SAM.gov Registration and the Unique Entity ID (UEI) for Local Governments
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How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of SAM.gov's entity registration page and Grants.gov's applicant registration page, checked October 29, 2026. General information, not legal or audit advice; your award terms and agency guidance control.
Registration or just a UEI?
SAM.gov offers two paths:
| Option | What you get | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Register Entity | A full registration, with a Unique Entity ID (UEI) assigned during the process | You will apply directly for federal awards as a prime recipient |
| Get a Unique Entity ID only | A UEI, from just your legal name and physical address | You only do things like report as a subrecipient |
SAM.gov is explicit: with a UEI only, you cannot apply directly for federal awards.
Steps
- Sign in through Login.gov. SAM.gov usernames and passwords are managed by Login.gov.
- Choose Get Started, then Register Entity.
- Gather the information in SAM.gov's Entity Registration Checklist before you start; registration asks for a lot.
- Name your Electronic Business Point of Contact (EBiz POC). Grants.gov uses this person to grant access to your organization's applications.
Allow time
Grants.gov advises allowing up to 10 business days for a SAM.gov registration to become active, even if you already have a federal tax ID. If information can't be verified, it could take weeks or months. Don't start this the week a NOFO closes.
Keep it active
SAM.gov says you must renew every 365 days. You can update the registration at any time. An expired registration can block an application or a payment, so put the renewal date on the finance team's calendar.
Next step
Once SAM.gov is active, the EBiz POC sets up Grants.gov; see Grants.gov Workspace basics.
Related: match and cost share, allowable costs.