How to my uan number

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: Your UAN (Universal Account Number) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to every employee who is a member of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). You can find your UAN on your salary slip, EPF passbook, or by using the EPFO's online portal and mobile app.

Key Facts

The UAN is a 12-digit number.
It is mandatory for all salaried employees in India.
Your UAN remains the same throughout your career, regardless of job changes.
You can activate your UAN online via the EPFO portal.
Linking your Aadhaar and bank account to your UAN is crucial for smooth transactions.

What is a Universal Account Number (UAN)?

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a 12-digit identification number issued by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) of India. It serves as a consolidation of your various EPF accounts, allowing you to manage your provident fund contributions and withdrawals more easily. Previously, employees might have had multiple EPF account numbers with different employers, leading to administrative complexities. The UAN was introduced to simplify this process, providing a single, portable identifier for each employee's PF contributions throughout their working life in India.

Why is the UAN Important?

The UAN is crucial for several reasons:

Consolidation of Accounts: It allows you to link all your previous EPF accounts under one umbrella, making it easier to track your total PF balance and contributions.
Online Access: With an activated UAN, you can access your EPF account online through the EPFO portal or the UMANG app. This enables you to view your EPF passbook, check your balance, and even initiate online transfers and withdrawals.
Reduced Paperwork: The UAN system aims to reduce the need for physical paperwork associated with EPF management.
Simplified Processes: It streamlines the process of transferring PF funds when switching jobs and makes withdrawal claims more efficient.
Enhanced Transparency: Online access provides greater transparency regarding your EPF contributions and account status.

How to Find Your UAN

There are several ways to locate your UAN:

1. Check Your Salary Slip:

Most employers print the employee's UAN on their monthly salary slips. Look for a section detailing deductions, where your PF contribution and UAN are usually mentioned.

2. Refer to Your EPF Passbook:

If you have received an EPF passbook from your employer or downloaded it previously, your UAN will be clearly stated on it.

3. EPFO Website (If you know your PF Number):

If you know your previous PF account number (assigned by your employer before UAN was mandatory) but don't know your UAN, you can retrieve it online:

Visit the EPFO Member e-Seva portal: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
Click on the 'Know your UAN' link, usually found on the right-hand side of the page.
You will need to provide your Provident Fund (PF) account number. This can be found on your old salary slips or from your employer.
Enter your name, date of birth, registered mobile number, and the captcha code.
Click on 'Get OTP'. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
Enter the OTP and click 'Validate OTP'.
Upon successful validation, your UAN will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS.

4. EPFO Mobile App:

The EPFO has a mobile application that allows members to access various services, including finding their UAN. Download the 'EPFO' app from your smartphone's app store and follow the prompts to locate your UAN, which typically involves providing your PF number.

How to Activate Your UAN

Once you have your UAN, it's essential to activate it to access online services. You can do this on the EPFO Member e-Seva portal:

Go to the EPFO Member e-Seva portal.
Click on the 'Activate UAN' link.
Enter your UAN, Member ID (PF Account Number), Mobile Number, and other required details.
Generate an OTP by clicking the relevant button.
Enter the OTP received on your mobile and submit.
You will receive your activation status and login credentials (username and password) via SMS. You can then log in to the portal using your activated UAN and password.

Linking Aadhaar and Bank Account to UAN

Linking your Aadhaar card and bank account details to your UAN is a critical step. This ensures that your PF account is updated with the correct information, which is necessary for seamless online transactions like fund transfers and withdrawals. You can usually do this through the EPFO Member portal after activating your UAN. Employers also play a role in verifying these details.

What if I have forgotten my UAN password?

If you have forgotten your password for the EPFO portal, you can reset it. On the login page, look for a 'Forgot Password' or 'Reset Password' link. You will typically need to enter your UAN and registered mobile number to receive an OTP for resetting your password.