving each page as you complete it. Read all instructions for each open slot and type every word out completely, without using abbreviations. Follow all of the directions given to you carefully and precisely. Write down your password and user ID for future use.

Wait three to five days for your application to process. Go back to the CCR website, and your CAGE code number will be there when you log in using your same password and user ID. Record and safeguard your CCR number.

Tip

Place your CAGE code number on your business cards. This is a great way to let companies and individuals know that you are registered and can perform federal contract work as well.

Warning

When you receive your CCR number, you will receive several emails from companies promising to secure your company government contracts. There is no charge to bid on federal government contracts. You may search for contract opportunities on sites such as Federal Business Opportunities (see the Resources section).