Sign Up and Be Counted
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
D & B Registration for Artists - 2004
How do I find out if I already have a DUNS number?
What's the easiest way to get a DUNS number if I need one?
What are the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes for artists?
Common SIC Codes for Artists
If I already have a DUNS number, do I need to do anything?
Is there other information—in addition to the SIC code—that I should update?
Is there a fee for registering a DUNS number?
What is a DUNS number?
Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) is a company that provides business information for credit, marketing, and purchasing decisions. Its "data universal numbering system," known at DUNS, issues unique 9-digit numbers that are used by businesses and the federal government to keep track of more than 70 million businesses and individuals world-wide. Some entities, such as states and universities, will also have what is known as "DUNS + 4," which is used to identify specific units within a larger entity.
Why do I need a DUNS number?
There are two reasons that it is important for all of the nation's artists to secure a DUNS number. First, the federal government (including the National Endowment for the Arts) has recently adopted a new policy that requires organizations to provide a DUNS number as part of their grant applications and proposals, and many state and local arts agencies are already doing the same. Second, Americans for the Arts has developed a powerful geo-political advocacy tool—the Creative Industries project—that uses the DUNS number to identify each for-profit and nonprofit arts-related business and artist in the country. The more accurate the information is, the more successful our combined efforts to increase public awareness of the scope of the U.S. arts industry will be.
How do I find out if I already have a DUNS number?
If you aren't sure, your agent or your accountant may know and be able to provide your DUNS number if you already have one. If you still aren't sure, call a Dun & Bradstreet operator (1.866.705.5711). Additionally, you can visit http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/index.html and use the "Are you already in D&B's database?" search feature on the right side of the page. We have found that many artists do not have a DUNS number, so if you aren't familiar with the term you likely don't have one and need to register.
What's the easiest way to get a DUNS number if I need one?
You can request a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet either by phone (1.866.705.5711) or on the Internet. Visit Dun & Bradstreet's web site at https://eupdate.dnb.com/requestoptions/government/ccrreg/ for detailed information about securing your DUNS number. The process is free and takes only minutes to complete. During DUNS registration, you will be asked to provide a primary Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code that characterizes your artist type (e.g., actor, singer, or architect). Use the information in the next paragraph to identify your correct SIC code.
What are the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes for artists?
The table below provides the primary 8-digit Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes for common artist categories. If you don't see a close match of your artist type, click here for a detailed list of the 644 SIC codes for all arts-related businesses and artists (both for-profit and nonprofit).
Common SIC Codes for Artists
(click here to download a complete list in Adobe PDF format)
| Artist Type | 8-Digit SIC Code |
| Actor | 79299901 |
| Actress | 79299902 |
| Singer, Musical entertainer | 79290100 |
| Song writer | 89990400 |
| Entertainer (misc./not elsewhere classified) (e.g., dancer) | 79290000 |
| Visual artist (misc./not elsewhere classified) | 89990100 |
| Photographer | 72210000 |
| Architect | 87120000 |
| Interior designer | 73890600 |
| Potter | 32690504 |
| Jeweler | 39110000 |
| Textile Artist | 22730300 |
| Glass Artist | 32290800 |
If I already have a DUNS number, do I need to do anything?
Yes. We have found that some of the artists that already have a DUNS number are associated with incorrect, non-arts Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes in the D&B database. Use the information provided in the previous paragraph to identify your most accurate SIC code. Then call a D&B operator (1.866.705.5711) to request the SIC code that is currently associated with your DUNS number, and provide the accurate SIC code if necessary. Unfortunately, you cannot confirm or change your SIC code on the Internet. However, D&B operators are knowledgeable and friendly. And the phone call should take less than ten minutes.
Is there other information—in addition to the SIC code—that I should update?
Yes. While you cannot confirm or update your SIC code on the Internet, you can use D&B's web page to confirm and update other background information, which is vital to the success of our Creative Industries study and to increase awareness of the scope and impact of the U.S. arts industry. To update this information, visit D&B's web page at https://eupdate.dnb.com/. You'll need to log in using your DUNS number and password. If you don't have this information, or if you'd like to update this information over the phone at the same time you confirm your art-related SIC code, you can simply call a D&B operator (1.866.705.5711).
Is there a fee for registering a DUNS number?
No. There is no fee for registering a DUNS number, nor are you obligated to purchase any of D&B's products.