The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has implemented a new rule from August 1, 2025. Under this new rule, new UAN (Universal Account Number) can be created only through Aadhaar-based face authentication technology. The key aspect of the move is that there will be no need to contact the employer for this.
In order to ensure error-free generation of UAN, it has been decided that the allotment/generation of UAN will be done only through the Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) in UMANG App, the EPFO said in a circular on July 30.
“However, the existing process of generation of UAN through the employer will continue in respect of exceptional cases like international workers and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan,” it added.
What exactly is the new UAN generation process?
Now the process of generating and activating a new UAN has been completely digitalized. For this, you just have to download UMANG App and Aadhaar Face RD App on your smartphone. After this you can create and activate UAN yourself sitting at home.
EPFO has launched 3 main services using Face Authentication Technology on UMANG App:
-UAN Allotment and Activation: Those who do not have UAN yet can opt for this service.
-UAN Activation: Those who have UAN but it is not active can activate it.
-Face Authentication for Already Activated UAN: Facility to verify and update EPFO records through Aadhaar.
How to create UAN — Step by Step Guide
-Open UMANG App and select “UAN Allotment and Activation”.
-Enter Aadhaar number and mobile number.
-Tick ‘Consent’ checkbox and send OTP.
-Install Aadhaar Face RD App (if not already installed).
-Enter the OTP and complete the face authentication.
-If there is no UAN linked to Aadhaar earlier, a new UAN will be generated.
-The new UAN will be sent to your mobile number via SMS.
Possible issues:
OTP failed — send again
Face scan failed — try again or contact support
Aadhaar already linked to UAN — you will get the information and the process will be stopped
How to activate an existing UAN
-Open the UMANG app and go to “UAN Activation”.
-Enter your UAN, Aadhaar and mobile number.
-Tick the Consent checkbox and send the OTP.
-Perform face authentication.
-The system will activate the UAN by verifying the details and send you a temporary password via SMS.
-Along with the activation, your photo and address will also be updated in the EPFO database.
How to update EPFO records with face authentication
If your UAN is already active and you want to verify only through Aadhaar, then you can use the “Face Authentication of Already Activated UANs” feature.
With this, your Aadhaar, mobile number and other details are authenticated with UIDAI and updated in the EPFO database.
Benefits that make this change very important
-No need to contact the employer
-Direct and secure identification from Aadhaar
-Instant access to all EPFO services
-Facilities like viewing passbook, KYC update, submitting claim are available immediately after activation
In which cases will the old method continue?
The facility of making UAN through the employer will still be available for international employees, citizens of Nepal and Bhutan.
Where to contact if there is a problem?
Contact UMANG App Helpdesk
Or directly talk to EPFO Customer Support
Summing up…
This move by EPFO is a big step towards digital empowerment, which not only simplifies and speeds up the process but also empowers employees. Now every employee can generate and activate UAN on their own – without depending on the employer.