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 ↗
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)
Filled and signed declaration submitted to your employer when you join.
Aadhaar card
Primary KYC document — UAN is linked to Aadhaar for all online services.
PAN card
Required for EPF tax compliance and TDS on withdrawals.
Bank account details
IFSC code and account number — used for PF withdrawals and pension transfer.
Cancelled cheque or passbook copy
Proof of the bank account you list on Form 11.
Previous UAN (if any)
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
Common mistakes
- Letting an employer generate a second UAN when you already have one from a previous job. Always disclose any existing UAN on Form 11.
- Giving an outdated or temporary mobile number on Form 11 — you’ll miss the UAN allotment SMS and every subsequent OTP.
- Skipping Aadhaar/PAN on Form 11. The UAN is generated either way, but unverified KYC blocks every online service later.
- Assuming a UAN means EPF deductions have started — verify the first ECR was filed by checking your salary slip and the EPFO passbook.
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.
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.