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How to Create a New UAN Number for PF Account (Step-by-Step)

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A Universal Account Number (UAN) is essential for managing your Provident Fund (PF) account in India. Issued by the EPFO, it combines all PF contributions from various employers into a single account, through regular contributions from both the employee and employer.

With a UAN, employees can earn interest on their PF savings, enjoy tax benefits, and easily use services like PF withdrawal, transfer, and viewing or downloading their passbook anytime. In this guide, you’ll learn what a UAN is, who can create it, which documents are required, how to generate and activate it step by step, and the benefits of having an active UAN.

What is a UAN Number?

A UAN (Universal Account Number) is a unique 12-digit number issued by India’s EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation). It remains the same throughout an employee’s career. This single UAN covers all PF savings from every job the employee has held, making it easy to check, manage, and transfer PF funds when switching jobs.

Who Can Create a New UAN Number?

An employer creates a new UAN (Universal Account Number) when a new employee joins the company. The employer registers the employee with the EPFO using details like Aadhaar and PAN. The employee can also generate their own UAN directly through the EPFO member portal.

They can use the “Direct UAN Allotment” option with a valid Aadhaar and registered mobile number. It is advised not to create a new UAN if the employee already has one; employers can update KYC or link previous PF balances. This is because a Universal Account Number (UAN) remains the same throughout the employee’s career once generated.

Documents Required to Create a New UAN

Documents required to create a new UAN include identity verification documents, proof of address, and bank account details. These documents are usually submitted through the employer or directly via the EPFO portal.

Mandatory Documents

• Aadhaar Card – for identity and biometric verification.
• PAN Card – for tax identification.
• Bank Account Details – account number and IFSC for salary and PF transfers.
• Proof of Employment – usually submitted by the employer (like an appointment letter or joining details).

Additional/Optional Proofs

• Address proof (e.g., utility bill, ration card, rental agreement).
• Other identity proofs, if needed (e.g., Passport, Voter ID, Driving License).

Since August 1, 2025, Aadhaar has been mandatory for creating a new UAN, and employees must use Aadhaar-based Face Authentication through the UMANG app. Employer-based UAN generation is now limited to International Workers and citizens of Nepal or Bhutan only.

Step-by-Step Process to Generate a New UAN Number

The employer generally generates a new UAN for EPF through the official EPFO portal during the first-time registration. Under the new mandate, effective from August 2025, employees will be able to initiate UAN allotment or link their existing UAN using the UMANG app.

Steps for Employees

1. Download the UMANG and Aadhaar Face RD apps.
2. Open UMANG, Go to EPFO Services → UAN Allotment and Activation.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and the linked mobile number, and give consent for verification.
4. Verify the OTP sent and complete face authentication using the Aadhaar Face RD app.
5. Receive your UAN instantly via SMS, which is automatically activated.

Note: This method became mandatory for employees from August 2025. No prior UAN or employer involvement is needed for new users.

Steps for Employers

1. Employers registered with EPFO generate UANs for new employees via the EPFO Employer Portal.
2. Log in with credentials.
3. Navigate to Member > Register – Individual.
4. Enter employee details that match
5. h Aadhaar (Name, DOB, Gender, ETC.)
6. Verify Aadhaar, and register to auto-generate the UAN.
7. Confirmation occurs under Member > Active Members by searching via name or Aadhaar.

How to Activate UAN for the First Time?

To activate your Universal Account Number (UAN) for the first time, download and install the UMANG app from the App Store or Google Play Store, follow the EPFO-mandated process involving Aadhaar-linked OTP and face authentication, as this is now mandatory for new activations.

Activation Steps

• Open the UMANG App and Select EPFO Services. Go to UAN Services through Face Authentication, then select UAN Activation.
• Enter details by providing your UAN (if available), the Aadhaar number, name, date of birth, and mobile number.
• Verify Mobile by entering the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
• Complete Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FAT) for identity verification.
• Create a password for your UAN account.
• Now log in to the UAN portal or app to access PF services.

How to Change Your UAN Password Online?

You can change your Universal Account Number (UAN) password online at any time to maintain account security. This process allows you to reset your password through the EPFO portal or the UMANG app, ensuring secure access to your PF account and related services.

To Change Your UAN Password Online, Follow the Steps below

• Visit the official EPFO member portal at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in.
• Log in – Enter UAN and existing password.
• Go to “Change Password” – Find the “Change Password” option in the menu.
• Enter Details – Enter current password, new password, and confirm new password.
• Submit – Click Submit to update the password.
• Confirmation – You will receive a message, and the new password will be activated.

How to Link Aadhaar for UAN Activation?

Linking Aadhaar to your Universal Account Number (UAN) is essential to activate EPF services and enable seamless claims on the EPFO portal.

Follow these Steps to Link UAN with Aadhaar Online Using OTP

• Visit the EPF India official website.
• Go to EPFO Members → Link with Aadhaar.
• Enter your UAN and registered mobile number to get an OTP.
• Enter the OTP and click Confirm OTP.
• Select gender and enter your Aadhaar number.
• Choose ‘Using Mobile/Email-based OTP’ for Aadhaar verification.
• Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar mobile/email and the Captcha code.
• Click Submit.
• Once verified, your Aadhaar is linked to your EPF account.

Using UMANG App

• Download and install the UMANG app.
• Open the UMANG app and log in.
• Go to the Services tab → EPFO → e-KYC Services → Aadhaar Seeding.
• Enter your UAN and click Get OTP.
• Enter your Aadhaar details. Another OTP will be sent to the registered mobile/email.
• Enter the OTP to verify. Once verified, your Aadhaar is linked to your UAN.

By Visiting the EPFO Office

1. Fill out the Aadhaar Seeding Application form with your UAN, Aadhaar number, and other details.
2. Attach self-attested copies of UAN, PAN, and Aadhaar.
3. Submit the form and documents at your EPFO field office or CSC.
4. Wait for verification.
5. You will receive a confirmation message on your registered mobile once your Aadhaar is successfully linked.

How to Download a UAN Passbook?

You can easily view and download your EPF passbook linked to your Universal Account Number (UAN) to keep track of your contributions and account balance. This can be done via the EPFO portal or the UMANG app.

EPFO Portal Method

1. Visit passbook.epfindia.gov.in.
2. Enter your UAN, password, and captcha to log in.
3. Select the relevant Member ID from the list if you have multiple.
4. Click “View Passbook” or “Download Passbook” to get the PDF.

UMANG App Method

1. Open the Umang app.
2. Search for “EPFO.”
3. Go to Employee Centric Services > View Passbook.
4. Enter UAN, and verify with OTP.
5. Select the Member ID and download the PDF passbook.

Common Problems while Creating a UAN Number (+How to Fix)

These problems often prevent successful UAN registration. Common problems faced while trying to create a UAN number include:

• Aadhaar Already Linked Error: This error occurs when Aadhaar is already linked to an existing UAN. To fix this, you can find your UAN using the EPFO’s “Know Your UAN” option or contact the employer/HR to help retrieve or merge accounts.
• Details Mismatch: This error occurs when your EPF details do not match in UIDAI records. Resolve this by updating Aadhaar details first, and make sure all information matches exactly before trying again on the UMANG or EPFO portal.
• Technical Issues: Often caused by poor internet connectivity or app glitches. Troubleshoot with a stable internet connection, update the app, or ask your employer to generate the UAN via the EPFO website.

Benefits of Having an Active UAN Number

• Acts as a lifelong, portable identifier that links all EPF accounts from different employers into one centralized account, simplifying tracking across your career.
• Automatically transfers PF balances when switching jobs, with no paperwork or employer involvement, and provides real-time online tracking.
• Check PF balance, view and download passbook, update KYC info (Aadhaar, PAN, bank), and access UAN card anytime.
• Apply online for partial or full PF withdrawals/advances (e.g., for housing, education, medical needs), with faster processing and status alerts via SMS/email.
• Monitor employer contributions, transactions, and balances anytime using our EPF Calculator, ensuring accountability and preventing errors or fraud.
• Manage your PF account, update KYC, and set nominations online without needing your employer’s help.
• Integrated with the EPS (Employees’ Pension Scheme) and Employees Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI) for added coverage.

Conclusion

A Universal Account Number (UAN) provides a secure and centralized way to manage an EPF account. It combines all EPF contributions under a single identifier, allowing employees to track balances, transfer funds, and withdraw savings online, even when changing jobs.

With Aadhaar-based verification, real-time updates, and integration with EPS and EDLI, the UAN system ensures easy access to benefits. Also, helping employers remain compliant with EPF regulations.

Eliminate compliance bottlenecks with factoHR Provident Fund software. The platform directly handles member onboarding, activation, KYC updates, loan approvals, and statutory reporting, making UAN management effortless for both employers and employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I do if I Already have a Universal Account Number (UAN)?

If you already have a UAN, give it to your new employer to link your new Member ID and activate it online via UMANG/EPFO using Aadhaar/PAN for KYC. If you have multiple UANs, report them to your employer or the EPFO to merge all your PF funds under a single active UAN.

Can I have More than One Universal Account Number (UAN)?

No, you should have only one UAN. If you have multiple PF accounts, inform your employer or the EPFO to merge them into a single UAN.

Can I Use My Old PF Account when I Join a New Company?

Yes, you can use your old PF account by giving your UAN to your new employer. This links your new Member ID to your PF funds so they continue under the same account.

How Can I Transfer My Old PF Balance to a New PF Account?

To transfer your old PF balance to a new PF account, you can use the UMANG app or the EPFO portal following our Payroll Compliance Checklist to transfer it online using your UAN linked to both accounts. Get a printout of Form 13 and submit it to the employer; your funds will be transferred automatically within 10-15 days.

Is My UAN Linked with My PAN Card?

Yes, your PAN card is meant to be linked with your UAN. You can check it by logging into the EPFO member portal.

What is the Difference between UAN and PF Account Number?

The difference between a UAN and a PF account number is that a UAN is a permanent 12-digit number issued by EPFO that links all your PF accounts for easy tracking and transfers. PF Account Number, or member ID, is employer-specific, changes with each job per our Payroll Components, and tracks your contributions in that organization.

How Can I Check My EPF Balance without a UAN Number?

To check your EPF balance without a UAN, use your PF account number on the EPFO portal or send an SMS/ missed call from your registered mobile number. Alternatively, you can visit a nearby EPFO office or contact your employer to get your PF passbook.

Is It Compulsory to Upload KYC Documents for UAN?

Yes, it is compulsory to upload KYC documents (Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details) for UAN to verify the EPF account. It ensures smooth PF contributions, withdrawals, and transfers.

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