New UAN Allotment and Activation Simplified Through Aadhaar-Based Face Authentication

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a new, more secure, and user-friendly method for the allotment and activation of the Universal Account Number (UAN). Starting August 1, 2025, this process will be carried out exclusively through Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) via the UMANG app. This update aims to make UAN management easier, faster, and more reliable for employees across India.

What is the Universal Account Number (UAN)?

The UAN is a unique identifier allotted to every EPFO member, linking multiple member IDs allotted by different employers. It acts as a permanent reference for an individual’s provident fund account, helping manage contributions efficiently. Previously, UAN allotment and activation involved the employer’s intervention and manual verification, which could be time-consuming.

Shift to Aadhaar-Based Face Authentication Technology (FAT)

The EPFO’s new system leverages Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology, designed to directly verify a member’s identity through biometric verification on their mobile device. This ensures that only legitimate employees can generate and activate their UAN without intermediaries.

In most cases, the UAN will now be automatically allotted and activated using face recognition, linked directly to the member’s Aadhaar details. This eliminates steps such as physical document verification and manual activation by employers. However, the existing process through employers will continue only in exceptional cases, such as for international workers and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan.

Key Services Available Through UMANG App Using FAT

The EPFO now offers three core services accessible via the UMANG app, utilising FAT for smooth and secure transactions:

1. New UAN Allotment and Activation: Fresh issuance and immediate activation of UAN using face authentication.
   
2. Activation of Pre-Existing UANs: Members with an already allotted but inactive UAN can activate it easily.
   
3. Face Authentication for Already Activated UANs: Existing members can use face authentication for seamless access to various EPFO services.
   

This unified method allows employees to handle their PF accounts independently without the need to coordinate with their employers, thereby saving time and reducing paperwork.

Steps to Get Your UAN Allotment and Activation Using the UMANG App

Here is a simple guide for all EPFO members wishing to use the Aadhaar-based face authentication method for UAN allotment and activation:

1. Download UMANG and Aadhaar Face RD apps: Both these apps are essential for the process. The UMANG app connects you to EPFO services, while the Face RD app facilitates biometric face recognition.
   
2. Open the UMANG app and select “UAN allotment and activation.”
   
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and mobile number: Make sure the mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar. Tick the consent box for Aadhaar validation and send the OTP.
   
4. Verify OTP: Input the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
   
5. Face Authentication: Once prompted, allow the app to use face recognition technology to verify your identity.
   
6. UAN Generation: Upon successful face authentication, the system fetches Aadhaar details and generates the UAN.
   
7. UAN Notification: Your new UAN will be sent to your registered mobile number through SMS.
   

This process is designed for simplicity and speed to provide immediate access to EPFO-related benefits.

Benefits of Using Face Authentication Technology for UAN Services

The introduction of face authentication offers multiple advantages:

• Foolproof Aadhaar Verification: Biometric verification ensures that the user’s identity matches Aadhaar records, minimizing fraud and errors.
  
• Faster UAN Activation: UAN is activated simultaneously with allotment, so members do not need to start activation separately.
  
• Convenience: No need to visit EPFO offices or depend on employers for UAN issuance or activation.
  
• Access to EPFO Services: Once activated, members can view their PF passbook, update KYC details, file claims, and more directly from their mobile.
  

Eligibility and Requirements

To use the new UAN allotment and activation facility, members must have:

• A valid Aadhaar number.
  
• Access to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP verification.
  
• UMANG app and Aadhaar Face RD app installed on their mobile device.
  

These are essential to ensure a smooth and secure activation process through face authentication.