By PDS Team
To get a DUNS number for an Apple Developer account, use Apple’s free D-U-N-S lookup tool on the Apple Developer website. If your organisation isn’t listed, submit your details to Dun & Bradstreet through the same tool. Apple says to allow up to 5 business days for the number, then up to 2 more business days before you can enrol as an organisation.
This guide covers who needs a DUNS number for Apple, the step-by-step process for Indian businesses, the other enrolment requirements Apple checks, and the errors that commonly stop enrolment.
Do you need a DUNS number for an Apple Developer account?
You need a DUNS number only if you enrol as an organisation. Individuals do not need one.
| Enrolling as | DUNS number needed? | Name shown on the App Store |
|---|---|---|
| Company or educational institution | Yes, registered to the legal entity | Your organisation’s legal name |
| Government organisation | Optional | Organisation name |
| Individual or sole proprietor | No | Your personal legal name |
Apple uses the DUNS number to verify your organisation’s identity, legal entity status and address. Most businesses enrol as an organisation so their company name, not a person’s name, appears as the seller on the App Store.
Which businesses can enrol as an organisation with Apple?
Only a legal entity that can sign contracts with Apple can enrol as an organisation. Apple does not accept trade names, DBAs, fictitious business names or branches.
Apple gives corporations, limited partnerships and limited liability companies as examples. In India, this usually means a Private Limited company, an LLP or a similar registered entity. If D&B lists your business as a sole proprietorship, Apple asks you to enrol as an individual instead.
How do you get a DUNS number for Apple step by step?
Look up your organisation in Apple’s tool, request a free number if none exists, wait for D&B and Apple to process it, then enrol.
- Prepare your details. You need your legal entity name, headquarters address, mailing address and work contact details. Keep your incorporation certificate, PAN and GST certificate ready in case D&B asks.
- Use Apple’s D-U-N-S lookup tool. Sign in on the Apple Developer website and search for your organisation. D&B may already have assigned you a free number.
- If you’re listed, check the record. Confirm that the legal name and address match your documents, then note the number.
- If you’re not listed, submit your information. The tool sends your details to D&B for a free DUNS number. D&B India’s own form also has an “Apple Developer” option that asks for the Apple tracking number.
- Answer D&B’s follow-up. D&B may contact you for more information, such as business type or number of employees.
- Wait up to 5 business days. Apple says paying to expedite with D&B will not shorten this waiting period for Apple requests. If it takes longer than two weeks, email D&B.
- Wait up to 2 more business days, then enrol. This gives D&B’s data time to reach Apple. Then start enrolment as a company or organisation.
You do not need to pay anyone for this. D&B India confirms that Apple Developer requests receive the number free of charge.
What else does Apple check when you enrol as an organisation?
Apart from the DUNS number, Apple checks your legal authority, your Apple Account, your work email and your website.
- Legal binding authority: you become the Account Holder and must be able to sign agreements for the organisation. Apple accepts the owner or founder, an executive team member, a senior project lead, or an employee given that authority by a senior employee.
- Apple Account: it must have two-factor authentication turned on, use your legal first and last names, and ideally use your organisation email address.
- Work email: it must be on your organisation’s domain name, for example name@yourcompany.com, not a Gmail address.
- Website: it must be public and working, on a domain associated with your organisation. Social media pages, near-empty sites and registrar “parked” pages are not accepted.
- Annual fee: the Apple Developer Program costs 99 USD per membership year, shown in local currency during enrolment. Eligible non-profits, accredited educational institutions and government entities can request a fee waiver.
A missing or thin website is a common blocker for new businesses. Our website design and development team can get a proper company site live before you enrol.
What does “Your organization is not listed as a legal entity” mean?
It means D&B lists your business with a different legal status, such as a sole proprietorship, or has not yet verified its legal status.
If you really are a sole proprietor, enrol as an individual. If you believe your business is a legal entity, email D&B with your complete registration documents and ask them to verify your legal status. Allow up to two business days after D&B updates your profile for the change to reach Apple.
What common mistakes stop Apple enrolment?
Most failures come from details that don’t match across Apple, D&B and your documents.
- Entering a brand name instead of the legal entity name.
- An address on the D&B record that differs from your registered address.
- Enrolling before the 2-business-day sync period is over.
- Using a personal Gmail address or an Apple Account that is not under your legal name.
- Having no live website on your company domain.
- Creating several Apple Accounts or enrolment attempts for the same organisation.
For what comes after enrolment, read our iOS app development process guide. If you are new to DUNS, start with how to get a DUNS number in India.
Apple DUNS Number FAQs
Is the DUNS number free for an Apple Developer account?
Yes. Apple’s D-U-N-S lookup tool lets you request a free DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet, and D&B India confirms Apple Developer requests are assigned free of charge. You only pay Apple’s annual developer membership fee. Avoid agents who charge to “arrange” the number.
How long does Apple take after I get my DUNS number?
Apple says to allow up to 2 business days for D&B to pass your information to Apple. After that you can enrol as an organisation. Apple then reviews your enrolment and may contact you if it needs more information, so keep your phone and work email active.
Can I use the same DUNS number for Apple and Google Play?
Yes. A DUNS number identifies your business, not a platform, so the same number works for Apple and Google Play. Make sure the legal name and address on your D&B profile match what you enter on each platform. Google also checks this against your Google payments profile.
Can a freelancer get an Apple Developer account without a DUNS number?
Yes. Enrol as an individual and no DUNS number is needed. Your personal legal name will appear as the seller on the App Store. You can usually switch to an organisation account later, once you have a registered company and a DUNS number, by contacting Apple Developer support.
What if my company name has changed?
Ask D&B to update your profile with the new legal name and supporting documents. Apple says updated D&B information takes up to two business days to reach Apple. After that, contact Apple Developer support if your membership details also need updating.
Can I pay D&B to get the Apple DUNS number faster?
Apple says expediting your D-U-N-S number creation will not shorten the waiting period for Apple requests, which is up to 5 business days. Since Apple requests are already prioritised and free, paying for a fast-track service usually brings no benefit for Apple enrolment.
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We build and publish iOS apps for businesses in Noida, Delhi NCR and across India, and help with the developer account steps along the way. Explore our iOS app development services or contact us.
