How to Activate UAN (Universal Account Number): Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Your UAN (Universal Account Number) is the 12-digit number that stays with you for life – across all employers. Activating your UAN unlocks access to your EPF balance, passbook, withdrawal claims, and PF transfers online. Here is the step-by-step process to activate UAN and use the EPFO member portal.

What is UAN?

UAN (Universal Account Number) is a 12-digit permanent number allotted by EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) to each EPF member. Unlike Member ID (which changes with each employer), UAN remains constant throughout your working life. All your EPF accounts from different employers are linked under the same UAN.

How to Get Your UAN

• From your employer: When you join a new job and enroll in EPF, your employer generates or links your UAN. It is mentioned in your salary slip
• From EPFO portal: If you don’t know your UAN, visit unifiedmember.epfindia.gov.in → “Know your UAN” → enter registered mobile or PAN/Aadhaar
• From your salary slip: Most employers mention UAN in the monthly salary slip under the PF/EPF section

UAN Activation – Detailed Steps

1. Go to unifiedmember.epfindia.gov.in
2. Under “Important Links,” click “Activate UAN”
3. Enter your UAN number, Aadhaar number or PAN, Name, Date of Birth, Mobile Number as per EPFO records
4. Enter the captcha and click “Get Authorization PIN”
5. An OTP is sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number (your phone number registered with Aadhaar)
6. Enter the OTP and click “Validate OTP”
7. Set a new password of your choice – your UAN is now activated
8. Login at the portal with UAN + password to access your EPF account

After UAN Activation – What You Can Do

• View EPF balance: Check your current PF balance and interest credited
• Download EPF passbook: Full transaction history of contributions and withdrawals
• File online PF withdrawal claims: Form 19 (PF withdrawal), Form 10C (Pension withdrawal), Form 31 (partial withdrawal)
• Transfer PF online: When changing jobs, transfer old EPF to new employer via Form 13 online
• Update KYC details: Link Aadhaar, PAN, bank account to UAN for claim processing
• Check passbook and claim status

UAN and Income Tax – Key Connection

Your EPF contributions are eligible for Section 80C deduction (employee’s share) – up to ₹1.5 lakh under old tax regime. Employer’s contribution is exempt from tax. However, from FY 2021-22, interest on EPF contributions exceeding ₹2.5 lakh per year (₹5 lakh for government employees with no employer contribution) is taxable.

This means high-income employees contributing more than ₹2.5 lakh annually to EPF will have the interest on the excess amount taxed at their slab rate. The taxable interest is reported in AIS and should be included in ITR.

UAN-Related Common Issues and Solutions

UMANG App – Check EPF on Mobile

The UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app provides easy access to EPF services on your smartphone. Download from Play Store/App Store → Search “UMANG” → Login with UAN + OTP → Access EPF passbook, balance, and claim services.