The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a crucial 12-digit identification number issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to salaried employees in India. It serves as a permanent identifier that helps employees manage and track their Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) accounts across multiple employers throughout their careers.
Unlike Member IDs that change when an employee switches jobs, the UAN remains the same for life, ensuring that all EPF accounts stay linked under one umbrella number. With a UAN, employees can check EPF balances, view passbooks, track contributions, transfer funds, close old PF accounts, and maintain a consolidated employment record.
Thanks to EPFO’s digital services, individuals can now generate or activate their UAN online, making the process faster, paperless, and convenient.
What Is a UAN and Why Is It Important?
A UAN (Universal Account Number) acts as a centralized identity for EPF members. It links multiple Member IDs assigned by different employers to one single number, giving employees a complete overview of their provident fund contributions and job history.
Key Benefits of Having a UAN:
- Access to all EPF accounts under one ID
- Easy EPF balance check and passbook viewing
- Seamless PF transfer between employers
- Faster PF withdrawal and account closure
- Online claim tracking and account updates
- Improved transparency in EPF records
Who Can Create a UAN?
Anyone who is enrolled in the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) scheme must have a UAN. Typically, employers generate UANs for employees, but individuals can also activate or generate a UAN themselves online through the EPFO portal.
Requirements to Create a UAN Online
Before starting, ensure you have the following:
- Aadhaar number or EPF Member ID
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Personal details such as name and date of birth
Step-by-Step Process to Create a UAN Online
Follow these steps to generate your UAN via the EPFO Member Portal:
Step 1: Visit the EPFO Member e-Sewa Portal
Go to the official website:
https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
Step 2: Select “Activate UAN”
Click on “Activate UAN” under the Important Links section.
Step 3: Choose Aadhaar or Member ID
Select whether you want to register using your Aadhaar number or EPF Member ID, then enter the required information.
Step 4: Enter Personal Details
Fill in your:
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Mobile Number
- Captcha Code
Step 5: Request Authorization PIN
Click on the “Get Authorization PIN” button.
Step 6: Verify Information
Check that your entered details are correct before proceeding.
Step 7: Agree to Terms
Tick the checkbox to confirm your consent.
Step 8: Enter OTP
Enter the OTP (One-Time Password) received on your registered mobile number.
Step 9: Validate OTP and Activate UAN
Click on “Validate OTP”, followed by “Activate UAN” to complete the process.
How UAN Helps When You Change Jobs
When employees move to a new company, they often receive a new Member ID, but their UAN remains unchanged. This ensures continuity and helps keep all PF contributions consolidated.
What Employees Must Do:
- Share their existing UAN with the new employer
- Ensure employment details are updated on the EPFO portal
- Monitor PF contributions through the UAN dashboard
Employer Responsibilities:
- Verify and update employee details
- Link new Member ID to the employee’s UAN
- Submit records to EPFO for confirmation
Why UAN Was Introduced
The UAN system was designed to simplify EPF account management and provide employees with a single, lifelong identifier. This allows workers to view complete employment history, track savings, and maintain transparency across multiple organizations.
Final Thoughts
Creating a UAN online is a simple yet essential step for anyone covered under the EPF scheme. With a UAN, employees gain full control over their provident fund accounts, making it easier to track savings, transfer balances, manage claims, and ensure long-term financial security.
As EPFO continues to digitize its services, UAN remains a cornerstone of India’s effort to make retirement savings more accessible, organized, and user-friendly.
