How to find your PF number and UAN: the difference, where to look and what to do with 2 UANs
Your UAN is a 12-digit number that stays the same for your whole working life. Your PF number (Member ID) is a longer code like MH/BAN/0012345/000/0001234 — a new one for every job, all linked under your UAN. Both are usually printed on your salary slip; HR can also tell you. If you have lost your UAN, the EPFO member portal and UMANG let you find it with your mobile and Aadhaar OTP. If you got 2 UANs, transfer the old PF into the current one.
Key facts Last verified: 25 Sep 2026
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UAN | 12-digit number given by EPFO to each member; one for life | EPFO |
| PF number (Member ID) | Region code / office code / establishment code / extension / member's account number | EPFO |
| One UAN, many Member IDs | UAN links the Member IDs from all your employers | EPFO |
| 2 UANs | No online transfer between 2 separate UANs; file Form 13 attested by present or previous employer | EPFO |
| Complaints | EPFiGMS at epfigms.gov.in | EPFO |
| Helpline | 1800-118-005 (toll-free) | EPFO |
People say "PF number" for two different things. EPFO uses two numbers, and you need the right one for the right job. Let's make it simple.
UAN vs PF number: what's the difference?
| UAN | PF number (Member ID) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it looks like | 12 digits, e.g. 100123456789 | Letters and numbers, e.g. MH/BAN/0012345/000/0001234 |
| How many you have | One for life | One for every job |
| Who gives it | EPFO, when you first join a job with PF | Made when your employer adds you to its PF |
| Used for | Login, balance check, KYC, claims | Picking which job's PF account to see or withdraw from |
Think of the UAN as your folder and each Member ID as a file inside it — one file per company.
Example: Anil joined a company in Bandra in 2019 and then a firm in Pune in 2023. He has one UAN but two Member IDs, one from each company. When he logs in with his UAN, he sees both.
How to read a PF number (Member ID)
Take MH/BAN/0012345/000/0001234 as an example:
| Part | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Region code | MH | State / region (MH = Maharashtra) |
| Office code | BAN | EPFO office that handles your employer |
| Establishment code | 0012345 | Your employer's PF code |
| Extension | 000 | Branch/sub-code of the employer (often 000) |
| Account number | 0001234 | Your own number within that employer |
Some slips print it without slashes, as one long code. It's the same thing.
Where to find your UAN and PF number
- Salary slip — most companies print both UAN and PF number on it.
- HR or payroll team — they register you with EPFO, so they have both.
- Appointment letter / joining papers — sometimes the PF number is mentioned.
- SMS from EPFO — when your UAN is created or activated, EPFO sends it to your mobile.
- EPFO passbook — shows the Member ID for each job, once you log in with UAN.
Lost your UAN? Find it online
If you can't find your salary slip and can't reach your old HR, you can find your UAN yourself:
- Open the EPFO member portal (unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in) and look for the link to know your UAN on the home page. In UMANG, open EPFO services.
- Enter your mobile number (the one you gave your employer) and verify with OTP.
- Enter your Aadhaar (or PAN / Member ID) and your name and date of birth as asked.
- Your UAN is shown on screen or sent by SMS.
Got your UAN but it's not activated? Don't repeat anything here — follow UAN activation with face authentication. After activation, you can check your PF balance.
Only use the EPFO portal or UMANG to find your UAN. Don't give your Aadhaar, PAN or bank details to any website, WhatsApp group or "agent" that offers to "find your PF number". HumainOne never asks for these.
What if you have 2 UANs?
This happens when a new employer creates a fresh UAN instead of using your old one. Your money is safe, but it is split. Only one UAN should stay in use.
Do you have 2 UANs? Find your next step
Runs on your deviceSee every answer in this checker
Keep using your current UAN
Tell your current employer and HR which UAN you use. If there is no money in the old UAN, nothing needs to be moved. Call 1800-118-005 if you are unsure.
Move the old PF with Form 13
There is no online transfer between two separate UANs. Download Form 13 (transfer claim) from the EPFO website, get it attested by your present or previous employer, and submit it to the EPFO office. Keep your current UAN for everything after that.
Get help from EPFO
Raise a complaint on EPFiGMS (epfigms.gov.in) mentioning both UANs, or call 1800-118-005. Also ask your current HR to help with the Form 13 transfer.
Always give your existing UAN to every new employer when you join. That avoids a second UAN in the first place.
When your UAN and PF accounts are sorted, you can withdraw PF online whenever you need to.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UAN the same as the PF number?
No. The UAN is one 12-digit number for life. The PF number (Member ID) is a longer code made for each job. All your Member IDs sit under your one UAN.
Where can I find my PF number?
On your salary slip, from your HR or payroll team, or in the EPFO passbook after you log in with your UAN.
How do I find my UAN if I have lost it?
Use the EPFO member portal or UMANG with your mobile number and Aadhaar OTP, or ask your employer's HR.
I have two UANs. Will I lose my money?
No. The money in both accounts is yours. Move the old PF to your current account using Form 13 attested by your employer, and use only one UAN from then on.
Does my UAN change when I change jobs?
No. The UAN stays the same. Only a new Member ID is created for the new employer.
Official links
Use only these government websites. HumainOne is not connected to any of them.
- EPFO Member PortalKnow your UAN, login, KYC
- UMANG (EPFO services)UAN services in the app
- EPFO FAQsTransfers and 2 UANs
- EPFiGMSComplaints to EPFO
- EPFO helplineToll-free
Disclaimer: HumainOne is an independent information website. We are not affiliated with UIDAI, the Income Tax Department, EPFO, NPCI, the Election Commission, the Government of Maharashtra or any government body. We do not accept applications, documents or fees. Information is checked against official sources on the date shown but rules change — always confirm on the official website before acting. Calculators give estimates, not official figures, and this is not tax or legal advice.