The Universal Account Number (UAN) has unquestionably become a crucial part of the financial identity of every salaried employee. Introduced by the EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organization), the UAN brings every PF account integrated into one system, enabling seamless tracking, transfers, withdrawals, and updates.

Several individuals are yet to discover that only in their careers that they don’t remember their UAN. Either they have mismatched the same or never received the same from their employer. In such scenarios, exploring diverse ways to retrieve or recover the UAN number becomes mandatory. Using your PAN number is one of the most practical things to do. This is specifically when your Aadhaar is not accessible or your registered contact number has changed.

Are you wondering, “How to get a UAN number if I have forgotten it?” Fret not! We will delve into everything you need to know through this comprehensive blog.

Understanding What a UAN Is and Why You Need It

Comprehending the significance of UAN proves beneficial for you every step of the way. A unique 12-digit number,  each member of the EPF is allotted a UAN. And this number does not change throughout their working life. Even if you change jobs too often, a UAN remains the same. However, it gets linked to the same UAN, streamlining transfers and withdrawals.

When you have a UAN, it makes it easier for you to:

• Check your PF balance anytime
• Track employer contributions 
• Withdraw PF online
• Transfer PF when switching jobs
• Update KYC details
• Access passbooks and statements

Owing to its significance, forgetting or losing your UAN can cause a disruption to these vital services. But the good thing is that EPFO lets you retrieve your UAN using your Aadhaar, PAN, or member ID.

Can I Know My UAN Number Using a PAN Number?

Absolutely! You can use your PAN to find or recover your UAN if it is linked to your EPF account.

The EPFO’s online “Know Your UAN” facility makes it simple for you to retrieve your UAN. All you need to do is enter basic details, including your PAN, date of birth, and mobile number.

This is specifically helpful if:

• Your Aadhaar number is not updated
• You don’t use your registered mobile number anymore
• You forgot your PF member ID
• You have worked with numerous employers

Using PAN is one of the most effective and fastest ways to retrieve a forgotten UAN, given that your PAN details are accurately mapped with your EPF records.

Also Read this Blog: How can I track my loan online

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Find a UAN Number Using PAN Number 

Listed below is the comprehensive, simple process to find a UAN number using PAN number through the EPFO portal.

Step 1: Visit the EPFO Unified Member Portal

Visit the official EPFO website for members only. The portal is https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/

This portal offers various facilities, such as UAN activation, UAN retrieval, and PF passbook viewing.

Step 2: Click on “Know Your UAN”

On the login screen, there is a sign-in button. Below this button, you will find the “Know Your UAN” option.

This tool is specifically designed to assist employees who have either misplaced or forgotten their UAN.

Step 3: Enter Your Mobile Number

Type in your mobile number that you are willing to use for verification purposes. This does not signify that it has to be the number that is linked to your previous PF accounts, as long as you are able to receive OTPs on the same number.

Click on the “Request OTP” button.

Step 4: Enter the OTP Sent to Your Mobile Number

Once you receive the OTP, enter the same and proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Select PAN as the Type of Document

Now, you will be required to provide your identity details. Here, you need to choose PAN from the dropdown menu.

Step 6: Enter Your PAN and Personal Details

Ensure you provide the details mentioned below:

• Date of birth
• PAN number
• Full name (as per EPFO records)

Ensure your name and date of birth match the details accurately with the ones used in your PF account. Or else, the system may not retrieve your details.

Step 7: Submit the Form

Submit the form after you have entered the information. The portal will search its database for a UAN linked with the provided PAN.

Step 8: Receive Your UAN

Your UAN number will either be sent to your mobile number via SMS or displayed on the screen, given that your details match. Needless to say, this has to be the easiest way to find a UAN number using PAN number.

What if the Portal Cannot Find Your UAN Number Through PAN Number?

The system, at times, may not display your UAN because of one of the following reasons:

• You had the wrong PAN details in your EPF profile
• Your PAN was not updated in your EPF records
• Your PAN was not verified by the employer 
• There is a discrepancy in your name, spelling, or date of birth

The steps listed below may help you:

• Reach Out to Your HR or Employer

With access to your PF records, employers can provide the UAN directly.

• Use the Aadhaar-based Search

Is your Aadhaar number linked to your PF? If it is, you can try to recover the UAN with your Aadhaar rather than using the PAN number.

• Use the PF Member ID

Moreover, you can retrieve or recover your UAN by typing in your PF member ID. It is usually stated in your salary slips.

• Report an Issue

With the help of the EPFO online grievance portal, you can rectify KYC discrepancies and recover your UAN number.

How Can You Get a UAN Number if You Have Never Activated It Before?

If you have landed a new job and this is your first PF account, your UAN is usually generated by your employer. However, in some situations, the employer may ask you to generate the number, or you may want to check it on your own.

To know how to get a UAN number for the first time, here’s what you must do:

1. Ask the HR Department: Your HR can check the employer portal.
2. Visit the EPFO Portal: Visit the EPFO portal for the “Know Your UAN” option.
3. Activate the UAN Number: Once you have retrieved the UAN number, the next step is to activate the same. Ensure you use the “Activate UAN” feature while doing so.

After UAN activation, you can create a password on your own and log in anytime so you can check various details. These include the PF balance, downloading passbooks, and managing your details.

Why Using PAN to Retrieve Your UAN Number is Beneficial

To retrieve UAN, using your PAN number is highly effective because of the following reasons:

• PAN plays a crucial role in numerous KYC processes
• Most employers link PAN at the time when PF is getting registered
• PAN never changes. It remains the same throughout your life
• It minimizes dependence on Aadhaar-based OTPs

The fact remains indisputable that PAN becomes the most reliable tool to regain access to the PF profile for all those employees whose Aadhaar is not updated or who have changed their mobile number.

Concluding Remarks

Your UAN is a significant part of your employment history, and not to mention, financial planning. When you lose the number, it might feel challenging at first. However, EPFO has made the retrieval process seamless, easy, and user-friendly. Whether you want to find a UAN number using PAN number, simply check your PF balance, or know your UAN for the first time, the online system offers you numerous practical solutions.

If you ever ask yourself, “Can I know my UAN number using PAN number?” Absolutely! All you need to do is follow the steps on the EPFO portal and verify your details. You will retrieve your UAN within minutes. Need we say more?