# UAN (Universal Account Number)

> A UAN is the 12-digit number that EPFO gives each PF member, and it stays the same for life across every job. Each employer's PF account for the employee is linked to it, so their savings and service move with them.

In EaseDesk (coming soon, not available yet): Employee records with UAN, and payroll that uses it for the monthly PF file, are coming to EaseDesk.

## Why it matters to your business

Every PF payment you make is credited against an employee's UAN. If the UAN is wrong, missing or
duplicated, the money reaches the wrong account or sits unlinked, and the employee comes to you when
a claim or a loan against PF fails. Getting the UAN right at joining avoids months of correction
later.

## How it works

As of September 2026:

- EPFO allots one UAN per person, linked to their Aadhaar.
- Each time the person joins an employer covered by [PF](/glossary/pf), a new member ID is created
  under the same UAN.
- The employee activates the UAN to see their passbook, update details and claim online.
- On a job change, the previous balance and pensionable service under
  [EPS](/glossary/eps) are transferred to the new member ID, often automatically once KYC is complete.
- New UANs are created through Aadhaar face authentication in the UMANG app, which reduces the errors
  and duplicate accounts that were common earlier.

## What to collect when someone joins

- Their existing UAN, if any, from a previous payslip or the UMANG app.
- Aadhaar, PAN and bank details matching the names on those documents.
- Date of joining and wages for the first ECR.

## Common mistakes

- Creating a second UAN because the employee did not remember the first one.
- Name or date of birth that does not match Aadhaar, which blocks claims.
- Not marking the date of exit, which stops the employee from transferring or withdrawing the balance.

## Questions

### How does a new employee get a UAN?

Since 01-08-2025, a new UAN is generated through Aadhaar face authentication in the UMANG app, by the employee. The employer can still generate one in a few exceptional cases, such as international workers.

### What if the employee already has a UAN?

Use the existing one. An employee should have only one UAN in their working life, and every new employer links its PF account to it.

### What is the difference between a UAN and a PF member ID?

The member ID is the PF account with one employer. The UAN is the umbrella number that links all the member IDs of one person across employers.

### What KYC is needed with a UAN?

Aadhaar, PAN and bank account details. With these seeded, the employee can transfer PF between jobs and claim withdrawals online, usually without the employer's signature.

---

Source: https://www.easedesk.com/glossary/uan · Updated 2026-09-28 · EaseDesk