Transferring your GS1® identifiers—like GS1 Company Prefixes, GS1 US Global Trade Item Numbers (GS1 US GTINs), and Global Location Numbers (GLNs)—is essential when your company’s ownership or business structure changes.
Common scenarios include:
Why Transfer an Identifier?
Merger
Two companies combine into one
Acquisition
One company purchases another
Divestiture
A business line or division is sold
Helpful Tip: Please note that when transferring a GS1 Company Prefix, all identifiers associated with that prefix must be transferred together. Subdividing or transferring individual GTINs, GLNs, or other numbers is not permitted.
Why Is It Important to Transfer Your Identifiers?
Business transactions like mergers, acquisitions, or ownership changes affect who can use identifiers such as prefixes, GTINs, and GLNs. Transferring your identifiers ensures GS1 US® records stay up to date—critical for supply chain accuracy, product traceability, brand protection, regulatory compliance, and maintaining retailer relationships. If this is your case, initiate your transfer request as soon as the transaction is complete.
Helpful Tip: If your company goes through a legal name change, use the Company Name Change process instead.
How to Start Your Identifier Transfer Request
1. Complete the Transfer Request Form
You will need the following information to complete the form:
- The identifiers requested to be transferred
- The legal name of the company that currently holds the licenses to the identifiers
- The legal name of the company requesting the licenses to the identifiers moving forward
- Company details (address, phone number, primary contact, billing contract details, etc.) for the company requesting to receive the identifier licenses
Tip: If you’re not sure who currently licenses the identifiers, use our company database to check!
2. Get a Signed Release Letter
With the Transfer Request Form, you will need a Release Letter signed by the business owner or a duly authorized officer of the company currently licensing the identifiers.
Tip: If you cannot obtain a Release Letter, you will need to provide supporting legal documentation showing the transaction.
3. Submit Your Documents
Email the completed Transfer Request Form and Release Letter (or alternative supporting legal documentation evidencing the transaction) to dmaintenance@gs1us.org.
Tip: Add dmaintenance@gs1us.org to your email contacts or safe sender list to ensure you receive updates on your request.
What to Expect: The Transfer Process Timeline
The process for completing the transfer may take 4-6 weeks. Submitting complete and accurate documentation speeds up your request.
1. Case Submission Confirmation
1-5 business days
After submitting your documents, you will receive a confirmation email with your case number.
2. Initial Review by GS1 US
1-3 business days
GS1 US begins reviewing and either comes to a decision or needs more details from you.
Tip: If needed, GS1 US will request additional information to support the transfer request. This information must be provided within 10 business days or the request will be closed.
3. Additional Review (If Required)
2-3 business days
GS1 US reviews your additional information and may respond with a decision, request for additional documentation, or or initiation of a more detailed if necessary.
Tip: If a more detailed review is deemed necessary during the additional review step, add a minimum of 30 additional business days to the timeline.
4. Final Decision & Notification
5-7 business days
You will be notified of the final decision by email—either approval or denial of the request. If approved, GS1 US proceeds with the transfer and updates its records.
Help & Support
Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions.
Still have questions?
Our support team is available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM ET.
Email: dmaintenance@gs1us.org
Phone: +1 937.435.3870 (select option 4 when prompted)
The information contained herein is for informational purposes. GS1 US does not provide legal advice.
Submitting a request does not guarantee approval. All requests are unique and additional documentation may be required, which may take additional time to review. If GS1 US does not receive the appropriate supporting legal documentation, the requested identifier(s) cannot be transferred. GS1 US reserves the right to deny any request if it finds it not appropriate.
If you have regulated healthcare products, notify the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) directly of any change in name or ownership. GS1 US does not handle U.S. FDA updates.