Everything You Need to Know About PF Transfer Online

30^th Oct 2025...

Published By : Team 811

Key Takeaways

A PF transfer consolidates retirement savings under one Universal Account Number, ensuring uninterrupted interest and service continuity.
PF transfer requires an active UAN linked with Aadhaar, PAN, bank account, and verified KYC details.
Transfers can be initiated through the EPFO Member Portal under the “One Member – One EPF Account” option.
Either the previous or current employer must attest the PF transfer request digitally for processing.
Accurate employment dates, UAN details, and KYC verification help avoid transfer delays.
Tracking can be done under “Track Claim Status” on the EPFO portal or through the UMANG app.
Timely PF transfer prevents multiple inactive accounts and helps maintain steady growth of retirement funds.

Changing jobs is exciting, but it also comes with a few formalities that need attention. One of the most important is transferring your Provident Fund (PF) balance from your previous employer to your new one. Many employees overlook this step, leading to multiple PF accounts and confusion later. Fortunately, with the online process now in place, managing a PF transfer has become straightforward and convenient.

In this article, let's understand how to transfer PF from one account to another, the eligibility requirements, the step-by-step process, and why completing this transfer is crucial for your long-term savings.

Understanding PF and Why Transfer Matters

Your PF, or Employees’ Provident Fund, is a retirement savings scheme managed by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Both you and your employer contribute a fixed percentage of your basic salary each month, which grows with interest over time.

When you switch jobs, your Universal Account Number (UAN) remains the same. However, a new PF account is created under your new employer. To ensure your savings remain consolidated in a single account, you must transfer the existing balance from the old account to the new one.

If this step is skipped, your savings get split across multiple PF accounts, making it harder to track contributions, withdrawals, and interest. Therefore, completing the PF transfer online ensures your retirement funds grow in one place, and your service record remains continuous.

Eligibility for PF Transfer

Before beginning the process, make sure these basic conditions are met:

You have a valid UAN (Universal Account Number).
Your UAN is active and linked with Aadhaar, PAN, and your mobile number.
Your KYC details are verified on the EPFO portal.
Your previous and current employer are registered under the EPFO.

Once these are confirmed, you can easily complete your PF transfer online without visiting your employer or EPFO office.

Also Read: What is EPFO and How Does it Work

How to Transfer PF Online – Step-by-Step Process

Here is a detailed look at how to transfer PF online through the EPFO Member e-Seva portal.

Step 1: Log in to the EPFO Member Portal

Visit the EPFO Member e-Seva website and sign in using your UAN, password, and captcha. Make sure your mobile number linked with Aadhaar is active, as it will be used for authentication.

Step 2: Verify Personal and Employment Details

After logging in, go to the “View” section and select “Service History.” This shows your current and previous PF accounts. Verify that your name, date of joining, and date of exit are correct for both employers.

Step 3: Open the Online Transfer Option

Go to the “Online Services” tab and click on “One Member – One EPF Account (Transfer Request).” This section allows you to initiate your PF transfer request.

Step 4: Select the Employer for Verification

You’ll be asked to choose either your previous employer or current employer for attesting your transfer claim. It’s best to select the one who updates employee data more promptly on the EPFO portal.

Step 5: Enter Your PF Account Details

Your old and new PF account numbers will appear on the screen. Verify these carefully. If there are any discrepancies, contact the HR or payroll team of your previous company to update them before continuing.

Step 6: Generate and Submit OTP

Once verified, submit the request. An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Enter the OTP to authenticate your request and confirm the transfer.

Step 7: Download the Transfer Request Acknowledgement

After submission, you can download the PF transfer request form for your records. The employer you selected for attestation will receive the request and approve it digitally.

Once approved by both employers and the EPFO, your PF balance is successfully transferred to your new account. You can track the status in the “Track Claim Status” section of the portal.

Documents Required for PF Transfer

Having the correct details ready will make your PF transfer online process quick and hassle-free. Here’s what you need:

Active UAN and password for the EPFO portal.
Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account linked with UAN.
Updated KYC details verified by your employer.
Date of joining and date of exit are correctly recorded by both employers.

If any detail is incorrect, get it rectified before submitting the transfer request to avoid delays.

Checking the Status of Your PF Transfer

Once the PF transfer request is submitted, you can easily track its progress online.

Log in to the EPFO Member portal.
Go to “Online Services” and click on “Track Claim Status.”
The page will show your application number, status (submitted, under process, approved), and date of completion.

You can also check the same status on the UMANG app or by visiting your regional EPFO office if needed.

Common Reasons for PF Transfer Delays

Although transferring your PF is mostly a smooth process, sometimes delays can occur due to the following:

Incomplete KYC verification.
Incorrect or inactive UAN details.
Employer delay in updating exit date or attesting the transfer.
Mismatch between PAN or Aadhaar information.
Non-updated bank account details on the portal.

Most of these can be avoided by reviewing your details before initiating the transfer. If the claim remains pending for long, you can raise a grievance through the EPFO’s online grievance redressal portal for quick resolution.

Importance of Transferring Your PF

Transferring your PF balance ensures all your contributions are reflected under a single UAN, helping you earn uninterrupted interest on the cumulative balance. It also helps maintain an accurate employment history, which is useful for future withdrawals and pension eligibility.

Additionally, when your PF balance grows over the years, the interest compounds faster, leading to higher retirement savings. Consolidation also simplifies tracking, as you can see your total balance in one place rather than switching between multiple accounts.

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About EPF

Key Points to Remember

Always use your existing UAN when joining a new company.
Complete your KYC updates immediately after joining.
Initiate PF transfer online as soon as your new PF account is created.
Avoid closing old accounts or withdrawing funds unless necessary, as that can affect your long-term savings.

By keeping these in mind, you can ensure a seamless PF transfer experience whenever you change jobs.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to transfer PF from one account to another is essential for every salaried professional today. The process is simpler than it once was, and with the EPFO Member portal, it can be completed from the comfort of your home in just a few steps.

Your PF is a key contributor to your financial security after retirement. Keeping your funds consolidated through timely PF transfer online ensures that your savings grow steadily and without interruption. A small action today can go a long way in keeping your retirement savings safe, organised, and earning consistently for the future.

FAQs

1. Can I transfer my PF without my previous employer’s approval?

No, your PF transfer request must be attested either by your previous or current employer through the EPFO portal. However, since the process is digital, approval is usually quick once all KYC details are verified.

2. How long does a PF transfer take to complete?

A PF transfer typically takes 10 to 30 days after submission, provided both employers have approved it and there are no KYC or data mismatches. You can track the progress anytime under “Track Claim Status” on the EPFO portal.

3. Can I transfer PF if my UAN is not linked with Aadhaar?

No. Linking your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account with your UAN is mandatory before you can initiate a PF transfer online. Without this, your request will not be processed by the EPFO system.

4. What happens if I don’t transfer my old PF account?

If you don’t transfer your PF balance, your previous account becomes inactive after three years of no contributions. You will stop earning interest on that account, and managing multiple accounts later can become difficult during withdrawal.