What is UAN (Universal Account Number)?
Short answer
A UAN is a 12-digit number the EPFO gives each employee. It stays the same across jobs and links every PF account the person has.
Why employers need it
- Every member in the monthly PF return (ECR) is identified by UAN, so someone without one cannot be included.
- New joiners who already have a UAN should give it to the employer rather than get a new one.
In AdviHR
AdviHR validates the UAN on the employee profile and lists anyone missing it before you generate the ECR.
Frequently asked questions
How many digits is a UAN?
12.
Related terms
How sure are we? These figures use the same rules AdviHR payroll applies. We publish what has been checked against an official source and what has not, on the statutory accuracy page.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm against the official notification and your adviser.