All EPF members must know how to generate UAN number(Universal Account Number) because it is required to have access to the EPFO web portal. Using this unique 12-digit number, the EPF subscribers can easily check the details of their PF account including the contributions made to their account and the balance on the EPFO portal. 

An EPF subscriber can have multiple Member Identification Numbers (Member IDs) but UAN remains the same for each Member Id. If you are an EPF member and do not know how to generate and activate UAN, we have curated a step-by-step guide for you here. 

Documents required to register for UAN

You will need the following documents in order to generate your Universal Account Number (UAN):

• ID proof in the form of driving license or passport of voter ID.
• Address proof in the form of ration card, rental agreement, or any utility bill in your name.
• Bank account details such as bank account number, branch details, IFSC code.
• PAN card
• Aadhaar Card
• Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) card

How to generate UAN number – Step by Step (For employers)

UAN can be generated easily and quickly on the EPFO employer portal if the employer’s establishment is already registered through Shram Suvidha Portal. Here are the steps that the employer has to follow for registering their employees for UAN:

Step 1:

First of all, you have to visit the EPFO Homepage by clicking on this link: https://unifiedportal-emp.epfindia.gov.in/epfo/. Then in the ‘Establishment

Sign In’, you need to sign in using your establishment ID and password. 

Step 2:

Next, you need to click on the ‘Register Individual’ tab, located in the ‘Member’ section. 

Step 3:

On the resulting webpage, you can fill in the employee information such as their PAN, Aadhar, bank details, etc. Once you are finished, you need to approve all the filled-in information in the ‘Approval’ section. 

This will generate a UAN for your employees that can be easily linked to their PF account. 

How to obtain your UAN number as an employee

The UAN for employees has to be informed to the employee by the employer. But in case, it is not possible, employees can also obtain their UAN from the EPFO portal. So, if you are an employee who wants to obtain their UAN, follow these steps mentioned below:

Step 1:

Firstly, go to the EPFO member portal by clicking here: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/ 

Step 2:

Then you need to click on the option that says ‘know your UAN status’. 

Step 3:

Now, you will be asked to enter your PAN or Aadhar or Member ID. Then click on the ‘Get Authorization Pin’ option which will send a PIN number to your registered mobile number. 

Step 4:

Lastly, you need to enter the PIN that you received on your mobile number and enter it in the box provided on the screen. This will send an SMS to your mobile number entailing your UAN and its status. 

UAN activation step-by-step process

An employee can activate their UAN at the UAN member portal or UAN eSewa portal. The process is easy and all you need to do is follow the steps given below:

Step 1:

First of all, go to the UAN eSewa portal and you can do so by clicking here: https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/. On the webpage, you need to find and select the ‘Activate UAN’ option. The resulting window will look something like this:

Step 2:

You will need to fill in your information on this webpage including your name, date of birth, mobile number, email id (optional), captcha, and your Member ID or Aadhaar or PAN. Then click on the ‘Get Authorization Pin’ button to receive the Pin on your registered mobile number. 

Step 3:

Enter the Pin received on your mobile number and click on the ‘Activate UAN’ button. 

Thus, at the end of this process, your UAN will become active. After the activation process is completed, you will receive a password on your registered mobile number. You have the option to change this password if you want. 

Now, you can use your UAN and the password on the EPFO member portal and view your EPF passbook. The passbook will show you all your account details such as your balance and the contributions made by you and your employer. 

How to link Aadhaar to UAN

There are two ways for linking your Aadhaar to your UAN. One way is online and the other is offline. Let’s take a look at both the procedures so that you can choose whichever is more convenient for you. 

Online method

1. Go to the EPF Member portal. Sign in using your UAN and password. 
2. Go to the ‘Manage’ tab, where you will need to select the ‘KYC’ option. 
3. Then, you need to select the ‘Aadhaar’ option.
4. Then you will be asked to enter some details such as your name and Aadhaar number. 
5. Once you have entered the required information, click on the ‘Save’ button. 

This will successfully link your Aadhaar to your UAN and you will see the ‘verified’ status next to your Aadhaar number. 

Offline method

The offline method requires you to visit any of the EPFO’s branches or Aadhaar CSE (Common Service Centre). When you go there, you will have to submit a request form along with a self-attested copy of your Aadhaar card. 

When your Aadhaar is linked to UAN, you will receive a message on your registered mobile number, notifying you about the same. 

Conclusion

UAN is the most essential part of the Employee Provident Fund as it gives you access to EPF passbook facility. Therefore, it is important that as an employee, your Universal Account Number is generated and activated so that you can use it for keeping a tab on your PF account balance.