EPFO mandates aadhaar-based face authentication for UAN generation from August 1, 2025

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (“EPFO”) has mandated that from 1 August 2025, all new Universal Account Numbers (“UAN”) will be allotted and activated exclusively through the UMANG mobile application using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (“FAT”). This change builds upon the process first introduced in April 2025, with the objective of making UAN generation seamless, secure, and free from data errors. By leveraging FAT, the EPFO aims to replace cumbersome KYC submissions with instant biometric verification, reducing the risk of duplication and ensuring accuracy at the point of registration.

While this digital-first approach will become the norm, the existing employer-assisted UAN generation process will remain operational only for specific exceptions namely, international workers and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan reflecting the EPFO’s recognition of practical challenges for certain categories. A detailed user manual for the FAT-enabled process has already been shared with stakeholders to aid smooth adoption.

For employers, this change signals the need to reorient on boarding processes so that new employees are prepared to complete UAN registration themselves via UMANG, equipped with Aadhaar-linked smartphones and internet access. For members, it promises faster activation, fewer documentation hassles, and an error-free EPF account right from day one. In effect, EPFO is making a decisive move towards biometric-backed, mobile-enabled governance for its 27 crore-plus members, marking a significant step in its digital transformation journey.