7 UAN Verification Platforms HR Teams Use to Validate Work History in 2026
Why UAN Verification Is Replacing Reference Calls in Indian HR
For decades, verifying a candidate’s work history meant one thing: calling the previous employer. An HR executive would dial the number on the experience letter, ask a few questions, note down the answers, and file the call record. If nobody picked up, which happened often, the check was marked “inconclusive” and the candidate was onboarded anyway.
In 2026, this process is being replaced by something faster, cheaper, and fundamentally more reliable: UAN verification.
UAN (Universal Account Number) is the unique identifier that links an employee to every Provident Fund account they have ever held. When an employer contributes to an employee’s PF, the EPFO database records the company name, joining date, exit date, and contribution amount against the employee’s UAN. This data is created by employers, not employees. A candidate cannot add, edit, or delete entries in the EPFO database.
The shift to UAN verification is driven by hard data. EY’s study of over one million screenings found that 85% of all discrepancies were caught through employment verification. AuthBridge’s H2 2025 data showed that 18.8% of profiles had misrepresented information and the IT/ITES sector had a 9.46% discrepancy rate. DigiVerifier’s research confirms that UAN checks are gaining popularity in India’s digital workforce as the most reliable employment validation method.
The result: HR teams that once spent 3–5 days waiting for a reference call to connect now get government-verified work history in minutes.
This guide reviews 7 UAN verification platforms that Indian HR teams use in 2026 from self-serve browser tools to API-based platforms and enterprise solutions, ranked by speed, cost, and ease of use.
What UAN Verification Returns and Why HR Teams Trust It Over Resumes
Data Fields in a UAN Verification Result
| Field | What It Shows | Why HR Teams Trust It |
|---|---|---|
| Employer/Establishment Name | Company name as registered with EPFO | Created by the employer through PF filing, not by the candidate |
| Date of Joining | The month the employer started PF contributions | Cannot be inflated by the candidate |
| Date of Exit | The month PF contributions stopped | Cannot be extended by the candidate |
| Member ID | The employee’s PF account number at that employer | Proves the employee had an active PF account |
| Monthly Wage (PF basis) | The basic salary on which PF was calculated | Indicates salary band (cannot be fabricated) |
| PF Contribution | Employer and employee PF amounts | Active contributions prove active employment |
| UAN Status | Active or Inactive | Confirms the UAN is valid |
Why UAN Data Is More Trustworthy Than Other Sources
| Source | Who Creates the Data | Can Candidate Manipulate? | Completeness | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAN/EPFO records | Employer (through PF contributions) | No | Every EPFO-registered employer | Minutes |
| Resume | Candidate | Yes (fully controlled by candidate) | Whatever candidate chooses to include | Instant but unreliable |
| Experience letter | Candidate (or forger) | Yes (letters can be fabricated) | One employer per letter | Instant but unreliable |
| LinkedIn profile | Candidate | Yes (candidate controls their profile) | Whatever candidate chooses to display | Instant but unreliable |
| Reference call | Previous employer HR | Partially (fake numbers possible) | Single employer, if HR responds | 1–5 days |
| Salary slip | Candidate-provided | Yes (can be edited) | One month, one employer | Instant but unreliable |
6 Things UAN Data Reveals That Resumes Cannot
| What UAN Reveals | What It Means for HR |
|---|---|
| An employer listed on the resume has no EPFO record for this candidate | The candidate likely never worked there |
| EPFO shows an employer the resume does not mention | The candidate is hiding a past employer (possible termination) |
| Joining/exit dates differ from resume claims by months | The candidate inflated their tenure |
| Two employers contributed PF during the same months | The candidate was moonlighting (dual employment) |
| No EPFO records despite claiming 5+ years of experience | The candidate worked only in informal-sector companies, or the UAN is wrong |
| PF contribution amount is very low for the claimed designation | The candidate may be inflating their title or salary |
Quick Comparison: 7 UAN Verification Platforms for HR Teams
| Platform | Who Uses It | Data Returned | Speed | Cost | Self-Serve | Additional Checks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SalaryBox Verify | HR teams (browser) | Past employers, joining/exit dates, PF contributions | Minutes | Rs. 499 (includes PAN + Voter ID + DL) | Yes | PAN, Voter ID, DL identity checks | HR teams wanting UAN + identity checks in one session, no API |
| DigiVerifier | HR teams (dashboard) | Employment timeline, overlap detection, moonlighting flags | Minutes | Custom | Dashboard | Social media screening, digital reference checks | IT/BPO companies focused on moonlighting detection |
| SurePass | Developers (API) | Employer names, joining/exit dates, UAN details | Seconds | Custom per-call | API only | PAN, Aadhaar, DL, Voter ID, Passport APIs | Developers building UAN checks into HRMS |
| AuthBridge | Enterprise (portal) | Employer names, designation, tenure, exit reason, rehire | 2–5 days | Custom enterprise | No | Full suite: criminal, education, address | Enterprises needing UAN + manual employer outreach |
| Gridlines/Perfios | Developers (API) | Employer names, UAN details, contribution data | Seconds | Custom per-call | API only | PAN, Aadhaar, DL, bank account APIs | HRMS and fintech platforms embedding EPFO checks |
| OnGrid | Developers (API) | Employer history, UAN validation, DigiLocker | Seconds | Custom per-call | API only | PAN, Aadhaar, DL, DigiLocker, court records | Tech teams building UAN + education checks together |
| Cashfree | Developers (API) | Advanced employment details, employer names, tenure | Seconds | Custom per-call | API only | PAN, Aadhaar, Voter ID, bank verification | Fintech platforms adding employment checks to onboarding |
Key takeaway: SalaryBox Verify is the best choice for HR teams that need UAN-based work history validation without API integration, developer resources, or enterprise sales cycles. At Rs. 499, it covers UAN/EPFO employment history plus PAN, Voter ID, and DL — giving HR a complete candidate profile in minutes.
1. SalaryBox Verify — UAN + Identity Verification at Rs. 499, No API Needed
Website: salarybox.in/verify
What it does: SalaryBox Verify checks a candidate’s UAN against the EPFO government database and returns every employer that contributed PF, along with joining dates, exit dates, and contribution details. In the same session, it also verifies PAN, Voter ID, and Driving Licence — so you validate work history and confirm identity in one check.
UAN verification details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data source | EPFO government database |
| Input | Candidate’s UAN |
| Output | Past employer names, joining/exit dates, PF contributions |
| Speed | Minutes |
| Cost | Rs. 499 per candidate (includes PAN + Voter ID + DL) |
| Report | PDF with masked sensitive data |
| Who can use it | Any HR team member (browser-based) |
| API needed | No |
| Sales call needed | No |
| Minimum volumes | None |
Why HR teams choose it for UAN verification:
- The only self-serve UAN platform that is not an API: DigiVerifier has a dashboard but custom pricing. SurePass, Gridlines, OnGrid, and Cashfree are all API-only. SalaryBox Verify is the only platform where any HR team member can enter a UAN in a browser and get EPFO results in minutes.
- Rs. 499 covers UAN + 3 identity checks: Employment history plus PAN, Voter ID, and DL verification. No other platform bundles all four at this price.
- No developer resources needed: Unlike SurePass (API), Gridlines (API), OnGrid (API), and Cashfree (API), no coding, integration, or sandbox testing required.
- No enterprise sales cycle: Unlike AuthBridge (sales + contract + onboarding), sign up and start checking today.
- PDF report for employee files: Government-verified employment data in a downloadable, audit-ready report.
- Detects fabricated experience, moonlighting, and hidden employers: The EPFO timeline shows everything — overlaps, gaps, and missing companies.
How to validate work history on SalaryBox Verify:
- Sign up at salarybox.in/verify
- Enter the candidate’s UAN number
- Select UAN/EPFO Employment History (optionally add PAN, Voter ID, DL)
- Review billing (Rs. 499) and confirm
- EPFO employment history appears within minutes
- Compare each employer and date against the candidate’s resume
- Download PDF report for the employee file
Limitation: Does not provide designation, performance feedback, or rehire eligibility (which manual employer outreach provides). Cannot detect freelance moonlighting (no PF trail). Does not cover employers with fewer than 20 employees.
Best for: Every HR team, startup to mid-size, that wants UAN-based work history validation in a browser, without API setup or enterprise contracts.
2. DigiVerifier — Dashboard-Based UAN Verification With Moonlighting Focus
What it does: DigiVerifier provides UAN-based employment verification through a dashboard interface with a specific focus on moonlighting detection. Their platform flags overlapping PF contributions and provides dedicated dual employment alerts. They also offer digital reference checks and social media screening alongside UAN verification.
UAN verification details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data source | EPFO database |
| Input | Candidate’s UAN |
| Output | Employment timeline, employer names, overlap alerts, moonlighting flags |
| Speed | Minutes |
| Cost | Custom pricing |
| Interface | Dashboard (not API-only) |
| Additional checks | Social media screening, digital reference checks |
Strengths:
- Dashboard-based — more accessible than API-only tools for HR teams
- Dedicated moonlighting detection with automated overlap flagging
- Published research on red flags in employee history via UAN verification
- Research confirms UAN checks are gaining popularity in India’s digital workforce
- Combines EPFO data with social media analysis for comprehensive screening
Limitations:
- Custom pricing — not as transparent as SalaryBox Verify’s Rs. 499
- No PAN, Voter ID, or DL verification included
- Social media screening may generate false positives
- Smaller market presence than AuthBridge or SalaryBox
- Dashboard less mature for non-moonlighting use cases
Best for: IT and BPO companies where moonlighting is the primary concern and where automated overlap alerting adds value over manual EPFO timeline review.
3. SurePass — Employment History by UAN API for Developer Teams
What it does: SurePass offers a dedicated Employment History by UAN API that returns the complete EPFO record linked to a candidate’s UAN. Developers integrate this endpoint into their HRMS, ATS, or onboarding platform for automated work history validation.
UAN verification details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data source | EPFO (via API) |
| Input | Candidate’s UAN |
| Output | Employer names, joining/exit dates, UAN validation status |
| Speed | Seconds (API response) |
| Cost | Custom per-call pricing |
| Interface | API only (REST) |
| Additional checks | PAN, Aadhaar, DL, Voter ID, Passport, RC APIs available separately |
Strengths:
- Dedicated Employment History by UAN endpoint (not just UAN validation)
- Seconds-fast API response for real-time onboarding flows
- Well-documented API with sandbox testing environment
- Part of SurePass’s broader identity verification API suite
- Fintech-grade uptime and reliability
Limitations:
- API only — requires developer resources to integrate and maintain
- No self-serve dashboard for HR teams
- PAN, DL, Voter ID must be called as separate endpoints (not bundled)
- Custom pricing requires sales discussion
- No PDF report — raw JSON output
Best for: Engineering teams building automated UAN work history checks into their company’s HRMS or onboarding platform.
4. AuthBridge — UAN Verification + Manual Employer Outreach for Enterprises
What it does: AuthBridge offers UAN verification as part of their comprehensive employment screening. They cross-reference EPFO data with manual outreach to the previous employer’s HR department, providing both government data (employer names, tenure) and subjective feedback (designation, performance, rehire eligibility).
UAN verification details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data source | EPFO database + manual employer HR outreach |
| Input | Candidate’s UAN + previous employer details |
| Output | EPFO cross-reference, designation, tenure, exit reason, rehire status |
| Speed | 2–5 business days |
| Cost | Custom enterprise pricing (Rs. 1,500–Rs. 5,000+) |
| Interface | Enterprise portal |
| Additional checks | Criminal, education, address, drug testing, credit |
Strengths:
- Combines UAN/EPFO government data with manual employer verification for double confirmation
- Provides designation and rehire eligibility (which EPFO alone does not show)
- AuthBridge independently sources employer HR contacts (not candidate-provided)
- AuthBridge H2 2025: 18.8% misrepresented profiles, 9.46% IT/ITES discrepancy rate
- Enterprise-grade reports suitable for audit and legal proceedings
Limitations:
- 2–5 day turnaround — candidate may be onboarded before results arrive
- Enterprise pricing (3x–10x the cost of SalaryBox Verify)
- Requires sales consultation, annual contract, and minimum volumes
- Manual outreach depends on previous employer HR responding
- Overkill for most HR teams that just need EPFO work history
Best for: Large enterprises and regulated industries that need UAN data combined with manual employer verification including designation, performance, and rehire eligibility.
5. Gridlines/Perfios — EPFO API for HRMS and Fintech Platforms
What it does: Gridlines (a Perfios company) provides an EPFO verification API that returns employment history linked to a UAN. Originally built for fintech KYC and lending decisioning, the same API is now used by HRMS platforms to verify candidate work history during onboarding.
UAN verification details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data source | EPFO (via API) |
| Input | Candidate’s UAN |
| Output | Employer names, UAN validation, contribution data |
| Speed | Seconds (API response) |
| Cost | Custom per-call pricing |
| Interface | API only |
| Additional checks | PAN, Aadhaar, DL, Voter ID, bank account APIs |
Strengths:
- Fintech-grade reliability (used by banks and NBFCs for employment verification in lending)
- Part of Perfios ecosystem with broad identity and financial data APIs
- Well-documented API with integration support
- Published blog specifically on streamlining employee verification with EPFO API
- Enterprise-grade uptime and compliance
Limitations:
- API only; requires developer resources
- Primarily designed for fintech; HR-specific features limited
- No self-serve dashboard for HR teams
- Pricing requires enterprise discussion
- No PDF report generation
Best for: HRMS platforms and payroll companies building EPFO employment verification into their SaaS product for their HR customers.
6. OnGrid — UAN Verification With DigiLocker Integration
What it does: OnGrid provides UAN-based employment verification via API alongside DigiLocker integration for pulling verified academic documents. Their published research on UAN-based employment verification and the growing need for UAN checks positions them as a domain expert in this space.
UAN verification details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data source | EPFO (via API) |
| Input | Candidate’s UAN |
| Output | Employer history, UAN validation, employment timeline |
| Speed | Seconds (API response) |
| Cost | Custom per-call pricing |
| Interface | API only |
| Additional checks | PAN, Aadhaar, DL, DigiLocker (degree pull), court records |
Strengths:
- Combines UAN employment verification with DigiLocker degree verification in one API platform
- Published research on UAN-based employment verification validates domain expertise
- Research on the growing need for UAN checks in India’s workforce
- FY 2024-25 data: 3.6 lakh individuals with BGV failures
- API-first architecture for custom onboarding integrations
Limitations:
- API only; requires developer resources
- No self-serve dashboard for HR teams
- Pricing requires sales negotiation
- Employment history depth may vary
- No identity checks (PAN, Voter ID, DL) in the UAN endpoint
Best for: Tech companies that want UAN employment verification and DigiLocker education verification in a single API platform.
7. Cashfree — Advanced Employment Verification API
What it does: Cashfree offers an Advanced Employment Verification API that retrieves employment details including employer names and tenure from EPFO records. Originally built for their Secure ID onboarding product, it is now available for HR and lending platforms needing automated employment checks.
UAN verification details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Data source | EPFO (via API) |
| Input | Candidate’s UAN or Aadhaar-linked details |
| Output | Employer names, employment tenure, advanced details |
| Speed | Seconds (API response) |
| Cost | Custom per-call pricing |
| Interface | API only |
| Additional checks | PAN, Aadhaar, Voter ID, bank verification, Secure ID onboarding |
Strengths:
- “Advanced Employment” endpoint provides deeper data than basic UAN validation
- Part of Cashfree’s broader onboarding product (Secure ID) for seamless KYC + employment checks
- Well-documented API with developer sandbox
- Strong fintech infrastructure (Cashfree processes billions in payments)
- Bank verification API alongside employment checks is useful for payroll setup
Limitations:
- API only; requires developer resources
- Primarily built for fintech onboarding; HR-specific features limited
- Pricing requires sales discussion
- No self-serve dashboard for HR teams
- No DL, Voter ID, or criminal checks in the employment endpoint
Best for: Fintech-first companies and platforms that already use Cashfree for payments and want to add EPFO employment verification to their existing Cashfree integration.
→ Need UAN verification without API setup? Try SalaryBox Verify at Rs. 499
UAN Verification Decision Matrix: Self-Serve vs. API vs. Enterprise
| Your Situation | Best Platform Type | Recommended Tool | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| HR team, no developers, need to check candidates before onboarding | Self-serve (browser) | SalaryBox Verify | Rs. 499, instant, no API, no sales call |
| HR team with moonlighting as primary concern | Dashboard | DigiVerifier | Dedicated moonlighting overlap flagging |
| Company with in-house HRMS wanting automated UAN checks | API | SurePass or Gridlines | Fast API, well-documented, scriptable |
| Company building custom onboarding platform | API | OnGrid or Cashfree | UAN + DigiLocker (OnGrid) or UAN + payments (Cashfree) |
| Enterprise with 500+ employees needing designation and rehire data | Enterprise BGV | AuthBridge | UAN + manual outreach + compliance reports |
| Startup hiring 10–50 people/year, zero BGV budget historically | Self-serve (browser) | SalaryBox Verify | Cheapest entry point at Rs. 499 per check |
| IT company running quarterly moonlighting audits | Dashboard + API | DigiVerifier or SalaryBox Verify | Periodic checks at scale |
| Recruitment agency verifying candidates for multiple clients | Self-serve (browser) | SalaryBox Verify | No minimum volumes, pay per check, instant results |
Cost Comparison by Company Size
| Company Size | Annual Hires | SalaryBox Verify | DigiVerifier | SurePass (API) | AuthBridge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Startup (25 hires) | 25 | Rs. 12,475 | Custom | Custom + dev cost | Rs. 37,500–Rs. 1,25,000 |
| Mid-size (100 hires) | 100 | Rs. 49,900 | Custom | Custom + dev cost | Rs. 1,50,000–Rs. 5,00,000 |
| Large (500 hires) | 500 | Rs. 2,49,500 | Custom | Custom + dev cost | Rs. 7,50,000–Rs. 25,00,000 |
At every company size, SalaryBox Verify at Rs. 499 is the most affordable UAN verification option for HR teams without developer resources. API tools add developer cost on top of per-call pricing. Enterprise tools add sales cycles and annual contracts.
How to Read UAN Verification Results: A Practical Guide for HR
Step 1: Get the Candidate’s UAN
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Ask in the offer acceptance form | Add “UAN Number” as a required field |
| From their PF passbook or salary slip | UAN is printed on PF statements |
| Candidate retrieves from EPFO portal | Login with Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in |
Step 2: Run the Check (SalaryBox Verify Example)
| Action | Time |
|---|---|
| Enter UAN on salarybox.in/verify | 10 seconds |
| Select UAN/EPFO Employment History | 5 seconds |
| Confirm Rs. 499 billing | 10 seconds |
| Wait for EPFO results | 1–3 minutes |
| Download PDF report | 10 seconds |
Step 3: Compare EPFO Data Against the Resume
| Resume Claim | EPFO Data | Interpretation | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| “ABC Corp, 2020–2023” | ABC Corp shows 2020–2023 | Match — work history is genuine | Proceed with onboarding |
| “ABC Corp, 2020–2023” | ABC Corp shows 2021–2022 | Tenure inflated by 1+ year | Ask candidate to explain |
| “ABC Corp, 2020–2023” | No record of ABC Corp | Likely fabricated employment | Escalate immediately |
| No mention of DEF Ltd | DEF Ltd appears for 2019–2020 | Hidden employer | Ask why it was omitted |
| “Career break 2022” | PF from GHI Inc during 2022 | Candidate was employed, not on break | Investigate |
| “Only work at ABC Corp” | ABC Corp + XYZ Ltd same dates | Moonlighting detected | Review per dual employment policy |
| “Senior Manager at ABC Corp” | PF basis wage Rs. 15,000 | Designation likely inflated (low PF for senior role) | Cross-check with AuthBridge |
Step 4: Document and Decide
| Outcome | Action | Tool |
|---|---|---|
| All employers match, dates match | Proceed with onboarding | SalaryBox Verify (completed) |
| Minor date discrepancy (1–2 months) | Note discrepancy, proceed with caution | SalaryBox Verify (completed) |
| Major discrepancy (employer missing or dates wildly different) | Confront candidate with EPFO evidence, request explanation | SalaryBox Verify PDF report |
| Fabricated employer confirmed | Revoke offer, document in file | SalaryBox Verify PDF report |
| Moonlighting detected | Follow company’s dual employment policy | SalaryBox Verify PDF report |
FAQs: UAN Verification for HR Teams in 2026
1. What is UAN verification and how does it help HR teams?
UAN (Universal Account Number) verification checks a candidate’s employment history against the EPFO government database. It returns every employer that contributed PF for the candidate, with joining dates, exit dates, and contribution amounts. HR teams use it to validate the work history claimed on a resume against tamper-proof government records.
2. Which is the best UAN verification platform for non-technical HR teams?
SalaryBox Verify is the best option for non-technical HR teams. It is the only UAN verification platform that works in a browser without API integration, developer resources, or enterprise sales cycles. At Rs. 499 per candidate, it includes UAN/EPFO employment history plus PAN, Voter ID, and DL checks.
3. How much does UAN verification cost?
SalaryBox Verify charges Rs. 499 per candidate (includes UAN + PAN + Voter ID + DL). DigiVerifier uses custom pricing. SurePass, Gridlines, OnGrid, and Cashfree charge custom per-API-call pricing plus developer integration costs. AuthBridge includes UAN in enterprise packages at Rs. 1,500–Rs. 5,000+ per candidate.
4. Can UAN verification detect all types of employment fraud?
UAN verification detects fabricated employers, inflated tenure, hidden employers, and moonlighting — provided both employers are EPFO-registered (20+ employees). It cannot detect freelance moonlighting (no PF trail), designation inflation (EPFO does not record job titles), or employment at very small companies not registered with EPFO.
5. How do I get a candidate’s UAN number?
Add UAN as a required field in your offer acceptance form or onboarding checklist. Candidates can find their UAN on PF passbooks, salary slips from previous employers, or by logging into the EPFO Member Portal (unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in) using their Aadhaar, PAN, or bank account details.
6. Can I verify current employees’ UAN, not just new hires?
Yes. UAN verification works for anyone with a UAN, whether they are a new hire or current employee. Many IT companies now run quarterly UAN checks on existing employees to detect moonlighting. Ensure your employment contract or company policy authorises periodic UAN verification.
7. What if a candidate does not have a UAN?
Candidates who have only worked for companies with fewer than 20 employees (not EPFO-registered) may not have a UAN. Fresh graduates with no prior employment also will not have a UAN. In these cases, UAN verification is not applicable. Use PAN and Voter ID verification through SalaryBox Verify to at least confirm their identity.
8. Is UAN verification legally permissible for employers?
Yes. UAN verification checks government PF records to validate employment claims. Under the DPDP Act 2023, obtain the candidate’s informed consent before processing their UAN data. Most companies include a verification consent clause in their offer letters or onboarding forms.
9. How is UAN verification different from calling the previous employer?
UAN verification queries government records created by employers through PF contributions. The data cannot be fabricated by candidates. Reference calls rely on reaching the previous employer’s HR (who may not respond) using a phone number that may be fake. UAN data is tamper-proof; reference calls are not. UAN checks take minutes; reference calls take 1–5 days.
10. Should I replace reference calls entirely with UAN verification?
Not entirely, but UAN verification should be the first check for every hire. EPFO data answers the most important question: did the candidate actually work where they claim? Reference calls answer secondary questions: how did they perform, would you rehire them? For most hires, UAN verification at Rs. 499 is sufficient. Add reference calls for senior or sensitive roles where performance context matters.
