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Decode Any CAGE Code
Instantly

CAGE codes are the 5-character identifiers used to track every company registered to do business with the US government. Enter any CAGE code below to see the company name, address, SAM.gov status, and business certifications.

Format: digit + 4 alphanumeric characters (e.g. 7XYZ2)

5-Character Format

CAGE codes are always 5 characters: a digit followed by 4 alphanumeric characters. Assigned by DLA through SAM.gov.

Required for Federal Awards

Every company receiving US government payments needs an active CAGE code and SAM.gov registration. There are over 800,000 registered entities.

NATO-Wide Standard

US CAGE codes are part of the NATO Codification System (NCS). Allied nations use NCAGE codes in the same 5-character format.

What a CAGE Code Lookup Reveals

Decoding a CAGE code pulls from the public SAM.gov entity registry. Here's the information you can find for any registered vendor:

  • Legal business name and DBA

    The registered company name exactly as it appears on the contract.

  • SAM.gov registration status

    Active, Expired, or Inactive — critical for teaming and award eligibility.

  • Physical address

    Principal place of business — city, state, zip, country.

  • Business certifications

    Small business, WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), and minority-owned flags.

  • Primary NAICS code

    The industry classification that determines set-aside eligibility and size standards.

Example CAGE Code Result

CAGE Code

7Q4J0

Legal Name

Acme Defense Solutions LLC

SAM Status

Active

Address

1234 Contractor Way, Arlington, VA 22201

Certifications

Small Business SDVOSB

Primary NAICS

541512 — Computer Systems Design

Power Tool

Decode Up to 100 CAGE Codes at Once

Paste a list of CAGE codes from a spreadsheet, contract document, or vendor list. Get back a table of company names, SAM statuses, certifications, and NAICS codes — exportable as CSV.

Bulk CAGE Decoder

Partner Site

See Full Contract Award History on FedAtlas.com

FedAtlas.com shows every federal contract award for any SAM-registered entity — searchable by company, agency, NAICS code, state, and more. The perfect complement to CAGE code lookups.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CAGE code used for?

A CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity code) is a 5-character identifier used by the US Department of Defense and all federal agencies to identify vendors in the SAM.gov system. It appears on every federal contract, invoice, and vendor record.

How do I get a CAGE code?

Register your business at SAM.gov. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) automatically assigns a CAGE code during the registration process. It is completely free and typically takes 7–10 business days.

Do CAGE codes expire?

CAGE codes themselves do not expire — they are permanent. However, your SAM.gov registration expires every 12 months and must be renewed to remain eligible for federal awards.

What is the difference between a CAGE code and a UEI?

A CAGE code is a 5-character DLA-assigned supplier identifier (used since the 1950s). A UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) is a 12-character SAM.gov identifier that replaced the DUNS number in 2022. Both are linked to your SAM.gov entity profile.

Can I look up any company's CAGE code?

Yes. CAGE codes and basic entity information are public. You can search SAM.gov, the DLA CAGE portal (cage.dla.mil), or use the decoder on this site.

Does a CAGE code tell me if a company is debarred?

No. A CAGE code just identifies the entity. To check debarment status, search the SAM.gov Exclusions list separately.