What is USDA eAuth?
eAuth is the USDA system for creating an online account that lets you sign in to certain USDA websites and services. Basic accounts give limited access, while a higher level of verification can allow you to see more of your own records and complete more tasks online.
FSA publishes a guide to obtaining a verified account. Some steps involve identity verification, and in certain cases that means visiting a service center with identification.
Only provide your identity documents through the official site or in person with USDA staff. Do not email scans of identification to anyone who contacts you first.
Who needs an eAuth account?
If you want to use online tools for your own USDA business, such as viewing farm records or using certain agency applications, you will likely need one. Staff at your service center can tell you which level fits the services you want.
Many farmers still handle business in person or by phone, so an account is useful rather than mandatory for many routine tasks. Ask the office what you actually need.
If you use online services for several family members or partners, ask whether each person needs a separate account or whether one can be linked to the entity.
What is SAM.gov?
SAM.gov is the federal government's system where organizations register to do business with the government, including applying for many federal grants and contracts. Registration produces a unique entity identifier that applications use.
Registration is usually aimed at organizations that apply for federal awards. An individual farmer applying for an ordinary FSA loan does not usually go through it, but cooperatives, nonprofits and businesses applying for competitive grants often must.
Because registration data feeds into the application, the name and address should match your tax and bank records exactly. Small differences can cause a rejection.
What do I need to register?
Details vary by system, but gather these items first.
Keep these details in one secure folder, and update them when your address, bank or ownership changes.
- Legal business name, address and ownership information
- Employer identification number or the tax ID you use
- Bank information for payments
- A contact person who can respond to verification messages
- Business type and activity details the form asks for
How long does registration take?
It can take days or weeks, particularly if the system asks for added identity checks or if information does not match your records. The official sites say to allow ample time before a deadline, and you should take that advice seriously.
Registrations also expire and need renewal. Put the renewal date in your calendar so an active account does not lapse in the middle of an application.
If you get stuck, the official help desks exist for this purpose. Write down your ticket number, the date and what you were told.
How does this connect to Grants.gov?
Grants.gov has its own applicant registration steps, and it links to the entity registration you completed on SAM.gov. The Grants.gov applicant registration page explains the order. Following that order keeps you from redoing work.
If an application portal rejects your login or entity number, contact the help desk named on the official page rather than starting over.
Plan to finish registration at least a month before any deadline. That gives you room for a mismatch, a missed email or a verification step.
How do I stay safe during registration?
Only use the official .gov sites, and type the address yourself instead of following a link in a message. Registration on SAM.gov has no fee. If a company offers to register you for money, you can decline and do it yourself for free.
Protect your login details, and do not share them with outside helpers unless you fully trust them and the system permits delegation.
Finally, ask yourself whether you need a federal award registration at all. Many farm programs run through your local office and need only a farm record.
Key takeaways
- eAuth is for signing in to USDA online services; SAM.gov is for organizations seeking federal awards.
- Check with your service center about which eAuth level fits your needs.
- Collect legal name, tax ID, bank details and a contact person before you register.
- Start early, since verification can take weeks, and track renewal dates.
- Use only official .gov sites and never pay a third party to register you.
Sources and official links
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Money & Grants Editorial Team. Educational only, not tax, legal or financial advice. See our editorial policy.