How to Transfer PF from Old Company to New Company – Changing jobs is a normal part of working life. However, when you join a new company, you may wonder what happens to the Provident Fund (PF) savings accumulated through your previous employer.
The good news is that you can transfer your eligible Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) balance from your old company to your new company through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). In many cases, the process can be completed online using your Universal Account Number (UAN).
Transferring your PF helps keep your retirement savings and employment-related records together. It can also make it easier to manage your PF account when you change jobs again in the future.
In this guide, you will learn how to transfer PF from an old company to a new company online, what details you need, how to check the transfer status, and what to do if your application gets delayed.
Quick Overview of PF Transfer
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Service | EPF account transfer |
| Organisation | Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) |
| Main identification number | Universal Account Number (UAN) |
| Transfer claim form | Form 13 |
| Application method | Online, where eligible |
| Official member portal | https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/ |
| Main purpose | Transfer eligible PF savings and relevant service details to the current account |
1. What Is a PF Transfer?
A PF transfer means moving your accumulated provident fund balance from your previous employer’s PF account to the account associated with your current employment.
When you leave one company and join another, your new employer may create a new PF member ID under your existing UAN. Your old PF balance does not necessarily appear in the new member account automatically in every situation.
Eligible members can use EPFO’s transfer facility to move the previous account balance and relevant service details to the current account.
EPFO uses Form 13 for PF account transfers. The organisation has also simplified the transfer process, including reducing employer-approval requirements in many cases.
For the official announcement, visit the Press Information Bureau website.
2. Why Should You Transfer PF After Changing Jobs?
Transferring your PF after changing jobs can help you manage your savings and employment history more conveniently.
Here are some important benefits.
Keeps your PF savings together: Transferring the previous balance to your current PF account makes it easier to review your accumulated savings.
Helps maintain service records: Relevant employment and pensionable-service details can be carried forward according to the applicable rules.
Makes account management easier: You can manage your current and previous employment-related PF information through your UAN.
May help with tax-related service-period calculations: Qualifying previous service can be relevant when determining the tax treatment of PF withdrawals. The applicable tax rules and individual circumstances must be considered.
Supports long-term retirement planning: Keeping track of your PF savings helps you understand how much you have accumulated during your working years.
Remember that transferring PF is different from withdrawing it. A transfer moves eligible savings between PF accounts, while a withdrawal pays out money under the applicable rules.
3. What Do You Need Before Transferring PF Online?
Before starting your PF transfer, check the following details.
- Your UAN should be available and usable for member-portal services.
- You should have access to your UAN login credentials.
- Your previous and current employment details should be correctly recorded.
- Your date of exit from the previous company should be updated where required.
- Your Aadhaar and other required KYC information should be correctly linked and verified according to the applicable process.
- Your bank and personal details should be accurate.
- Your current PF member ID should be available in the account.
The exact requirements may depend on your account and the transfer route available to you.
If your previous employer’s records contain incorrect information, resolve the relevant issue before proceeding where possible.
4. How to Transfer PF from Old Company to New Company Online
Follow these steps to submit a PF transfer request through the official EPFO member portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official EPFO Member Portal
Open the official EPFO Member e-Sewa website:
https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface
Always check the website address before entering your login details.
Step 2: Log In Using Your UAN
Enter your UAN, password, and the verification information requested on the page.
After successful login, you should reach your member dashboard.
If you cannot remember your password, use the password-recovery option available on the official portal.
Step 3: Open the Online Services Menu
Look for the Online Services menu in your member dashboard.
Select the option for transferring your PF account, commonly displayed as an option to transfer your account from a previous employer.
The exact wording and available options may change as EPFO updates its portal.
Step 4: Check Your Personal Information
Review the personal information displayed on the screen.
Check that your name, date of birth, UAN, and other relevant details are correct. If you find a mismatch, follow the official correction process before submitting the request if the mismatch affects your eligibility.
Step 5: Enter or Select Your Previous Employment Details
The portal may ask you to identify your previous PF account.
Select the appropriate previous employer or member ID from the available records. If the information is not displayed automatically, follow the instructions provided on the portal.
Check the previous employment details carefully before proceeding.
Step 6: Select the Available Verification Route
Depending on the transfer process available to you, the portal may show whether any employer attestation is required and which employer can verify the claim.
EPFO has simplified the process so that employer approval is no longer required in many cases. However, not every account or transfer request follows the same route.
Follow the verification instructions displayed for your application rather than assuming that approval from an employer is always necessary or never necessary.
Step 7: Verify and Submit the Transfer Request
Review the details of your old PF account and current PF account.
Complete the required authentication and submit the request if the portal confirms that you are eligible.
Save the acknowledgement or reference details shown after submission.
Step 8: Track Your Transfer Request
After submitting the application, use the official EPFO member portal or the applicable claim-status facility to check the progress.
The time required for processing can vary depending on the account, verification requirements, and EPFO processing.
Once the transfer is completed, review your current PF passbook to confirm that the transferred amount has been credited correctly.
5. Is PF Transferred Automatically After Joining a New Company?
In some cases, yes. Eligible members may benefit from EPFO’s auto-transfer process when their new employment is linked appropriately to their existing UAN.
However, automatic transfer should not be assumed for every member.
The availability of auto-transfer can depend on factors such as employment records, Aadhaar verification, account eligibility, and the applicable EPFO process.
After joining your new company, check your UAN account and PF passbook to see whether a transfer has been initiated or completed.
If the old PF balance is not transferred and no automatic request appears, check the online transfer facility to determine whether you need to submit a transfer claim.
EPFO announced major simplifications to the transfer process in January and April 2025. Read the official updates here:
- EPFO transfer-process simplification — January 2025
- EPFO revamped Form 13 transfer functionality — April 2025
6. How to Check PF Transfer Status Online
After submitting your PF transfer request, you may want to know whether it has been approved or completed.
You can begin by checking the available services on the official EPFO portal.
- Visit the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal.
- Log in using your UAN and password.
- Open the relevant online services or claim-status section.
- Find the transfer request or claim details available to your account.
- Review the latest status and any instructions displayed.
You can also visit the EPFO official website to find the appropriate member services.
How to Confirm That Your PF Has Been Transferred
Checking the status alone may not be enough to confirm that the amount has reached your current account.
You should also review your PF passbook.
Visit the EPFO Passbook Portal, sign in, and select the relevant member ID.
Check the transaction entries for the transfer and compare the available balance with your previous account records.
If the transfer status and passbook information do not match, allow for any processing delay and contact EPFO if the discrepancy remains unresolved.
7. What Is Form 13 in PF Transfer?
Form 13 is the prescribed transfer claim form used to transfer PF accumulations from a previous account to the current account.
It may also cover relevant pension-service details, subject to the applicable rules and the member’s circumstances.
Members who cannot complete an eligible online transfer may need to follow the applicable alternative procedure, which can include a physical transfer claim.
You can find the official form here:
Before using a physical form, check the current instructions and confirm where it should be submitted. Do not assume that every member must submit a paper application.
8. Common PF Transfer Problems and Their Solutions
Sometimes, members cannot complete their transfer request because of incorrect records or verification issues.
The following guidance may help.
Problem 1: Previous PF Account Is Not Showing
Your old PF account may not appear because the employment records are incomplete, the member ID is not properly linked, or the portal requires additional information.
Check your previous employment details and UAN records. If the account is still missing, contact the relevant employer or EPFO for guidance.
Problem 2: Date of Exit Is Missing
Your date of exit from the previous employer may be required for the transfer process.
Check whether the date has been recorded correctly in your member account. If it is missing or incorrect, follow the applicable EPFO procedure to update it.
If the date cannot be updated through the available member services, contact your former employer or EPFO.
Problem 3: Aadhaar or KYC Details Are Incorrect
A mismatch in your name, date of birth, Aadhaar information, or other KYC details may prevent the system from processing your request.
Review the information recorded in your UAN account and follow the official correction process.
Do not create a duplicate account or provide false information to bypass verification.
Problem 4: The Portal Shows That a Transfer Claim Is Not Available
Not every member will see the same transfer options.
Check whether your old and current PF member IDs are linked correctly and whether your employment records meet the relevant conditions.
If an automatic transfer is already underway, review its status before submitting another request.
Problem 5: The Previous Employer Is Not Responding
Employer involvement is no longer required in many transfer cases, but some situations may still need employer verification or record correction.
Check the instructions shown on your claim. If you need assistance, contact EPFO or raise a grievance through the official grievance portal.
EPFiGMS — EPFO Grievance Management System
Problem 6: PF Transfer Is Delayed
A transfer may take longer if records need correction, verification is incomplete, or the claim requires additional processing.
Check the latest status and look for any pending action. If the request remains unresolved, submit a grievance with the available claim reference and relevant details.
Avoid submitting duplicate claims without first checking the existing request.
9. Can You Transfer PF Without Your Old Employer’s Approval?
In many cases, an eligible member can submit a transfer request without routing it through the previous employer.
EPFO’s revised process has removed the requirement for employer approval in the majority of cases. However, exceptions may apply depending on the member’s records and the type of claim.
If your portal requests employer verification, follow the instructions provided. If you believe the verification requirement is incorrect or the employer is unavailable, contact EPFO through an official support channel.
You can read the government’s explanation of the revised process on the Press Information Bureau website.
10. Should You Transfer PF or Withdraw It After Changing Jobs?
If you have joined another company and remain eligible for EPF membership, transferring your previous PF balance is often a practical way to keep your retirement savings together.
Consider the differences before deciding.
| PF transfer | PF withdrawal |
|---|---|
| Moves eligible savings to the current PF account | Pays out money under applicable withdrawal rules |
| Helps maintain continuity of PF records | May affect long-term retirement savings |
| Relevant service details may be carried forward | Tax consequences may apply, depending on the circumstances |
| Usually suitable when continuing eligible employment | Availability depends on the applicable withdrawal conditions |
A withdrawal is not automatically the correct choice simply because you have changed jobs. Review the rules, your employment situation, and your financial needs before making a decision.
11. Important Tips for a Smooth PF Transfer
Before submitting your request, keep these practical points in mind.
- Use your existing UAN when joining a new company, wherever applicable.
- Check that your new employer has linked your employment to the correct UAN.
- Review the date of exit from your previous job.
- Keep your personal and KYC information accurate.
- Check whether an automatic transfer has already been initiated.
- Save your claim acknowledgement and review the transfer status.
- Compare the previous and current passbook entries after the transfer.
- Use only official EPFO websites and services.
Never share your UAN password or OTP with an unknown person claiming to speed up your PF transfer. EPFO warns members against fraudulent calls and messages seeking confidential information.
12. Frequently Asked Questions About PF Transfer
Q1. How can I transfer PF from my old company to my new company?
Log in to the official EPFO Member e-Sewa portal, open Online Services, select the available PF transfer option, review your previous employment details, complete the required verification, and submit the request if eligible.
Q2. What is the form number for PF transfer?
Form 13 is the prescribed form for transferring PF from a previous account to a current account.
Q3. Is PF transfer automatic after changing jobs?
Automatic transfer may be available for eligible members. Check your UAN account and passbook to confirm whether a transfer has been initiated or completed.
Q4. Can I transfer PF without my previous employer’s approval?
Yes, employer approval is no longer required in many cases under EPFO’s revised process. However, some cases may still require verification or correction of employment records.
Q5. Do I need a new UAN when I join another company?
In general, you should provide your existing UAN to your new employer so that your new PF member ID can be linked appropriately. If you have multiple UANs, follow EPFO’s instructions to resolve the issue.
Q6. How long does PF transfer take?
Processing time varies depending on the account, verification requirements, and EPFO workload. Check the official transfer status for the latest information rather than relying on a guaranteed number of days.
Q7. What should I do if my old PF account is not visible?
Check your employment records and confirm that your previous member ID is linked correctly. If the account remains unavailable, contact your employer or EPFO.
Q8. Can I transfer PF if my date of exit is missing?
You may need to update the date of exit before completing the transfer. Follow the applicable EPFO process and contact your former employer if necessary.
Q9. How do I know whether my PF transfer is complete?
Check the transfer request status and review your current PF passbook for the relevant transfer entry. If the information is inconsistent, seek clarification through official EPFO channels.
Q10. Is PF transfer free?
You can use the official EPFO transfer service without paying an unofficial agent. Be cautious of anyone demanding money to guarantee approval or faster processing.
Conclusion
Transferring your PF from an old company to a new company helps you manage your retirement savings and employment-related records more conveniently.
The process generally involves logging in to the official EPFO portal, checking your previous employment details, selecting the available transfer service, completing any required verification, and tracking the request until it is completed.
Because EPFO has simplified the process, many eligible members may not need employer approval. However, requirements can vary from one account to another, so always follow the instructions displayed on the official portal.
For the latest information, visit the EPFO official website or the EPFO Member e-Sewa portal.
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