How to Request and Maintain a CAGE Code for Federal Awards

Compiled & reviewed by the EntityCodes Editorial Team (Tech Labs FZ LLC) · Data verified: 2026-06-28

A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is a 5-character identifier assigned by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to verify physical facility locations.

DLA CAGE Registration Process

The CAGE code is a required identifier for defense contractors and any firm performing security-cleared federal work ^[1]. The 5-character code is assigned automatically when you complete your SAM.gov registration, provided your physical address passes GSA validation checks.

If the DLA CAGE Program Office identifies address discrepancies, they will place a hold on your registration. You must submit verifying utility bills or corporate filings directly to the CAGE portal to resolve the hold and activate your code ^[1]. CAGE registrations must be renewed every five years by keeping your SAM.gov profile active.

Federal Procurement & Contractor Registries

To support the core compliance tasks detailed in this guide on How to Request and Maintain a CAGE Code for Federal Awards, compliance officers and corporate attorneys must consult several government contractor registries. CAGE codes are issued and verified through the Defense Logistics Agency Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) CAGE Search and Registration. The central platform for all entity registrations is the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Unique Entity ID Guide. Details regarding the unique entity ID format are outlined in the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) GSA Unique Entity Identifier Transition Guidance. Procurement programs and set-asides are regulated under the Acquisition.gov Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19 - Small Business Programs. SAM registration requirements are codified under Acquisition.gov FAR Subpart 4.11 - System for Award Management Registration, while CAGE code reporting requirements are codified under Acquisition.gov FAR Subpart 4.18 - Commercial and Government Entity Code (CAGE). Foreign companies must register following the NATO Codification System (AC/135) NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Registration Rules. The official timeline for retiring legacy numbers is published in the Federal Register Transition from DUNS Number to Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Notice. Registration workflows are checked via the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) SAM.gov Entity Registration Checklist and Directives, and audit integrity guidelines are outlined in the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Federal Contractor Registry: Improvements Needed in SAM.gov.

💡 Expert Guidance: IRS TIN Matching Failure

The number one cause of CAGE code delays is a mismatch between the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) entered in SAM.gov and the official IRS database. If your company name or address differs by even a single character (such as 'LLC' vs 'L.L.C.'), the automated validation fails, triggering a manual CAGE review hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a CAGE code? ▾

A CAGE code is typically assigned within 10 to 15 business days after your SAM.gov registration is submitted and verified by the DLA.

Do CAGE codes expire? ▾

CAGE codes remain active as long as you renew your SAM.gov registration annually. If your registration is inactive for over five years, your CAGE code may be retired.

How is a CAGE code requested during SAM.gov registration? ▾

You do not submit a separate application to get a CAGE code. When you submit your SAM.gov registration, the system automatically forwards your entity address and details to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for CAGE code assignment.

How long does it take for the DLA to issue a CAGE code? ▾

The DLA typically processes and issues a CAGE code within 10 to 15 business days after your SAM.gov registration is submitted. If there are address validation issues, the process can take longer.

What should I do if my CAGE registration is placed on a 'DLA Hold'? ▾

If your CAGE registration is placed on hold, you must log into the DLA CAGE portal, review the specific hold reason (usually address mismatch), and upload verifying documentation (such as utility bills or state filings) to resolve it.

How often must a CAGE code be renewed? ▾

A CAGE code remains active as long as you renew your SAM.gov registration annually. If your registration is inactive for over five years, the DLA may retire your CAGE code, requiring a reactivation request.

Does a business need a separate CAGE code for each physical location? ▾

Yes. A CAGE code is assigned to a specific physical location. If your company operates multiple facilities or branch offices performing federal work, each location must obtain its own CAGE code.

Who can I contact to verify the status of my CAGE code? ▾

You can verify the status of your CAGE code online via the official DLA CAGE Search portal (`cage.dla.mil`) or contact the DLA CAGE Customer Service center.

Are CAGE codes assigned to individuals or sole proprietors? ▾

Yes, if an individual or sole proprietor registers in SAM.gov to perform federal awards, the DLA will assign a CAGE code to their registered address.

What is the format of a standard U.S. CAGE code? ▾

A standard U.S. CAGE code consists of exactly 5 alphanumeric characters. The code is unique and is tied to a single registered entity at a specific address.