Universal Account Number (UAN): A comprehensive guide to EPF account management

Understand the Universal Account Number (UAN), a 12-digit identifier that centralizes all your EPF accounts. This guide explains the benefits of UAN, how to obtain and activate it, and how to log in to the UAN portal

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to each employee contributing to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF). Issued by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and verified by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, UAN helps streamline EPF management and services.


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Key Benefits of UAN:

  • Centralized EPF Management: Consolidates multiple EPF accounts under one UAN, making it easier to manage provident fund details.
  • Simplified EPF Transfer: Easy transfer of EPF funds between jobs.
  • Streamlined Withdrawal Process: Simplifies the withdrawal process for EPF funds.
  • Instant EPF Statement Access: Provides immediate access to EPF account statements.

Why is UAN Important?

UAN is essential for accessing EPF-related information and services online. With UAN, employees can:

  • Withdraw or transfer EPF funds.
  • Check EPF account statements and passbooks.
  • Apply for loans against their EPF balance.

How to Obtain UAN:

  1. Through Your Employer: You can ask your employer or check your salary slip to find your UAN.
  2. Using the UAN Portal:
    • Visit the EPFO UAN Portal.
    • Click on "Know Your UAN Status."
    • Provide your state, EPFO office, name, date of birth, and captcha.
    • Click "Get Authorization Pin."
    • Enter the PIN received on your registered mobile number and click "Validate OTP and get UAN."
    • The UAN will be sent to your registered mobile number.

How to Activate UAN:

  1. Visit the EPFO Portal and click "For Employees" under the "Our Services" section.
  2. Select "Member UAN/Online Services (OCS/OTCP)" and click "Activate UAN."
  3. Enter your UAN, name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, and captcha.
  4. Click "Get Authorization Pin."
  5. Enter the OTP received on your mobile number and click "Validate OTP and Activate UAN."
  6. You will receive your UAN and password via SMS on your registered mobile number.

How to Log in to the UAN Portal:

  1. Use your UAN as the username and the password you created.
  2. Access services like
    • Downloading the UAN card and EPF passbook.
    • Checking your PF linking status.
    • Filing EPF transfer claims.
    • Updating personal details and KYC information.

How to Download UAN Card Online:

  1. Log in to the UAN portal with your UAN and password.
  2. Enter the captcha and click "Sign in."
  3. Go to the "View" section and select "UAN Card."
  4. Click "Download UAN Card" to save or print it.

How to Reset UAN Password:

  1. Visit the UAN portal and click "Forgot Password."
  2. Enter your UAN and captcha and click "Submit."
  3. Provide your name, date of birth, and gender, then click "Verify."
  4. Enter your Aadhaar number and captcha, then click "Verify."
  5. Enter your mobile number and click "Get OTP."
  6. Enter the OTP and click "Verify."
  7. Set a new password and click "Submit."

Generating a New UAN:

Employers with more than 20 employees must register with EPFO. Here’s how to generate a new UAN for employees:

  1. Log in to the EPFO portal.
  2. Click on "Register Individual" under the Member section.
  3. Enter the employee’s details and approve them.
  4. A new UAN will be generated and linked to the employee’s PF account.

Completing e-KYC for EPFO:

  1. Log in to the EPFO portal with your UAN and password.
  2. Click "KYC" under the Manage tab.
  3. Select the KYC documents to add (e.g., bank details, PAN, Aadhaar).
  4. Save the information, and the details will be pending approval.

Important Points About UAN:

  • UAN is lifelong and remains the same, even if you change jobs.
  • Multiple EPF accounts can be linked under one UAN.
  • For full functionality, ensure PAN, Aadhaar, and bank details are updated and linked to your UAN.

How to Update UAN Details:

  • Father’s Name: Submit the Joint Declaration Form to the EPF office, authorized by your employer.
  • Name/Date of Birth:
    1. Log in to the UAN portal.
    2. Under Manage, select Basic Details and submit the changes for employer approval.
  • Contact Number/Email:
    1. Log in to the UAN portal.
    2. Under Manage, select Contact Details to update your mobile number or email, then verify with an OTP.

How to Link Aadhaar with UAN:

  1. Log in to the EPFO portal.
  2. Go to UAN Member e-Sewa.
  3. Under KYC, check the Aadhaar box and enter your Aadhaar number.
  4. Save and await employer approval.

How to Link Multiple EPF Accounts:

  1. Visit the EPFO website and click "One Employee – One EPF Account."
  2. Enter your details and OTP to link all your EPF accounts under one UAN.


UAN Customer Care:

  • Toll-free number: 1800-118-005
  • Helpdesk email: employeefeedback@epfindia.gov.in
  • Service Hours: 9:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  • What is a UAN card? The UAN card shows your UAN, photo, and KYC status. The back includes Member IDs and EPFO contact information.
  • What is the UAN portal login password? You must create an 8-25 character password with alphanumeric and special characters during UAN activation.
  • What happens to UAN after switching jobs? The UAN remains the same. Provide it to your new employer to link your new PF account.

For more information, visit the EPFO website or contact customer care.