A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is a five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to entities that do business with the federal government. It is managed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).

How do I get a CAGE code?

U.S. entities receive a CAGE code automatically when they register on SAM.gov. Non-U.S. entities must apply for an NCAGE code through their national codification bureau.

Is a CAGE code the same as a UEI?

No. A CAGE code is a 5-character identifier assigned by DLA for supply chain identification. A UEI is a 12-character identifier used for entity registration on SAM.gov. Both are required for federal contracting.

How do I look up a CAGE code?

You can look up CAGE codes through the DLA CAGE Code Search tool at cage.dla.mil or through SAM.gov entity search.

March 21, 2026 · 8 min read · By Harold Trapier

What is a CAGE Code? Everything Federal Contractors Need to Know

If you're entering the federal contracting space, you'll encounter the term "CAGE code" early and often. Here's everything you need to know — what it is, how to get one, and why it matters.

What is a CAGE Code?

A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is a five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to entities that conduct business with the United States federal government. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the CAGE code system, which originated as a way to identify suppliers in the defense supply chain.

Every entity registered in SAM.gov receives a CAGE code. It serves as your unique identifier across all Department of Defense and federal procurement systems. Contracting officers use CAGE codes to look up vendor information, verify past performance, and track contract history.

For example, Trapier Management LLC's CAGE code is 12LN8. That five-character code identifies us across every federal procurement database.

Who Needs a CAGE Code?

You need a CAGE code if you are bidding on or performing federal contracts (prime or subcontractor), receiving federal grants, registering in SAM.gov, applying for facility security clearances, or participating in the defense supply chain in any capacity.

If you're a non-U.S. entity, you'll need an NCAGE (NATO CAGE) code instead. These are issued by your country's national codification bureau, not through SAM.gov.

How to Get a CAGE Code

For U.S.-based entities, the process is straightforward: register on SAM.gov, and a CAGE code is automatically assigned as part of your entity registration. You do not need to apply separately. The DLA processes CAGE code assignments during the SAM.gov validation phase, which typically takes 7-10 business days.

If you need a CAGE code before completing full SAM.gov registration (rare, but sometimes required for facility clearances), you can request one directly from DLA through the CAGE program office. However, in most cases, the SAM.gov registration pathway is the standard process.

Need the full SAM.gov walkthrough? Read our complete SAM.gov registration guide.

CAGE Code vs. UEI vs. DUNS — What's the Difference?

Identifier	Format	Issuer	Purpose
CAGE Code	5-char alphanumeric	DLA	Supply chain & procurement ID
UEI	12-char alphanumeric	SAM.gov	Entity registration identifier
DUNS	9-digit number	Dun & Bradstreet	Discontinued April 2022 — replaced by UEI

How to Look Up a CAGE Code

There are two primary ways to look up CAGE codes. The DLA CAGE Code Search tool at cage.dla.mil lets you search by company name, CAGE code, or location. SAM.gov entity search also displays CAGE codes as part of entity records. Both tools are free and publicly accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a CAGE code expire?

The code itself doesn't expire, but it becomes inactive if your SAM.gov registration lapses. Renew your SAM.gov registration annually to keep it active.

Can I have more than one CAGE code?

Typically, each entity has one CAGE code. However, entities with multiple physical locations may have separate CAGE codes for each facility.

Is there a fee for a CAGE code?

No. CAGE codes are assigned free of charge through the SAM.gov registration process.

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