DUNS Number and Google Play Store: How to Publish Your Apps
If you develop Android apps and want to distribute them through the Google Play Store as an organization, the DUNS number is now part of the equation. Here is everything you need to know about this relatively recent Google requirement and how to comply quickly.
Google's New Requirement: Why DUNS?
Since 2023, Google has strengthened its developer verification process on the Play Store. As part of this initiative, Google now requires a DUNS number for certain categories of developer accounts — primarily Organization accounts and developers who publish apps aimed at businesses or children.
Google's goal is to fight fraud and malicious apps by ensuring that organizations publishing on its store are legally existing and verifiable entities. By using the D&B database — the world reference with 455 million companies — Google can reliably verify your legal existence in more than 200 countries.
Important
This requirement applies primarily to Organization developer accounts on Google Play Console. Individual accounts may not be affected in all cases. Check the current Google Play Console requirements for your specific situation.
Are You Affected?
You are potentially affected by Google Play's DUNS requirement if:
- You are creating an Organization developer account (rather than individual)
- You are publishing professional or B2B apps
- You are publishing children's apps (enhanced compliance requirements)
- You want to be verified as a trusted publisher on the Play Store
- Your app accesses sensitive data (health, finance, etc.)
How to Check If You Already Have a DUNS Number
Before taking steps to obtain a new DUNS number, check whether your company already has one. This check is free with DUNS Verify: simply enter your company name and we search the D&B database for you.
This is especially important because D&B sometimes assigns DUNS numbers automatically based on public data. Your company may already have a DUNS without you knowing it.
Hurtig service
Få dit DUNS-nummer på 2 minutter
Ingen 30 dages ventetid mere. Modtag dit D-U-N-S-nummer direkte via e-mail, certificeret af Dun & Bradstreet.
Hent mit DUNS-nummer — 4,99 €Google Play Enrollment Process with DUNS
Create a Google Play Console account
Go to play.google.com/console and create your account. Choose the 'Organization' type if it applies to your situation.
Enter your organization information
Provide your company's legal details: company name, address, country, etc. This information must match exactly what is in your D&B profile.
Submit your DUNS number
Google asks for your DUNS number for verification. Enter it exactly as it was provided to you (9 digits).
Pay the registration fee
Google charges a one-time registration fee of $25 to create a developer account. This fee is separate from the cost of obtaining a DUNS.
Verification and activation
Google verifies your DUNS with D&B. Generally, verification is completed within 24 to 48 hours.
Google Play vs Apple Developer: The Differences
If you develop for both platforms, you will notice similarities but also differences in the DUNS verification process:
| Aspect | Google Play | Apple Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | $25 (one-time) | $99/year |
| DUNS required for Organization | Yes (some cases) | Yes (systematic) |
| Verification time | 24–48 hours | 1–2 days |
| Same DUNS usable | Yes | Yes |
Good news: the same DUNS number works for both platforms. If you develop for iOS and Android, you only need one DUNS number.
FAQ: Google Play and DUNS
Does my individual app require a DUNS?
In general, no. Individual developer accounts (natural persons) do not require a DUNS number. It is mainly required for Organization accounts.
Can I publish my apps without a DUNS first, and add it later?
It depends on the type of app and the country. In some cases, you can start publishing without a DUNS and add it during a later verification. But it is better to have it from the start.
What happens if my DUNS information is incorrect?
If the information in your D&B profile does not match what you submitted to Google, your verification may be rejected. Make sure your D&B profile is up to date.
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Hurtig service
Få dit DUNS-nummer på 2 minutter
Ingen 30 dages ventetid mere. Modtag dit D-U-N-S-nummer direkte via e-mail, certificeret af Dun & Bradstreet.
Hent mit DUNS-nummer — 4,99 €