Does your EPF account reflect errors in your name? You can now easily update your name in your EPF account with minimal hassle. Not only the name, you may apply for changes in father/mother’s name, gender, date of birth, marital status, Aadhar number, etc. All you need to do is submit the required documents to the authority. These documents are required to assess and verify the details that have to be changed.
It is crucial that your EPF account has the correct details. If there is an error in the name or other details, ensure that it is corrected without delay. In this guide, we will help you understand the process of name correction in EPF account.
Steps to Update Employee Name in EPF Account Online
To ensure accurate employee records and smooth claim processing, the name of the employee in the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) account should match the name on the Aadhaar card and official identity cards. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) offers a facility that allows employees to correct or update their names online through the Unified Member Portal. This makes it quicker and eliminates the need for physical visits.
Step-by-step guide
Visit the EPFO Unified Member Portal at https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in.
Log on with your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password.
Go to the "Manage" tab and choose "Modify Basic Details".
Input the proper name given in Aadhaar and submit.
The system shall authenticate your details through the Aadhaar-based e-KYC by UIDAI.
Upon authentication, the employer must sanction the request through their EPFO employer portal.
Upon employer sanction, the request is forwarded to the EPFO field office for verification.
When approved, the name will be updated, and the employee will be sent a confirmation SMS/email.
During FY 2024-25, 800,000 correction requests were received at EPFO, out of which about 45% got self‑approval online. This automated procedure saves the employer up to 28 days of processing time whilst dramatically increasing efficiency.
Source: PIB
Steps to Update Employee Name in EPF Account Offline
For employees who cannot access the online site or whose Aadhaar is not linked to their UAN, the name correction for EPF can be done on paper. This step requires a joint form from both the employee and the employer to be sent to the EPFO local office. The form must list both correct and incorrect names, along with valid identification proofs. After the EPFO staff check the request, they will change the records.
This way, although it takes a bit more time than the online fix, is still used a lot. This is true, mainly when some big mistakes or matches don't fit in many papers.
Changing EPF Account Name After Marriage
Name changes following marriage, particularly for women, are regular and duly accepted by EPFO. The process must be executed properly so that changes are reflected in all records.
Step-by-step guide
Log in to the EPFO Unified Member Portal.
Under the "Manage" section, choose the "Modify Basic Details" option.
Enter the new name and ensure it matches the one on your Aadhaar card.
Submit the name change application along with a supporting marriage certificate or Aadhaar update.
The request is forwarded to the employer for sanction.
On employer sanction, EPFO shall verify and update the records.
A notice is sent after the change has been done successfully.
Form Required for EPF Name Correction
The Joint Declaration Form is the primary document required to update a name in the EPF records in offline mode. This form should be jointly sponsored by both the employee and the employer and presented to the EPFO office.
Key points:
The form should have such details as incorrect name, correct name, UAN, and employee code.
Both the employer and the employee sign it and stamp it.
Provide photocopies of identity documents with the right name (self-attested).
Send to the regional office of EPFO either in person or by post.
The update is reflected in the EPF account within 15-30 working days.
The Joint Declaration Form must be presented to alter any of the 11 major profile aspects in EPF records. The form should be duly filled out, together with uploading (in the case of online JD) or personally submitted to the regional office.
Source: Livemint
Rules for Changing Name in EPF Account
The EPFO has certain guidelines to ensure requests for name correction are valid and authenticated to avoid misuse.
Major rules:
The name should match the one on the Aadhaar, PAN, or other valid government-issued IDs.
Any mismatch with Aadhaar will result in e-KYC failure, preventing online updates.
Any change by employees must be verified and approved by the employer.
EPFO can reject the request if it finds discrepancies.
Corrections should not involve nicknames or initials unless officially recognised.
Source: Livemint
Valid Documents for EPF Name Change Verification
In order to confirm and accept the request of changing a name in an EPF account, the following identity proofs shall be used.
Acceptable documents include:
Make sure all documents are self-attested and are in the same spelling and format as your name, which you want to be changed.
Source: Economic Times
Conclusion
Proper update of the name in the EPF account is essential in preventing the delay in the settlement of claims and the smooth implementation of e-KYC on the basis of Aadhaar. Although this can be done both online and offline, the online one is quicker, particularly in circumstances where minor changes occur.
Nevertheless, when it comes to the major change or the changes made after marriage, it is critical to have coherence of forms in both Aadhaar and other records. Be it a formal online procedure or a joint declaration form offline, changing your name in the EPF protects your retirement settlement and prevents problems in the future. Before proceeding with the correction request, always ensure documents are well drafted and in the latest format.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Bajaj Broking Financial Services Ltd. (BFSL) makes no recommendations to buy or sell securities.