ℹ️ Note: This is an independent informational guide. EPFOIndiaa.com is not affiliated with EPFO or the Government of India. For official actions, always use the official EPFO member portal.

1. What is UAN (Universal Account Number)?

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit unique identifier assigned to every EPF member by EPFO. It acts as an umbrella account — no matter how many employers you work for throughout your career, your UAN stays the same. Each employer is assigned a separate Member ID under your UAN.

Your UAN is central to all EPF-related activities: checking your PF balance, withdrawing PF, transferring PF when you change jobs, updating KYC, and viewing your passbook.

✅ Key Point: Your UAN is portable and permanent. It does not change when you switch employers. Always carry your UAN and ensure your new employer registers you under the same UAN.

2. How to Get / Find Your UAN

Where to Find Your UAN

  • Salary slip: Most employers print the UAN on monthly salary slips.
  • HR / Payroll department: Your company's HR team can provide your UAN.
  • SMS from EPFO: EPFO sends the UAN via SMS to your registered mobile when your employer creates your EPF account.
  • EPFO portal — 'Know Your UAN': Use your Aadhaar or PAN on the member portal to retrieve your UAN.
  • UMANG App: The UMANG app can help you find your UAN using Aadhaar details.

Using 'Know Your UAN' on the Portal

1

Visit the EPFO Member Portal

Go to the EPFO member portal and click on 'Know your UAN Status' under 'Important Links'.

2

Select Identity Proof

Choose Aadhaar, PAN, or EPFO Member ID and enter the relevant number along with your date of birth.

3

Get OTP

Enter your mobile number and click 'Get Authorization PIN'. You'll receive an OTP.

4

View Your UAN

Enter the OTP. Your UAN will be displayed on screen and sent via SMS to your registered number.

3. How to Activate UAN Online

UAN activation is a one-time process. Once activated, you can log in to the member portal, check your PF balance, and perform all online EPF services. You need an activated UAN for online PF withdrawal.

1

Go to the Member Portal

Visit the EPFO member portal and click 'Activate UAN' under 'Important Links' on the homepage.

2

Enter Your Details

Fill in your UAN, Aadhaar or PAN number, date of birth, mobile number, and the captcha code.

3

Receive and Enter OTP

Click 'Get Authorization PIN'. An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked or employer-registered mobile number. Enter the OTP.

4

Validate and Activate

Click 'Validate OTP and Activate UAN'. Your UAN is now activated.

5

Set Your Password

You'll be prompted to set a password for future logins. Use a strong password that includes uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character.

⚠️ Issue: If the OTP is not received, it could be because your mobile number is not linked to your UAN. In this case, ask your employer to update your mobile number on the employer portal first.

4. UAN Login Guide

After activation, you can log in to the EPFO member portal at any time to access your PF account, passbook, claim status, and online services.

1

Visit the Member Portal

Go to the official EPFO member portal login page.

2

Enter UAN and Password

Type your 12-digit UAN and the password you set during activation.

3

Enter Captcha

Complete the captcha verification and click 'Sign In'.

Once logged in, you can access: View Passbook, Manage KYC, Online Claims (Form 19, 31, 10C, 10D), Profile, and Nomination.

5. Forgot UAN Password – How to Reset

If you've forgotten your UAN password, you can reset it easily using your Aadhaar OTP.

1

Click 'Forgot Password'

On the member portal login page, click the 'Forgot Password' link.

2

Enter Your UAN

Type your 12-digit UAN and click 'Verify'.

3

Select Reset Method

Choose 'Using Aadhaar OTP' (recommended) or answer your security question.

4

Verify OTP and Set New Password

Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile and set a new password.

✅ Tip: If your Aadhaar is not linked to your UAN, the OTP method will not work. In that case, contact your employer or the nearest EPFO office for password reset assistance.

6. UAN KYC Update – Linking Aadhaar, PAN & Bank Account

KYC (Know Your Customer) verification links your UAN with your official identity documents. Completed and employer-approved KYC is mandatory for online PF withdrawals and transfers.

The three KYC documents required are:

  • Aadhaar — Used for OTP-based authentication in all online claims
  • PAN — Required for tax deduction assessment during PF withdrawal
  • Bank Account — The account where PF amount will be credited

How to Update KYC

1

Log In to UAN Portal

Sign in with your UAN and password.

2

Go to Manage → KYC

Click the 'Manage' tab in the top menu, then select 'KYC'.

3

Add KYC Documents

Select the document type (Aadhaar, PAN, Bank), enter the details, and save.

4

Wait for Employer Approval

Your employer must log in to the employer portal and approve your KYC. Status changes from 'Pending' to 'Approved'.

⚠️ Important: Bank account KYC must be approved by your employer before you can file any online PF claim. If your employer is unresponsive, escalate through the EPFO grievance portal (EPFiGMS).

Read the complete KYC Update Guide with screenshots →

8. How to Change Mobile Number in UAN

Your UAN-registered mobile number receives OTPs for all authentication. If you've changed your number, you need to update it promptly to avoid getting locked out of EPF services.

Mobile number change in UAN requires verification via your existing registered number (if accessible) or Aadhaar OTP. If you've lost access to both, you'll need to visit your nearest EPFO office with identity proof for manual update.

Read the complete guide: Change Mobile Number in UAN →

R

Reviewed by EPFOIndiaa Editorial Team

Written and fact-checked by our team of EPF specialists. All guides are updated regularly to reflect the latest EPFO rules. View Editorial Policy →