The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique ID. It is given to all “salaried employees” who contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). Using this number, employees can track and manage their EPF account. In India, the UAN is assigned by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
 

Most importantly, it remains the same throughout your career, even if you change jobs. Generally, all your EPF contributions are linked and can be easily accessed under one account. In this article, let’s understand UAN in detail and see how you can activate and download your UAN card. Also, we will check an updated list of all the required documents. 

• The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit ID assigned to salaried employees in India.
• UAN is issued by the Ministry of Employment and Labour. It remains the same throughout the career of an employee.
• Employees can obtain their UAN through their employers or directly from the UAN portal.
• To activate UAN, users need to visit the EPFO website and fill in the required details.
• Using UAN, employees can check their total EPF balance, transfer funds, and even withdraw money.

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a “12-digit” unique number. It is given to all the employees who contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) in India. This number is issued by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and stays with the employee throughout their career, even if they switch jobs.
 

It must be noted that when an employee changes jobs, a new member ID is created, but the UAN remains the same. This linkage allows you to easily track all EPF contributions from different employers in one place and check your total EPF balance.
 

Earlier, managing multiple provident fund accounts was challenging, especially when switching jobs. Now, with UAN, all provident fund accounts from different employers are combined. On the EPFO platform, employees can use their UAN to:
 

• Check their EPF balance
• Transfer funds
• Withdraw money 

You can get a UAN number in two ways:

• Through your employer
  or
  
• Directly from the UAN portal

In most cases, employers provide the UAN to employees when they join a company. Alternatively, you can even obtain it yourself by visiting the UAN portal and using your PF number or member ID.

To activate your UAN, follow these simple steps:

• Visit the EPFO homepage.
• Click on the "Member UAN/Online Services" option.
• Here, you will need to fill out the required details on the UAN portal.
• Click on "Get Authorisation PIN," which will be sent to your registered mobile number.
• Once you receive the PIN, validate it using the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to you.
• After validating the OTP, your UAN will be activated.
• You will receive a password on your registered mobile number.
• Use it to access your UAN account easily.

To download your UAN card, again you need to visit the official EPFO website and log in using your UAN number and password. Once you are signed in, go to the "View" section of your account.
 

There, you will find an option labelled "UAN Card”. Click on this option, and then select "Download UAN Card". Upon clicking this option, you can save a copy of your UAN card for your records.

To register for your Universal Account Number (UAN) when starting your first job, you'll need several important documents. These are:
 

• Bank account details (account number, IFSC, and branch name)
• An ID proof that has your photo (driver’s license, passport, voter ID, Aadhaar card)
• Proof of your current address (any utility bill in your name, a rental or lease agreement)
   

Please note that after the latest changes, it is now mandatory to link your PAN card with your UAN. If applicable, you may also need to provide your ESIC card while applying for a UAN number.
 

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