How to Change Name in PF Account: Step-by-Step EPFO Name Correction Process

Key takeaways:

• The Employees Provident Fund is an important retirement scheme for workers. 
• Changing your name in the PF account is a formal process of correcting names in the records of EPFO. 
• You can easily update your name through an online UAN portal. 

Bonus tip: 

According to the EPFO reports posted by PIB Delhi, out of 8,00,000 requests received at the EPFO for name change through employers, almost 45% requests can be self approved without an employer.

Think of UAN (Universal Account Number) as a digital locker and your credentials are the key. When the key does not match the lock, you are not able to access the locker. Similarly, changing your name in a PF account is the process of making that key match your current legal identity.

For example, I got married and my surname changed. I first updated my name in the Aadhar card and then I submitted a request on the EPFO portal. Once the employer and field officer will approve the update, I can withdraw my PF amount under my new legal identity.

What is the online method of changing employee names in an EPF account?

Below are some easy steps through which you can change your name in an EPF account: 

1. Visit the official website of UAN https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/ and login with your credentials. 

2. Click on “modify basic details”.

3. Provide the correct details as per your Aadhar card.

4. The system will verify the details entered with UIDAI - Aadhar data.

5. Click on “update details”. A request will be sent to the employer for further approval. 

6. After approval of request by the employer, the task will appear in the login of the Dealing Hand of the concerned EPFO office.

7. After due verification, the Dealing Hand can submit the recommendation to the section supervisor.

Finally, your name change request in the PF account is approved by the section supervisor. 

Name change in the EPF account can be done without employer intervention. As the EPFO guidelines of January 2025, you can do self approval reducing reliance on employer verification. The request of name change will be assigned to the employer or self approved if applicable according to the guidelines. 

How to change name in the EPF after marriage?

To update your name in the EPF after marriage, follow the below steps:

1. Visit the official website of UAN https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/ and login with your credentials. 

2. Click on “modify basic details” under the “manage” tab.

3. Enter your new surname to be updated. 

4. Click on the “update” button. 

For name change after marriage, you need to submit documents like a copy of marriage certificate for verification.

Documents accepted as proof for EPF account name change: 

• Aadhar card
• PAN card
• Voter’s ID
• Passport 
• Ration card
• Birth certificate 
• Utility bills
• Educational certificates
• Marriage certificate 
• School records

As per the government mandates, these documents are accepted as valid proofs. 

What is the offline method to change names in EPF?

To change your name in the offline mode, you need to submit an EPF name change form. The letter format should be correct in order to get your name changed. You can follow the below steps to change your name in EPF using the offline method:

1. Download the EPF name change form online. 
2. Fill in the required details along with the required documents.
3. Get the form attested by affixing your name to the form and signing it, and the name of the authorized signatory of the previous organisation. Finally, this authority will need to sign the form and attach the company seal to it.

Submit this form to the office of Regional PF commissioner. 

Conclusion: 

Overall, the timely process of changing your name in PF account helps in preventing any errors in your name that will delay your PF claim process. Changing your name and other crucial information from your EPF account requires you to visit the online website of EPFO. Similarly, you can also contact your employer or the nearest EPF office.

FAQs:

Can I change my name in my EPFO account multiple times?

No, as per the norms of EPFO, you can change your name in the EPFO account only once. Therefore, it is important that you make sure that the details you are providing are correct. 

My name on the EPFO account is slightly different from what is on my Aadhar card. Will it cause any problems in future? 

Yes, any mismatch in your Aadhar card’s name and EPFO account name can delay your PF claims. The details should match for a proper verification. Before applying for PF, make sure to update your details in the EPFO account. 

How long does it take for name correction in UAN? 

EPFO might take up to 30 days to change  the name in your account. 

Can we withdraw a PF amount if the name change request is pending from the field office? 

No, you can not withdraw your PF amount if the name change request is pending from the field office. The EPFO requires matched details before processing the amount further. 

How do you change the name and date of birth in a PF account?

Visit the official website of UAN https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/ to change the name and DOB in a PF account or you can do it offline by submitting the EPF name change form.