How to Get a UAN (Universal Account Number)
Get your 12-digit UAN through your employer or check whether one has already been allotted to you on the EPFO portal — step by step, with exactly what to submit.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- epfindia.gov.in ↗
- Application Mode
- Online & Offline
- Validity
- Permanent
- Issuing Authority
- EPFO
- Online
- Available
- Offline
- Available
A Universal Account Number (UAN) isn't something you apply for directly — it's generated by EPFO the moment your first employer files an EPF contribution for you. Your job is to make sure your employer has the right information to do it correctly the first time.
If you've ever been employed at an organisation covered under the EPF Act before, a UAN already exists for you. Always check first before letting a new employer generate one — duplicate UANs are a common headache that takes weeks to consolidate later.
This guide walks through the only correct path: submit Form 11 with complete KYC to your employer, then verify the UAN was allotted within a few days of your first salary.
Eligibility
- You are joining (or have joined) an organisation with 20 or more employees, which is covered under the EPF Act, 1952.
- You earn a basic salary of up to ₹15,000/month (mandatory coverage) — or you and your employer have agreed to voluntary coverage above that.
- You have Aadhaar, PAN, and a bank account in your name.
Required documents
Form 11 (EPF declaration)
RequiredSelf-declaration of EPF history and KYC details submitted to employer at joining.
Filled and signed declaration submitted to your employer when you join.
PDFAadhaar card
RequiredPrimary identity and KYC document for EPFO registration.
Primary KYC document — UAN is linked to Aadhaar for all online services.
PDFJPGPAN card
RequiredTax identity document required for EPF account and TDS compliance.
Required for EPF tax compliance and TDS on withdrawals.
PDFJPGBank account details
RequiredDestination for PF settlement and pension transfer payments.
IFSC code and account number — used for PF withdrawals and pension transfer.
Cancelled cheque or passbook copy
RequiredBank account verification submitted alongside Form 11.
Proof of the bank account you list on Form 11.
PDFJPGPrevious UAN (if any)
OptionalPrevents duplicate UAN generation when carrying forward existing EPF history.
If you've worked anywhere covered under EPF before, you already have a UAN — give it to the new employer instead of getting a new one.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Confirm whether you already have a UAN
If you've previously worked at any EPF-covered organisation, a UAN was already allotted to you. Use the 'Know your UAN' flow on the EPFO portal first — a new UAN should never be generated for the same person.
unifiedportal-emp.epfindia.gov.in ↗ - 2
Fill and submit Form 11 to your employer
Form 11 is the EPF self-declaration. List your Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, and any existing UAN/PF Member ID from previous employment. Hand it to HR/payroll within your first month.
epfindia.gov.in ↗ - 3
Employer registers you on the EPFO employer portal
Your employer adds you as a new member on the Unified Employer Portal, uploads your KYC, and files the first ECR (Electronic Challan-cum-Return) including your salary contribution.
- 4
UAN is auto-allotted on first contribution
Once the employer files the first ECR with your details, EPFO automatically allots a 12-digit UAN. This usually happens within 1-2 working days of the contribution being credited.
- 5
Receive UAN by SMS or from employer
EPFO sends the UAN to the mobile number provided on Form 11. Your employer also receives it on the employer portal and is required to communicate it to you in writing (often on the payslip).
- 6
Activate your UAN
Getting a UAN is not the same as activating it. To use the member portal, passbook, and online services, you must activate the UAN separately.
Read the next guide →
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
epfindia.gov.in
Who issues this?
- Issuing Office
- Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
- Approving Officer
- PF Commissioner
- For Offline Applications
- Nearest EPFO regional office
What happens after applying
- 1
Form 11 submitted
Employee fills and submits Form 11 with Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, and existing UAN (if any) to the employer.
- 2
Employer registration
Employer registers the new employee on the Unified Employer Portal and uploads KYC documents.
- 3
First ECR filed
Employer files the first Electronic Challan-cum-Return including the employee's salary contribution.
- 4
UAN allotted by EPFO
EPFO automatically allots a 12-digit UAN within 1–2 working days of ECR processing.
- 5
UAN communicated
EPFO sends UAN via SMS to the employee's registered mobile. Employer also communicates it in writing.
Common mistakes & rejection reasons
Not checking for an existing UAN before joining
Why: If you previously worked at an EPF-covered organisation, a UAN already exists. Letting a new employer create a fresh UAN leads to duplicates that are difficult to resolve.
Fix: Before submitting Form 11, use the 'Know Your UAN' service on the EPFO portal to check if you already have a UAN. Share it with your new employer.
Submitting Form 11 without existing UAN details
Why: If you leave the UAN field blank on Form 11 and a UAN already exists, the employer may accidentally generate a duplicate.
Fix: Always look up your existing UAN first, even if you don't remember it. Enter it on Form 11 under 'Previous UAN'.
Delaying Form 11 submission
Why: Employers can only register and file ECR for employees who have submitted Form 11. Delay pushes back the UAN allotment.
Fix: Submit Form 11 with all KYC details to HR within the first week of joining.
Providing incorrect mobile number on Form 11
Why: EPFO sends the UAN via SMS to the mobile number on Form 11. A wrong number means you won't receive the UAN.
Fix: Double-check the mobile number field on Form 11 before submission. Corrections require the employer to update records on the EPFO employer portal.
Confusing UAN allotment with UAN activation
Why: Getting a UAN (allotment) and activating it are two separate steps. An unactivated UAN cannot be used to access the portal or file claims.
Fix: After receiving your UAN, complete the activation on the EPFO member portal. See the activate-uan guide.
Missing first ECR confirmation
Why: If the employer doesn't file the first ECR, EPFO never allots the UAN. Some employers delay this inadvertently.
Fix: After 1–2 months from your joining date, confirm with HR that the ECR was filed and your UAN was allotted. If not, escalate.
Special situations
Employer has fewer than 20 employees▾
EPF coverage is voluntary for organisations with fewer than 20 employees. If your employer hasn't opted in, EPF contributions won't happen and no UAN will be generated.
Basic salary exceeds ₹15,000/month at joining▾
EPF is optional for employees above this salary unless the employer opts for voluntary coverage. Confirm with HR whether you're covered.
Previously had EPF but no record of UAN▾
EPFO records can be located via old salary slips, previous HR, or the Know Your UAN service with Aadhaar/PAN. Don't assume a UAN doesn't exist.
Employer files incorrect KYC on EPFO portal▾
Wrong Aadhaar number or DOB on the employer portal causes UAN seeding errors and downstream KYC failures. The employer must correct this before it can proceed.
UAN allotted but not communicated to employee▾
Employers sometimes miss notifying employees. Use the EPFO Know Your UAN portal or missed-call service to independently locate your allotted UAN.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a UAN without being employed?▾
No. UAN is allotted only when an EPF-covered employer files a contribution against your details. There is no individual self-registration.
How long does it take to get a UAN?▾
Typically 1-2 working days after your employer files the first ECR. If it has been more than a month after your first salary, check with HR — the contribution may not have been filed.
What if my employer doesn't generate a UAN for me?▾
If your organisation has 20+ employees, EPF coverage is mandatory. File a grievance at epfigms.gov.in or contact the nearest EPFO regional office.
Can I have more than one UAN?▾
No. Each individual should have exactly one UAN for life. If a duplicate was created by mistake, raise a UAN consolidation request on the member portal so balances and service history merge.
Do I need to apply for a UAN separately?▾
No. There is no separate application. Your employer generates the UAN automatically when they file the first ECR. Your job is to submit Form 11 with correct KYC — the rest is handled by the employer and EPFO.
What is Form 11 and why is it important?▾
Form 11 is the EPF self-declaration form you submit to your employer at joining. It declares your identity (Aadhaar, PAN), bank account, and any existing UAN from previous employment. It is the trigger for UAN generation and KYC seeding.
What happens if I don't submit Form 11?▾
Your employer cannot register you on the EPFO employer portal without Form 11. No registration means no UAN, no PF contributions on your behalf, and no EPF coverage.
Will my previous PF balance be carried forward to my new UAN?▾
If you provided your existing UAN on Form 11, your new Member ID will be linked under the same UAN. The old balance does not move automatically — you need to file a PF transfer request separately.
Can I join a company and choose not to contribute to EPF?▾
If your basic salary is ₹15,000 or less, EPF contribution is mandatory — you cannot opt out. Above ₹15,000, it depends on whether you were an existing EPF member before joining. Check with your employer.
What is an ECR (Electronic Challan-cum-Return)?▾
ECR is the monthly electronic filing by employers on the EPFO portal, listing each employee's contribution (employee + employer share) and the challan payment. EPFO uses the first ECR to allot UAN to new joiners.
I got a UAN from EPFO SMS. Is it already active?▾
No. Getting a UAN is separate from activating it. You must visit the EPFO member portal and complete the activation (OTP + password setup) to use it.
Can I check if my UAN is allotted without waiting for the SMS?▾
Yes. Use the 'Know Your UAN' service on the EPFO member portal with your registered mobile and Aadhaar/PAN. If EPFO has allotted a UAN, it will be shown or sent via SMS.
What is voluntary EPF coverage?▾
Employees earning above ₹15,000/month basic can voluntarily opt into EPF if their employer agrees. Both employee and employer contribute. This is common in IT companies where salaries are higher.
My employer said they can't generate a UAN for me. What now?▾
If your employer has 20+ employees, EPF coverage is mandatory by law. You can file a grievance on epfigms.gov.in or approach the nearest EPFO regional office for assistance.
Can a contractor or gig worker get a UAN?▾
UAN is available only through formal EPF-covered employment. Contract workers directly engaged by EPF-covered principals may be eligible. Gig workers without a formal employment contract are generally not covered under the EPF Act.
Official sources
- EPFO Unified Member Portal ↗
unifiedportal-emp.epfindia.gov.in
Know Your UAN service and all member-side EPFO functions.
- EPFO Official Website ↗
epfindia.gov.in
Form 11 download and EPFO regional office contact information.
- EPFO Grievance Portal (EPFiGMS) ↗
epfigms.gov.in
For raising complaints when employer does not generate or communicate UAN.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.