-
In summary
Merging EPF records does not combine two numbers manually. The process transfers the earlier Member ID and accumulated balance to the active UAN.
- A UAN is a permanent 12-digit identification number that should continue across different employers.
- Keep the UAN associated with your current employment active.
- Confirm that your name, birth date, Aadhaar, PAN, and other KYC details match.
- Submit an online transfer request through the official EPFO Member Portal.
- Employer approval is no longer required for most eligible online transfer claims.
- EPFO may deactivate the duplicate UAN after verifying and transferring the previous account.
Members should track the transfer claim and confirm that their balance and service history appear correctly under the active UAN.
-
Reasons for allotment of two UANs
A UAN should remain unchanged when an employee moves between organisations. Duplicate UANs usually arise from employment or identification mismatches.
Reason How another UAN may be generated Previous UAN not disclosed A new employer may create another UAN when the employee does not provide the existing number. Incorrect employee declaration Incomplete or incorrect previous-employment information may prevent the employer from identifying the existing UAN. Name mismatch Differences in spelling across Aadhaar, PAN, and employment records may prevent correct mapping. Birth-date mismatch Different birth dates in previous and current employment records can interrupt UAN identification. Aadhaar mismatch Incorrect Aadhaar details or authentication issues may affect the linking process. Exit date not recorded Missing employment-exit details may cause service overlaps and delay transfers between Member IDs. Incorrect employer records Errors in employee information may result in incorrect Member ID or UAN mapping. EPFO also permits members to de-link an incorrectly associated Member ID. This facility should only address records that do not belong to them.
What happens when you have 2 UANs?
Avoid these mistakes while booking FD
-
Having two UANs can divide your EPF balance, contribution history, and pensionable service across different records until the accounts are consolidated.
Situation Likely outcome Required action Two UANs allotted EPFO must verify which UAN should remain active. Report both UANs and use the current UAN for future services. Previous UAN identified as duplicate EPFO may deactivate the older UAN after verification. Transfer its linked EPF account to the current UAN. Balance remains under the previous UAN The money continues appearing under the earlier Member ID. Submit an EPF transfer claim. Personal details differ The transfer request may require correction. Update or correct the mismatched member details. Wrong Member ID appears An unrelated employment record may be linked with your UAN. Use the official de-linking facility after confirming the error. Employment recently changed The new employer creates another Member ID. Ensure the new Member ID remains linked with the existing UAN. Holding two UANs because of an administrative error is not automatically unlawful. However, members should report and correct duplicate records promptly.
Important 2026 update
UAN generation and activation through the EPFO Member Portal have been discontinued. These services now use Aadhaar-based Face Authentication through UMANG. EPFO has also simplified online transfers. Most eligible claims no longer require employer approval, reducing dependency on previous and current employers. The revamped Form 13 process removes destination-office approval. Once the source office approves the claim, the balance transfers to the current account.
How to merge two UANs of different EPF accounts?
-
Members can merge their EPF records through an online transfer or seek EPFO support when incorrect details prevent digital claim submission.
Method 1
Use this method when account mismatches, incorrect personal details, or portal errors prevent you from submitting an online transfer request.
- Inform your current employer about both UANs and identify the UAN linked with your present Member ID.
- Confirm that the previous Member ID genuinely belongs to your earlier employment.
- Submit a grievance through EPFiGMS with both UANs, Member IDs, employment details, and supporting records.
- Contact the EPFO helpdesk at 14470 if you require assistance with the grievance or transfer process.
- Complete any profile or KYC corrections requested by EPFO.
- Submit the transfer claim after EPFO resolves the mismatch.
- Check whether the older UAN has been deactivated after successful verification and transfer.
This method replaces reliance on unverified email addresses and creates a trackable request through EPFO’s official grievance system.
Method 2
The online transfer facility is the usual method for learning how to merge two PF accounts in one UAN online.
- Activate your current UAN through UMANG using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication.
- Sign in to the EPFO Member Portal using your UAN and password.
- Open the online transfer service available under the portal’s Online Services section.
- Verify your current employment details and confirm the previous Member ID.
- Select the applicable attestation option displayed by the portal.
- Authenticate the request using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Submit the claim and save the generated reference number.
- Track the request through the portal until the transfer is completed.
After source-office approval, the revamped Form 13 functionality transfers the previous accumulation to the present EPF account without destination-office approval.
Read also: Check EPFO pension status
Things needed to merge UAN accounts
Members should complete these requirements before submitting the transfer request to reduce delays caused by inactive accounts or mismatched details.
1. UAN activation
The UAN linked with your current employment must be active. Existing UANs are now activated through the UMANG application. Choose EPFO Services, open UAN Services Through Face Auth, and select UAN Activation to complete Aadhaar-based facial authentication.
2. Linking Aadhaar
Your Aadhaar details should match the name, birth date, and gender recorded against your UAN. You also need access to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar for OTP authentication during eligible EPFO transactions.
3. KYC details
Check your Aadhaar, PAN, bank account, mobile number, and employment information through the EPFO portal. Correct any mismatch before submitting the transfer claim because inconsistent member details can delay processing or require additional verification.
-
Benefits of merging EPFO accounts
Consolidating genuine employment records under one UAN improves visibility over balances, service periods, contributions, and future claim information.
1. Funds consolidation
Transferring previous EPF accounts brings the accumulated balance under the current UAN while retaining the separate employment-linked Member IDs. Members can view their retirement savings and transfer information without tracking several active UAN records across different employers.
2. Easy withdrawals
Consolidated service and balance records can simplify eligible withdrawal claims because EPFO can review the member’s complete employment history more clearly. Every withdrawal remains subject to the applicable eligibility conditions, documentation requirements, and provisions of the EPF Scheme.
3. Less administrative hassle
One active UAN makes it easier to manage KYC details, nominations, passbooks, transfer certificates, service history, and claim status. It also reduces the possibility of selecting an outdated UAN while accessing EPFO services or communicating with an employer.
Read also: TDS rate chart for FY 2025-26
Steps to transfer EPF online
The following process explains how to merge two PF accounts in one UAN online through the official transfer facility:
Step What to do Log in Access the EPFO Member Portal using your active UAN and password. Check details Verify your name, Aadhaar, PAN, bank account, birth date, and current employment information. Select transfer services Open the applicable transfer option under Online Services. Verify PF accounts Confirm the previous and present Member IDs displayed by the portal. Authenticate request Complete OTP authentication using the mobile number linked with Aadhaar. Submit claim Review the information, submit the transfer request, and retain its reference number. Track progress Monitor the transfer claim through the portal’s tracking facility. Confirm completion Check the passbook and downloadable transfer certificate after the balance is transferred. The transfer certificate provides information about the EPF balance, interest, employment record, and service history used for pension-benefit calculations.
Conclusion
Learning how to merge two UAN of different EPF accounts helps members consolidate balances and service records under one active UAN. Members should verify their Aadhaar, KYC, exit date, Member IDs, and employment information before submitting the online transfer request. After completion, check the passbook and transfer certificate to ensure the previous balance and service history appear under the current account. Investors seeking assured fixed returns may also consider Bajaj Finance Fixed Deposit, offering tenures ranging from 12 to 60 months.
You may also be interested in reading articles related to EPF:
Check out different FD Rates
Fixed Deposit variants
Get ROI up to
8.15% p.a.
Senior citizen
Starting with just Rs. 15,000
Get ROI up to
7.75% p.a.
Age below 60 years
Starting with just Rs. 15,000
Get ROI up to
7.75% p.a.
Minor
Starting with just Rs. 15,000
Get ROI up to
7.75% p.a.
HUF
Starting with just Rs. 15,000
Get ROI up to
7.75% p.a.
Sole proprietor
Starting with just Rs. 15,000
Locate to your nearest FD branch
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
What happens if you have two UAN numbers?
If you have two UAN numbers, your EPF balance, contribution history, and pensionable service may remain divided across separate records. You should retain the UAN linked with your current employment and transfer the previous EPF account to that active UAN. EPFO may deactivate the duplicate UAN after verifying the transfer and linking the previous Member ID with your current account.
What happens if I don't merge PF accounts?
If you do not merge them, balances and service records remain fragmented, complicating transfers, withdrawals, pension calculations, and tax verification.
Is there a fee to merge PF accounts?
EPFO does not charge members for online PF account transfers or duplicate UAN consolidation through its official digital service channels.
What if PF under 2 employers but UAN same?
This is normal because one UAN can link multiple employer-specific Member IDs; transfer previous balances into your currently active account.
How many days does it take to merge two PF accounts?
EPFO’s Citizens’ Charter targets seven working days for Form 13 transfers, while the statutory scheme timeframe remains twenty calendar days.
Is it illegal to have 2 UAN numbers?
A duplicate UAN caused by error is not automatically unlawful; however, members should disclose it and seek consolidation with EPFO.
Can one UAN have two PF accounts?
Yes, one UAN can contain several employer-specific Member IDs, although balances should generally transfer into the current employment’s PF account.
Is it good to merge PF accounts?
Yes, merging consolidates service history and balances, simplifying account tracking, withdrawal claims, pension records, and future employment transitions for members.
How do I merge two PF accounts with different UAN numbers online?
Log into the EPFO Member Portal using your active UAN, then select ‘One Member - One EPF Account’ under Online Services. Verify both Member IDs, submit the transfer request with Aadhaar authentication, and track Form 13 until EPFO completes consolidation successfully.
Disclaimer
1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (BAJAJ FINANCE) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.
2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.