Guide to Updating Company Legal Name on D-U-N-S Profile (AAA to BBB)

Updating your business entity's legal name from AAA to BBB on your Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) profile requires a structured approach. To ensure a smooth transition without rejection, the process must follow a specific sequence—starting with federal records (IRS) and concluding with D&B profile updates.

Phase 1: IRS EIN Records Update & Obtaining Proof

Before initiating any changes with D&B, your official corporate name change must be processed and verified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

1. Notify the IRS of the Name Change

• Process: Send an official name change notification letter to the appropriate IRS office (where you file your tax returns). The letter must be signed by an authorized corporate officer or partner.
• Filing Requirements by Business Entity:
  • Corporations: Include a certified copy of the Articles of Amendment filed with your state.
  • Partnerships/LLCs: Include the updated Operating Agreement or State Amendment documents.
  • Sole Proprietorships: Send a signed notification letter along with state business registration updates.

2. Request IRS Letter 147C (EIN Verification Letter)

• Once the IRS updates your business name to BBB, request Letter 147C.
• Why it matters: Letter 147C is the primary, undisputed proof of your legal entity name and EIN accepted by Dun & Bradstreet.
• How to obtain: Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 to request the letter to be sent via mail or secure fax.

Phase 2: D&B Profile Manager Submission

Once you have received Letter 147C showing the updated name BBB, you can proceed with the D&B profile modification.

1. Access the D&B Profile Manager

• Navigate to the official D&B Profile Manager portal.
• Search: Locate your business profile using your existing 9-digit D-U-N-S Number.
• Authentication: Complete the identity verification process to confirm you are an authorized owner or representative of the company.

2. Submit Name Change Request (AAA → BBB)

• Initiate an edit request on the company profile to change the primary legal business name from AAA to BBB.

3. Upload Supporting Verification Documents

D&B requires at least two (2) official supporting documents that clearly display the new legal name (BBB) and the current business address.

• Primary Document (Required):
  • IRS Letter 147C (or official IRS Confirmation Letter CP 575).
• Secondary Document (Choose one):
  • State-approved Articles of Amendment (showing the change from AAA to BBB).
  • Active DBA (Doing Business As) / Fictitious Name Registration showing connection to BBB.
  • Updated State Business License or Certificate of Good Standing under the name BBB.
  • Utility bill or commercial bank statement issued under BBB at the current address (dated within 90 days).

Phase 3: Verification and Processing

Timeline & What to Expect

• Standard Review Period: D&B verification typically takes 3 to 7 business days.
• Review Process: A D&B analyst will review the submitted documentation against state public records and IRS data.
• Confirmation: Once approved, your D-U-N-S profile will reflect the new legal name BBB. You will receive a confirmation email, and third-party vendors pulling your D&B report will see the updated information.

Critical Rules & Best Practices

• Sequential Execution is Mandatory:
  • Do not submit a change request to D&B while the IRS process is still pending. Submitting to D&B without Letter 147C or official state amendment documents will result in an immediate rejection, causing unnecessary delays.
• Official Channel Only:
  • D&B no longer accepts manual fax requests for profile updates. All name change requests must be processed digitally through the online D&B Profile Manager.
• Data Consistency:
  • Ensure that the address listed on your secondary verification document matches the address on your D&B profile exactly to avoid verification holds.