Home | State Directory | About
What is a FEIN or EIN?
A FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number), also called an EIN (Employer Identification Number), is essentially your business’s Social Security number. It is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes.
Why Do You Need One?
A FEIN/EIN is required on virtually every state vendor registration form. Without one, you cannot register as a government vendor. It is also required for:
- Opening a business bank account
- Filing business tax returns
- Hiring employees
- Registering in SAM.gov (required for federal and most state contracting)
How to Get a FEIN/EIN
Applying for a FEIN is free and can be done online through the IRS website. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive your number immediately.
- Apply for an EIN Online (IRS.gov) — free, immediate results
- By phone: (800) 829-4933 (Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm local time)
- By mail/fax: Submit IRS Form SS-4
Important: Do NOT pay a third-party service to obtain your EIN. The IRS provides this service completely free. Many websites charge fees for what is a free government service.
Next Steps
Once you have your FEIN, the next step is to obtain your UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) through SAM.gov, which is also required for most government contracting.
Last updated: April 2026.