Last updated: October 2026 · By Josh Ladick, GSA Focus
Short answer: To look up a CAGE code for free, use the Defense Logistics Agency’s CAGE search at cage.dla.mil, or find the company’s public entity record on SAM.gov. Both are official, free, and searchable by company name or CAGE code. You don’t need a paid lookup service.
What is a CAGE code?
A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is a five-character identifier that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) assigns to businesses registered to work with the U.S. government. Businesses outside the U.S. receive an NCAGE code from NATO instead. Agencies and prime contractors use CAGE codes to confirm exactly which company they are dealing with. (DLA)
How to look up a CAGE code on cage.dla.mil
- Go to cage.dla.mil, DLA’s official CAGE portal.
- Open the search.
- Enter the CAGE code, the company name or its location.
- Open the matching record to see the company’s name, address and CAGE details.
SAM.gov lists this portal as the official place to search for domestic and foreign CAGE code information (SAM.gov).
How to find a CAGE code on SAM.gov
- Go to SAM.gov and open the search.
- Choose entity information.
- Search by company name, UEI or CAGE code.
- Open the entity: the CAGE code appears with the company’s registration details.
How to find your own CAGE code
If your business is registered in SAM.gov, sign in and open your entity record: your CAGE code is listed there next to your Unique Entity ID. You can also search your company name on cage.dla.mil. If you don’t have one yet, see our step-by-step guide on how to get a CAGE code.
Why CAGE codes matter for GSA contracts
An active SAM.gov registration, which includes your CAGE code, is one of the first requirements for a GSA Schedule. If you are planning to sell to agencies through GSA, read our guide on how to get on the GSA Schedule.
CAGE Code Lookup FAQs
Is a CAGE code lookup free?
Yes. Both official tools, DLA’s CAGE search at cage.dla.mil and the entity search on SAM.gov, are free. You don’t need to pay a third-party service to find a CAGE code.
Can I look up a CAGE code by company name?
Yes. You can search by company name in DLA’s CAGE search at cage.dla.mil and in SAM.gov’s entity search. Both show the CAGE code for registered entities.
What is the difference between a CAGE code and a UEI?
A CAGE code is a five-character identifier assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency. The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is a 12-character identifier assigned in SAM.gov. Government contractors need both, and both appear in the SAM.gov entity record.
How do I get a CAGE code for my business?
U.S. businesses get a CAGE code automatically and at no cost when their SAM.gov entity registration is activated. Businesses outside the U.S. need an NCAGE code from NATO before registering in SAM.gov.
