What Is the Member ID in PF: Format, How to Find & UAN Difference Explained

Key Insights 
 

• A Member ID in PF is generated every time you join a new employer. This means that job changes automatically result in multiple Member IDs, even though your Provident Fund savings remain within the EPFO system.
   
• The Universal Account Number (UAN) remains the same throughout your career and links all your Member IDs. This helps EPFO consolidate your PF balance, service history, and claim eligibility in one place.
   
• Your PF transfer and withdrawal requests can face delays if your Member ID is not correctly linked with your UAN. This happens because EPFO processes claims using employer-wise Member IDs that are linked under one UAN.

Salary toh aa gayi, par yeh Member ID aur UAN ka confusion kya hai?

A Member ID in PF is the identification number allotted to you by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for your Provident Fund account under a specific employer. According to EPFO, every time you join a new organisation, a new Member ID is created and linked to your existing UAN. It is created when your employer registers your employment details with EPFO and starts depositing PF contributions on your behalf.

For example, if I change jobs three times, I may have three Member IDs but only one UAN. This structure helps EPFO track my PF contributions accurately across my working life.

Bonus Tip: EPFO is modernising PF accounts into a virtual bank with faster services and UPI withdrawals for members under its new EPFO 3.0 platform in 2026. 

Key Features of Member ID in PF

The features of a Member ID help you manage your PF account.

• A Member ID is unique to one employer and one establishment, which means it changes when you change jobs.
• You can have multiple Member IDs during your career, depending on how many times you switch employers.
• Each Member ID records your date of joining, date of exit, and monthly PF contributions under that employer.
• Member IDs are used by EPFO during PF transfer, PF withdrawal, and service history verification.

These features ensure that your PF savings remain properly organised and traceable, even when you change jobs multiple times.

Who Needs a Member ID?

Most people do not actively search for their Member ID, but they rely on it every month without realising how important it is for their PF savings and future security.
 

This makes the Member ID essential for both salaried employees and employers to ensure accurate PF contribution tracking and compliance with EPFO rules.

How to Find Your Member ID in PF?

It is simple to find your Member ID in PF if you know where to look, and you can check it using both online and offline records.

1. Check your salary slip or PF statement because most employers mention the Member ID or PF account number on monthly payslips.
2. Contact your employer or HR department, since they generate the Member ID when your PF account is created.
3. Log in to the EPFO Member Portal using your UAN, where all linked Member IDs are visible under the service history section.
4. View your PF passbook online, as the Member ID appears at the top of each passbook linked to your UAN.

These steps help you locate your Member ID quickly and ensure that your PF records are correct and up to date.

Structure or Format of Member ID

The structure of a Member ID in PF follows a standard format defined by EPFO to ensure accurate identification of both employer and employee.
 

For example, if your Member ID is DL/12345/000/0000123. 

The DL indicates the regional EPFO office. 12345 refers to the establishment code. 000 shows the extension code, and 0000123 is your employee number.

Difference Between Member ID and UAN

This is one of the most common areas of confusion for PF members. Here is a comparison that makes the difference easier to understand:
 

This comparison shows that while the Member ID keeps changing with employment, the UAN remains constant and acts as the central link for all PF accounts.

Conclusion 

A Member ID in PF means helps you track your Provident Fund savings across different jobs without confusion. Each Member ID represents your PF account with one employer, while your UAN connects all of them into one record. Always check your PF details regularly to keep your retirement savings safe and organised.

FAQs Related to Member ID in PF

Q1. How can I find my PF Member ID easily?

You can find your PF Member ID on your salary slip or by contacting your employer’s HR team. You can also log in to the EPFO Member Portal using your UAN, where all linked Member IDs are shown under your service history.

Q2. Does a change in PF Member ID affect gratuity?

No, a change in PF Member ID does not affect gratuity. Gratuity depends on your continuous service period with an employer and not on your PF Member ID or UAN.

Q3. I have two Member IDs, and my withdrawal is stuck. What should I do?

If your current Member ID shows zero contribution and your old Member ID holds the balance, you should first ensure both Member IDs are linked to the same UAN. If the portal does not allow selection, you must raise an online grievance through EPFO or CPGRAMS and request manual correction and consolidation.

Q4. Why is my PF transfer amount less than the amount deducted from my previous Member ID?

This usually happens due to timing differences in interest calculation or settlement cycles during the transfer. The interest is calculated separately up to the transfer date, which can cause the principal and interest figures to appear mismatched. Raising a grievance, as you did, is the correct step to get an official reconciliation.

Q5. What happens if my Member ID is not linked to my UAN?

If your Member ID is not linked to your UAN, you may face issues in PF transfer, withdrawal, and viewing your service history. The linking ensures that all your PF accounts are consolidated and processed smoothly.