The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit identification number assigned to every employee by the Employee's Provident Fund Organisations (EPFO). This links all your PF accounts across different jobs, making it easier to manage, transfer, and withdraw your PF balance.
Universal Account Number - Quick Highlights
Particulars Details UAN Full Form Universal Account Number Issued By Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Purpose To provide a single unique identity for an employee across multiple employers and PF accounts Validity Remains valid throughout the employee's lifetime Linked To EPF (Employees' Provident Fund), EPS (Employees' Pension Scheme), EDLI (Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme), and all PF Member IDs Portability Continues unchanged even when changing jobs Activation Required Yes, through the EPFO Member Portal, UMANG App, or EPFO services
The UAN is a 12-digit unique ID issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), verified by the Ministry of Labour. It remains the same for an employee throughout their career, regardless of job changes.
UAN stands for Universal Account Number.
| Basis | UAN | PF Account Number | Member ID |
| Meaning | Unique employee identification number issued by EPFO | PF account assigned for a specific employment | Employee's unique identifier within an establishment |
| Format | 12-digit number | 22-digit alphanumeric code | 7-digit number (part of PF account number) |
| Changes on Job Switch? | No, remains the same for life | Yes, usually changes with every employer | Yes, changes with every employer |
| Purpose | Links all PF accounts under one number | Tracks PF contributions for a particular job | Identifies the member within a specific establishment |
| Relationship | One UAN can have multiple PF account numbers | Linked to a UAN | Part of the PF account number |
There are multiple ways to find your UAN (Universal Account Number), both online and offline. Whether you have access to your salary slip, EPFO portal, UMANG app, or just your registered mobile number, you can easily retrieve your UAN using any of the methods below.
| Method | Explanation |
| Through Your Employer | Ask your employer or HR department for your UAN and PF Member ID. |
| Through Salary Slip | Check your salary slip, as many employers print the UAN on it. |
| Through the UAN Portal | Use the "Know Your UAN" option on the EPFO UAN portal to retrieve your UAN. |
| Through the UMANG App | Log in to the UMANG app and access EPFO services to find your UAN. |
| Via SMS | Send an SMS from your registered mobile number to 7738299899 to receive EPF details. |
| Via Missed Call | Give a missed call to 011-22901406 from your registered mobile number to receive your EPF details by SMS. |
From 1 August 2025, EPFO has replaced the traditional OTP-based UAN activation process on the UAN Member Portal with Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT). Employees must now activate their UAN through the UMANG app using Aadhaar-based face verification.
Step 1: Install the UMANG app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and sign in using your mobile number.
Step 2: Open the app and search for “EPFO” in the services section.
Step 3: Under EPFO services, tap on “Activate UAN” to begin the activation process.
Step 4: Provide your 12-digit UAN and Aadhaar number linked with your EPF account.
Step 5: The app will redirect you to Aadhaar Face Authentication. Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the live face scan using your smartphone camera.
Step 6: Once the face authentication is successfully verified, set a password for your UAN account.
Step 7: After password creation, your UAN will be activated. You can then log in to EPFO services, view your passbook, update KYC details, transfer PF balances, and submit online claims.
Before activating your UAN through the UMANG app, ensure that the following requirements are met:
| Requirement | Details |
| Aadhaar Linked to Mobile Number | Your Aadhaar should be linked to an active mobile number for identity verification and face authentication. |
| Valid PAN | PAN should be available and preferably linked to your EPF account for seamless KYC verification. |
| UMANG App Installed | Download and install the latest version of the UMANG app on your smartphone. |
| UAN Registered by Employer | Your employer must have generated and registered your UAN with EPFO before activation can be completed. |
| Aadhaar Linked with UAN | The Aadhaar details should match the information available in EPFO records. |
| Smartphone with Camera & Internet | Required for completing Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT) verification. |
Note: Verify that your name, date of birth, and other personal details in Aadhaar and EPFO records match exactly to avoid activation failures.
EPFO replaced the old OTP-based UAN activation process from 1 August 2025 to make account activation more secure. Under the earlier system, activation relied mainly on OTP verification, which could be vulnerable in cases of mobile number misuse or identity fraud.
To address these concerns, EPFO introduced Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT). Instead of just entering an OTP, employees now verify their identity through a live facial scan matched with their Aadhaar records. This additional layer of verification helps ensure that only the actual account holder can activate the UAN.
The move is part of EPFO's broader effort to strengthen security, reduce fraudulent activations, and make digital services more trustworthy for employees.
After UAN activation, members can log in either through the Member Portal or the UMANG app to their EPFO account to access services such as PF passbook, claim status, KYC updates, PF transfers, and online withdrawal requests.
Step 1: Visit the UAN Member Portal
Step 2: Enter your UAN, password, and the captcha code displayed on the screen.
Step 3: Click "Sign In".
Step 4: After successful authentication, you will be redirected to your EPFO member dashboard.
Step 1: Open the UMANG App on your smartphone.
Step 2: Search for and select EPFO services.
Step 3: Tap "Member Services".
Step 4: Log in using your UAN and the required authentication credentials.
Step 5: Once logged in, you can access PF-related services directly from the app.
Quick Comparison
Particulars UAN Member Portal UMANG App Platform Web browser Mobile App Login Credentials UAN + Password + Captcha UAN + Authentication Best For Detailed account management On-the-go access to EPFO services Services Available Passbook, claims, KYC, transfers, profile updates Passbook, claims, KYC, UAN services and more
Note: Keep your mobile number, Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details updated in EPFO records to ensure smooth access to all online services.
If you have forgotten your UAN password, EPFO allows you to reset it online using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Step 1: Visit the UAN Member Portal login page.
Step 2: Click on "Forgot Password?".
Step 3: Enter your UAN and complete the verification.
Step 4: Provide your Aadhaar number when prompted.
Step 5: Receive and enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Step 6: Create a new password and confirm it.
Step 7: Submit the request and log in using your new credentials.
Keeping your KYC details updated in the EPFO records is essential for seamless access to services such as PF withdrawals, claim settlements, passbook access, pension benefits, and employer verification. The three most important KYC details linked to a UAN are Aadhaar, PAN, and Bank Account details.
| KYC Type | Purpose | Why It Is Important |
| Aadhaar | Identity verification | Required for UAN activation, online claims, and Aadhaar-based authentication |
| PAN | Tax verification | Helps avoid higher TDS deductions and enables tax-related validations |
| Bank Account | Benefit transfer | Ensures PF withdrawals and claim amounts are credited to the correct account |
Step 1: Log in to the EPFO Member Portal using your UAN and password.
Step 2: Navigate to Manage and then KYC.
Step 3: Select the KYC document you wish to update (Aadhaar, PAN, or Bank Account).
Step 4: Enter the required details and submit the request.
Step 5: The details will be sent to your employer for verification.
Step 6: Once approved by the employer and validated by EPFO (where applicable), the KYC status will change to Verified.
Aadhaar is the most important KYC document linked to your UAN. It enables online PF withdrawal and transfer and is required for face authentication and UAN services.
Linking PAN helps EPFO verify your tax details and ensures proper TDS treatment on PF withdrawals.
Your bank account details are used to credit PF withdrawal proceeds, pension benefits, and other EPFO payments.
There are multiple ways to check your PF balance, both with and without UAN.
You can check your EPF claim status through the following steps:
Your EPF balance can be withdrawn online, using the following simple steps:
UAN card is provided to every UAN holder, containing basic details of the account holder such as:
Every PF regional office offers customer support and has a different customer care number in case of queries or assistance required by users. For UAN or KYC services, contact 1800118005.
UAN Helpdesk Email ID: employeefeedback@epfindia.gov.in
UAN is a lifetime number that stays with you throughout your career, which make it essential to activate it as soon as you join a new organisation. This keeps your UAN linked with Aadhar, PAN and your bank account ensures smooth PF transfer, withdrawls, and claim settlement without delays.