In India’s formal employment structure, having a Universal Account Number (UAN) is essential for every employee contributing to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). The UAN is a permanent 12-digit number that allows you to track all your PF accounts across jobs and access your PF balance, transfer details, passbook, and more — all in one place.
Starting 1st August 2025, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has implemented a new digital process for UAN generation and activation using the UMANG App and Aadhaar-based Face Authentication.
In this comprehensive blog, we break down the 3-Step Process to check if you already have a UAN or generate one — as per the latest EPFO circular.
📘 What is UAN?
The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique identifier issued by the EPFO to employees covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. This number remains the same even if the employee changes employers.
🛠 Why is UAN Important?
Purpose | Benefits |
|---|---|
🎯 Universal Tracking | Consolidates multiple PF Member IDs under one number |
💼 Job Portability | Enables seamless PF transfer while switching jobs |
📲 Anytime Access | Allows you to check your PF balance, download passbook, and apply for advances |
🔐 Security | Ensures identity-linked compliance via Aadhaar verification |
🧾 Mandatory | Required for online claims, e-nomination, and e-KYC |
📩 Communication | Receive SMS alerts and updates on PF contributions |
🧭 3-Step Process to Know or Generate Your UAN
✅ STEP 1: Do You Already Know Your UAN?
Before taking any action, verify if you already have a UAN:
- If YES – ✅ Share it with your new employer.
- If NO / Don’t Know – ❓ Move to Step 2.
🔍 STEP 2: How to Find Your Existing UAN (Online Method)
If you’ve previously worked in a company registered under EPFO, follow these steps:
2A. Go to the EPFO Member Portal
🔗 https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
2B. Click on “Know your UAN”
- Enter your Aadhaar Number
- Name as per Aadhaar
- Date of Birth
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
🔐 You’ll receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked number.
2C. UAN Found?
- ✅ Yes – Note it down and share with your employer.
- ❌ No – Proceed to Step 3.
🆕 STEP 3: Generate New UAN via UMANG App (Mandatory from 1st August 2025)
This step is for first-time employees who’ve never been issued a UAN before.
3A. Download the UMANG App
- 📲 Android
- 📲 iOS
3B. Register with Aadhaar-Linked Mobile Number
Open the UMANG App and select EPFO services.
3C. Navigate to:
EPFO → Employee Centric Services → Generate UAN
✔️ You will be prompted to perform Face Authentication using the Aadhaar Face RD App.
3D. Share the UAN with Your Employer
Once successfully generated, download your e-UAN card and share it with your employer for PF account activation.
📰 Latest EPFO Circular Reference
As per the latest EPFO circular:
Circular No. WSU/Member Profile/E-710137/2025-26/17, dated 30th July 2025, mandates the use of Aadhaar-based Face Authentication for UAN allotment.
📌 Key Changes:
- Employer-based UAN allotment has been discontinued.
- All UAN generation/activation must be done via UMANG App + Aadhaar verification.
- Exemptions apply only to Nepal, Bhutan citizens, and International Workers.
🧾 Important Tips
- Your mobile number must be linked with Aadhaar.
- UAN must be shared with your employer before the first PF deduction.
- Complete your e-Nomination and e-KYC once your UAN is active.
- Never generate multiple UANs. One UAN is valid for life.
🧑💼 For Employers & HR Professionals
Scenario | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
Employee has UAN | Collect and activate on employer portal |
Employee doesn’t know UAN | Guide them to find via EPFO website |
First-time employee | Instruct to generate via UMANG App with Aadhaar |
Hiring SOP | Add UAN step in new employee onboarding checklist |
📞 Need Help?
For technical assistance or clarification:
📧 Email: helpdesk@epfindia.gov.in
📞 EPFO Toll-Free: 1800-118-005
📲 Or connect with your HR or statutory compliance advisor
🔚 Final Takeaway
The UAN system has now gone fully digital, transparent, and Aadhaar-integrated. With the rollout of Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) on the UMANG App, employees can now generate or activate their UAN within minutes — no more dependency on employers.
🚀 Start your EPF journey with the correct UAN and stay compliant.
📹 Helpful Video Tutorials
🎥 UMANG App – UAN Generation Process
🖥️ Learn how to generate your UAN using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication via UMANG App:
▶️ Watch Now
📁 Download the PDF Instruction Guide
🗂️ Access a step-by-step visual guide on finding or generating your UAN:
📎 Download PDF Guide
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