The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has streamlined the process for members to link Aadhaar to their Universal Account Number (UAN), and strengthened identity controls for new and inactive accounts. The ultimate goal is to enable faster Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, reduce errors, and expedite claims settlement. All without a back-and-forth between members, employers, and field offices.
Overview
The table below consists the key insights of the EPFo’s Aadhaar-UAN linking.
| Aspect | What’s New / Key Point |
|---|
| Direct Aadhaar–UAN seeding | If your name, gender, and date of birth match in Aadhaar and UAN, the employer can seed Aadhaar directly via the KYC function—no extra EPFO approval needed. |
| Fixing wrong/mismatched Aadhaar | A new EPFO circular allows employer-initiated correction where a wrong Aadhaar was linked or demographic details need rectification; the Joint Declaration route has been streamlined. |
| UAN generation/activation | From 1 Aug 2025, UAN must be generated/activated via UMANG using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FAT) (limited exceptions). |
| Services on UMANG | UMANG now supports UAN creation/activation, Aadhaar seeding, passbook, claim status, and more. |
| Why linking matters | Aadhaar-seeded UAN is crucial for ECR filings, online claims, transfers, and e-nomination—a long-standing requirement since the Section 142 notification (2021). |
What is Aadhaar-UAN linking?
Aadhaar-UAN Linking (sometimes called Aadhaar Seeding) is the process of validating identity by matching the Aadhaar profile to the EPFO member profile. Once successfully verified, EPFO marks the KYC for the UAN as "Verified". This allows for easy employer contributions, e-nomination, online claims, access to passbooks, and transfers.
Latest Changes in 2025 (What's New and Why It Matters)?
The following rules increase identity checks while eliminating unnecessary delays. Please review them first so you are aware of your applicable path.
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Direct employer seeding (no additional EPFO approval): If name, gender, and DOB completely match in both Aadhaar and UAN, the employer can now complete Aadhaar KYC directly through the employer portal's KYC menu. This will greatly reduce waiting times.
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Employer-led correction for wrong Aadhaar: If an incorrect Aadhaar was seeded in the past, EPFO will allow the employer to initiate correction and seed the correct Aadhaar using the pre-notified workflow (with documents).
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UMANG Face Authentication is mandatory for UAN creation/activation (starting 1 Aug 2025): New/inactive users will be instructed to use Aadhaar-based Face Authentication in UMANG to generate/activate UAN; this strengthens identity checks and minimises impersonation.
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Wider self-service on UMANG: Seeding, activation, claim status and passbook are present in the app, minimising dependence on employers and lines at the field office.
Also Read: What Are The Key Changes In EPFO Provident Fund Withdrawal Process?
Who is Required to Link Aadhaar with UAN?
It may be useful to understand whether you're required to link it now or later. Use these points to position yourself accurately.
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Active employees: Needed, for the employer, ECR uploads require Aadhaar-seeded UANs. If you don't have KYC verified, your contributions and ability to service your account may be interrupted.
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New joinees / new UAN: Required during the creation/activation of your UAN on the UMANG app through Face Authentication, from 1 August 2025.
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Members changing employers: To maintain Aadhaar-UAN KYC verification for a smooth EPF transfer process, and also for e-nomination to continue to be effective.
How To Link Aadhaar To UAN On UMANG?
Follow the below-mentioned steps to know the process of linking Aadhaar to UAN using the Umang portal:-.
Step 1:
Install/open UMANG on Android or iOS and choose EPFO Services → select Aadhaar seeding/UAN activation.
Step 2:
Consent & Face Authentication: Complete Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (scan your face with the camera, when prompted).
Step 3: Enter UAN/Aadhaar and Verify OTP(s).
Step 4: Confirm details are all demographic matches, i.e. name, gender, DOB, as you submit.
Step 5: Your KYC status can be checked in UMANG/EPFO after a brief period of time.
What Is The Step-by-Step Employer Portal Route?
If your identification details match exactly, your employer can complete KYC from their side—and it's faster than before.
Step 1: Employer enters EPFO employer portal→ KYC.
Step 2: The employer selects Aadhaar, enters the member's Aadhaar and UAN, and validates whether the demographic data matches.
Step 3: Employer submits seeding; no further EPFO approval is required as long as the data matches.
Ways To Fix Mismatches Or Wrong Aadhaar
If your details don’t match, do not worry. EPFO has codified methods to do this, and you shouldn’t experience long waiting periods.
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Wrong Aadhaar, previously seeded? Now, the Employer can re-link Aadhaar and re-seed rightfully following the EPFO-prescribed ad-hoc correction workflow.
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If there are minor demographic mismatches (spelling, initials, different expansions of names, errors on DOB, etc.), they will submit a Joint Declaration supported by proofs (Aadhaar, PAN, birth/education certificate as needed).
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The employer will correct and re-seed Aadhaar, thereafter check the member profile on both: KYC and “Verified”.
Also Read: EPFO 3.0: Transformative Updates Await PF Members In 2025
List Of Documents Required
Having the right documents before starting avoids the need to go back to visit a third party or make modifications/resubmissions.
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Aadhaar up-to-date with your current mobile number (to get OTP)
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Your UAN and access to your registered mobile
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Your PAN (it can be handy for names/DOB documents)
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Your supporting proofs on JD corrections (education/birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
Conclusion
EPFO 2025 changes are simultaneously restricting ID proof (with Face Authentication on UMANG for UAN creation/activation) and eliminating bottlenecks (seeding directly with an employer when data corresponds, and employer updating when it doesn’t). If you align your Aadhaar and UAN details now, you will receive quicker contributions, claims, transfers and have fewer KYC impediments.
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