All About EPFO’s Latest Update: Aadhaar Face Authentication for UAN Generation

In a significant move toward digital transformation and employee empowerment, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced a crucial update for all organizations. Effective 1st August 2025, every new employee must generate their Universal Account Number (UAN) independently through the UMANG App, utilizing Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT).

The Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique 12-digit identifier assigned by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) of India to every employee contributing to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). This number serves as a central hub, linking all of an employee’s EPF accounts across multiple employers regardless of how many times the employee changes jobs under a single umbrella. The UAN remains constant throughout an employee’s career, allowing easy tracking, transfer, and management of EPF contributions, withdrawals, and balances. It streamlines provident fund administration for both employees and employers and is essential for digital and paperless management of retirement savings in India.

What’s New for HR and Employees?

• Old System: HR teams previously generated UANs for incoming staff.
• New Protocol: New joiners now generate their UAN via the UMANG App using Aadhaar face authentication ensuring tamper-proof identity verification and a robust digital audit trail. Employer-driven UAN generation is prohibited, barring rare, approved international employment cases.

Step-by-Step: Generate Your UAN

1. Download the UMANG App: It’s free on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

2. Install Aadhaar Face RD App: Required for face authentication; the app will guide you if needed.

3. Access EPFO Services: Open UMANG, go to ‘EPFO’, and select ‘UAN Allotment and Activation’.

4. Enter Details: Input your Aadhaar number and registered mobile, and provide consent for Aadhaar verification.

5. OTP Verification: Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

6. Face Authentication: Follow the on-screen instructions for a secure face scan.

7. UAN Generation: Upon successful authentication, your UAN is generated instantly and sent to your mobile via SMS.

8. Download your e-UAN PDF: Save or print the official e-UAN card.

9. Onboarding Completion: Submit your e-UAN PDF and declaration letter to HR to proceed with payroll and Provident Fund formalities.

Note: The UMANG app features user-friendly guidance. Refer to the link below for deeper insight on the update.

https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_docs/PDFs/Circulars/Y2025-2026/MandatoryAllotment_ActivationOfUANThroughUMANGAPPUsingFAT.pdf

Key Compliance Pointers for HR Managers

• Mandatory Method: All new UANs must be generated by employees through the UMANG App. Rare global joiners may apply for exceptions as per EPFO norms.
• Pre-Existing UANs: Employees who already have a UAN must submit Form 11 during onboarding. This remains a regulatory requirement.
• No Payroll Onboarding before UAN: To avoid payroll and PF delays, always ensure the UAN is collected and registered in your system ahead of onboarding.
• Payroll Integration: Enter each new UAN into your preferred HR software without delay to enable benefits allocation and maintain compliance.
• No More Manual Paperwork: Digital self-generation eliminates forms and errors.
• Operational Transparency: Employees have control, enhancing trust and awareness.
• Regulatory Ease: Adherence to statutory EPFO requirements.
• Smoother Workflows: HR’s onboarding is faster and more reliable.
• Complete HR Pearls Integration: The new process syncs effortlessly with Webtel’s ecosystem for payroll and HR management.

Why This Upgrade Benefits Your Organization

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is UAN self-generation compulsory for all?

A: Yes—except for some rare international assignments—every new joiner must generate the UAN via UMANG.

Q: What if an employee already has a UAN?

A: They must still provide their UAN and submit Form 11 to HR, as mandated.

Q: Can employers generate UANs at all? 

A: No, unless approved for specific international cases by EPFO.

Q: Where can employees get help?

A: Refer to the UMANG in-app guide, consult your HR, or reach out to the Webtel HR Pearls support team.

Conclusion

With this digital-first upgrade, EPFO and Webtel HR Pearls aim to pioneer secure, transparent, and compliant HR practices. Embrace this future-ready approach for a smarter, smoother, and paperless HR journey.

For in-depth guidance or integration support, connect with your Webtel HR Pearls representative today.