To check SAM status, users can log into SAM.gov with Login.gov credentials and select “Entity Registrations” from the left menu. Registration status appears as Active, Incomplete, or Expired. Alternatively, the public database allows verification without logging in by searching with a business name, CAGE Code, or DUNS number. For troubleshooting issues like TIN mismatches or login problems, the Federal Service Desk offers support at 866-606-8220. The following sections provide step-by-step guidance for specific scenarios.
Accessing Your SAM.gov Account to View Registration Status
Finding your way to your System for Award Management (SAM) account requires several specific steps to verify your registration status correctly.
Users must first navigate to the SAM.gov homepage through a web browser, then click the “Login” button in the upper right corner of the screen.
Navigate to SAM.gov, then locate and click the “Login” button in the upper right corner.
For proper account navigation, users should enter their Login.gov credentials that match the email address associated with their SAM.gov profile.
After successful authentication, the dashboard will display several options. Select the “Entity Registrations” tab from the left-hand menu to proceed.
Remember that your Unique Entity ID can be viewed directly through the SAM.gov platform after logging in.
To view registration details, click on “Registrations” under the Entity Registrations section. This action will display all active registrations associated with your account.
For extensive information about your status and expiration date, select the specific registration number from the list. The resulting page will show the current status and provide key details about your SAM.gov registration.
Different status indicators such as “Active,” “Incomplete,” or “Expired” will help you understand your current eligibility status for federal contracts and assistance.
Look for a confirmation email from SAM.gov which serves as additional verification that your registration process has been successfully completed.
Verifying Your SAM Status Through the Public Database
The SAM.gov public database provides an alternative method for verifying registration status without requiring users to log into a personal account. This feature allows anyone to confirm if an entity is properly registered with the federal government by using specific search parameters such as business name, CAGE Code, or DUNS number.
To effectively use the public database for SAM status verification:
- Navigate to SAM.gov and select the “Search” option, which allows access without an account login.
- Enter your organization’s identifying information using one of the available search parameters (business name, CAGE Code, or DUNS number).
- Review the publicly available information to confirm registration status and active dates.
While the public database offers convenient access, users should note that only limited information is visible through this method. More detailed registration data requires account access with appropriate permissions. Nonprofit organizations and small businesses may benefit from simplified requirements designed to reduce administrative burden when maintaining their SAM profiles. These search results will also indicate whether your entity appears on any exclusion lists maintained by the GSA for transparency and compliance purposes. Remember that a successful search will show if your registration is in active status, which remains valid for 365 days from the submission date before renewal is required.
Troubleshooting Common SAM Status Issues
While accessing SAM status information is straightforward in most cases, users frequently encounter technical obstacles that can delay registration or verification processes. Several common errors affect SAM registration completion and status verification.
TIN/EIN mismatches require direct IRS verification by calling 1-800-829-4933. Users experiencing login loops should switch to Chrome or Firefox browsers, as compatibility issues often cause this problem. For UEI retrieval difficulties, the SAM.gov Status Tracker provides a solution when entered with correct entity details. Townships must ensure their annual renewal is completed through SAM.gov to maintain access to federal funding opportunities. Failing to renew your registration every 12 months can result in lost eligibility for federal contracts and grant opportunities.
Registration tips for avoiding delays include:
- Verify all entity information before submission
- Clear browser cache when encountering frozen forms
- Whitelist SAM.gov in email filters to prevent password reset delays
- Allow 48+ hours for status updates after renewal
For persistent issues with MPIN resets, contact Federal Service Desk support at 866-606-8220 (US) or +1 334-206-7828 (international).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a “Pending” SAM Status Affect My Ability to Receive Federal Payments?
A “pending” SAM status can affect an entity’s ability to receive federal payments.
Federal agencies typically require active registration in SAM.gov before processing payments for contracts or grants. When registration status shows as pending, federal eligibility may be limited or delayed until validation is complete.
Recipients should monitor their status regularly through SAM.gov and contact the Federal Service Desk for assistance if pending payments become an issue due to prolonged review periods.
How Do Renewal Timeframes Differ Between Federal Contractors and Grant Recipients?
Renewal timelines for federal contractors and grant recipients follow the same processing standards in the SAM.gov system.
Both entity types experience identical processing durations of 7-14 business days for substantial changes and 3-7 days for minor updates.
Contractor obligations match grant recipient requirements, with both needing to initiate renewal 45-60 days before expiration.
The system provides equal access to renewal functionality 60 days pre-expiration, and both face the same 2-6 week reactivation period if registration lapses.
Can I Transfer My SAM Registration to a New Business Entity?
A SAM registration cannot be directly conveyed between business entities. Each entity must maintain its own unique registration with a distinct UEI.
When shifting to a new business structure, the organization must:
- Create a new SAM.gov account for the new entity
- Complete a fresh registration process
- Obtain a new UEI
- Update contract information with federal agencies
This registration transfer process typically takes 2-4 weeks for validation.
Will Changes to My NAICS Codes Affect My Current SAM Status?
Changes to NAICS codes generally do not affect the current SAM status.
When an entity updates its NAICS codes, this modification requires editing the SAM profile but does not impact the overall registration status (Active, Expired, etc.).
However, it’s important to guarantee NAICS code implications are considered for contract eligibility.
The SAM registration impact is minimal during code updates, though entities should verify all information remains accurate to maintain compliance with federal contracting requirements.
Are SAM Status Requirements Different for International vs. Domestic Entities?
While SAM registration fundamentals remain consistent for all entities, some differences exist between international and domestic regulations.
International entities face additional compliance steps during registration, including specific documentation requirements and verification processes.
Domestic entities typically navigate the system with greater ease due to familiarity with U.S. business practices.
Both entity types must obtain a Unique Entity ID and maintain current registration, though international compliance may require extra attention to cross-border regulatory considerations.