Your EPFO submission failed! You were almost done, maybe registering your DSC in EPFO, approving a claim, or filing a return. But just before finishing, an error popped up. Now you're stuck, and you're not sure what went wrong.
Don't worry, it happens to a lot of people. These issues are very common in the EPFO portal is known for small glitches, failed logins, and DSC-related errors that can stop everything. This can lead to delays or failed submissions.
Here, you can easily see a step-by-step guide for common DSC-related issues for EPFO troubleshooting and maintenance online. You don't need any technical background. Just clear solutions to common DSC EPFO errors that anyone can follow.
DSC EPFO: Common Issues Faced While Using Certificate
1. DSC Token Not Recognized by the System
By the three cases, you can tell that your DSC Token is not recognized by the system:
- The DSC token light doesn't blink
- The EPFO portal fails to detect any certificate
- The dropdown for selecting DSC in EPFO remains blank.
Solution:A. Basic USB Check
- Plug the token into a different USB port.
- Try another USB port on the back of your PC (these get more power).
- Check on another computer to confirm whether the issue is with the token or the system.
B. Check Device Manager
- Press Windows + X –> Device Manager –> Universal Serial Bus controllers
- Look for:
Any yellow warning symbol, or Unknown device, or error messages.
If found: Right-click (Mouse) and select Update Driver or Uninstall –> Reinsert token → Reboot
C. Reinstall Token Driver (Middleware)
- Uninstall any existing driver/middleware.
- Download the latest version from your token provider:
Capricorn – https://www.certificate.digital/hardware/
- Install as Administrator.
- Reboot the system.
D. Check Windows Services & Permissions
- Go to Services.msc and ensure the smart card service is running.
- If you're in a corporate environment, admin policies may block USB tokens — contact IT if needed.
E. Power Settings
- Go to: Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings
- Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting → Set to Disabled.
2. “Certificate Not Found” Error on EPFO Portal
If your screen shows any pop-ups like an Error message: “Certificate not found” or “No valid certificate available”
Solution:A. Check USB Token
- Insert the DSC token properly.
- Wait for it to load (you may get a system pop-up or icon).
B. Install/Reinstall DSC Software
- Go to your DSC provider's website (e.g., Capricorn, etc.)
- Download and install the latest driver or middleware utility.
C. Check Certificate Expiry
- Go to Control Panel > Internet Options > Content > Certificates
- Look for your DSC and check the expiry date.
D. Java Configuration
- Install the latest version of Java 8 (JRE).
- Add EPFO portal URLs to Java's Exception Site List:
- Open Configure Java > Security > Edit Site List
E. Browser Suggestions
- Use Internet Explorer 11 (most compatible).
- If using Chrome or Edge, run them with the IE Tab extension.
- Clear browser cache and cookies.
F. Run as Administrator
- Open the browser as an Administrator.
- Helps in accessing system-level DSC certificates.
G. Register/Re-register DSC on EPFO Portal
- Go to EPFO Employer Portal > Establishment > DSC Registration
- Select your name, certificate, and map it again if needed.
3. “Signature Verification Failed” During Submission
You select the certificate, click sign, and get an error stating the signature verification failed.
Solution:A. Confirm the Correct Certificate Is Selected
- Ensure you're selecting the right certificate:
It should match the authorized signatory's PAN as updated in EPFO.
If multiple certificates appear, pick the one issued for signing (not encryption).
B. Recheck DSC Registration on EPFO Portal
- Login to the EPFO employer portal → Establishment → DSC → Register DSC
- If already registered, try deregistering and re-registering the DSC using the correct PAN.
- Signature fails if EPFO expects a different PAN or certificate.
C. Use Internet Explorer 11 or Edge (IE Mode)
- Right-click the IE or Edge icon →
Run as Administrator- Other browsers or non-admin sessions will block the Java signing component.
D. Install 32-bit Java and Add Portal to Exception List
- Uninstall any 64-bit Java
- Install 32-bit Java from java.com
Control Panel → Configure Java → Security → Exception Site List
E. Clear Java Cache & Browser Temp Files
- Control Panel → Java → General → Settings → Delete Files
Clear:
Application cache
Trace and log files
browser cache (Ctrl + Shift + Delete)
F. Avoid Remote Access (RDP/AnyDesk)
- DSC will fail to sign through remote desktop connections.
- Use the same local machine where the token is plugged in.
G Update Token Drivers
- Uninstall current token driver (ProxKey/ePass/Gemalto)
- Download the latest version from the official token provider site.
- Restart system → Replug the token → Retry
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4. Token Detected but No Certificate Listed
Token shows connected, but when clicking “Register DSC in EPFO” or “Sign,” the certificate list appears empty.
Solution:A. Open the DSC token utility
- Open the DSC token Utility.
- Check if your certificate appears inside the utility dashboard.
If not: The token is either blank or corrupted.
B. Reinsert Token & Restart Utility
- Remove and reinsert the token.
- Restart the token utility.
- Run the utility as Administrator.
C. Confirm Installation of Certificate
- If the token is new, the DSC might not be installed yet.
- Use the utility to import the DSC (.pfx/.p12 file) if you have it.
D. Install/Reinstall Middleware
- Download the latest token drivers from your provider:
- Capricorn Drivers
Uninstall the old version → Reboot → Install new → Plug in the token again.
E. Check in Windows Certificate Store
- Go to: Control Panel > Internet Options > Content > Certificates > Personal Tab
- If the certificate is missing here too, it's not installed or not readable.
F. Contact Your DSC Provider
- Provide them with your Customer ID, Token Serial Number, and error screenshot.
- Ask for certificate re-download, token replacement, or remote installation help.
5. EPFO Portal is Slow or Unresponsive
The EPFO portal takes a long time to load or becomes unresponsive during submissions or logging in.
Solution: A. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Overloaded cache and cookies can slow down the portal. Clear them through your browser settings and try again.
B. Try Accessing During Off-Peak Hours
The portal may be slow during peak hours, especially near deadlines. Try accessing it during early morning or late evening when traffic is lower.
C. Check Internet Speed
Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection. A slow connection can affect the portal's performance.
6. “Session Expired” Message During DSC Registration
While trying to register or update your DSC in EPFO portal, you receive a "Session Expired" error.
Solution:A. Check Internet Connection
A weak or intermittent connection may cause the session to expire. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
B. Disable Browser Extensions
Certain extensions or add-ons, such as ad blockers, may interfere with the portal session. Disable them and try again.
C. Use a Different Browser
If using Chrome or Firefox, switch to Internet Explorer, which often has fewer issues with the EPFO portal.
7. EPFO Portal Not Accepting Bank Details
When updating or adding bank details for employee claims, the portal shows an error or doesn't save the details.
Solution:A. Verify Bank Info Format
- Account number: Only digits, no spaces.
- IFSC Code: All caps, no extra characters.
- Account holder name: Should exactly match the EPFO member name.
B. Try a Different Bank (Optional)
- Try entering details of a major national bank (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, etc.) to see if the issue is specific to your current bank.
- EPFO has better compatibility with banks linked to the NPCI/NACH system.
C. Use Internet Explorer or Chrome + IE Tab
- EPFO KYC functions work best in Internet Explorer 11 or IE Tab on Chrome.
- Run as Administrator, clear cache, and re-login before retrying.
D. No Special Characters
- Avoid any special characters or extra spaces in the:
Account holder name
Bank name
Account number
E. Check Name in Bank Passbook or Statement
If the name in EPFO is "RAHUL SHARMA" but your bank has "RAHUL KUMAR SHARMA", the system may reject it.
- You may need to update:
Bank records (name change request)
EPFO UAN profile via joint declaration.
8. Form Validation Failed
When attempting to submit a form like Form 19 or Form 10C, you see an error message: “Form Validation Failed.”
Solution:A. Verify Basic Eligibility
For Form 19 (PF withdrawal):
- Ensure you're not currently employed under a PF-registered organization.
- UAN should be activated and KYC-compliant (Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account verified).
- For Form 10C (pension withdrawal):
- You should have at least 6 months of service, but less than 10 years.
B. Ensure KYC Is Fully Verified
- Login to the official EPFO portal.
- Go to Manage → KYC
- Confirm that:
Aadhaar: Verified
PAN: Verified (especially for withdrawals over ₹50,000)
Bank Account: Verified (IFSC must be correct)
C. Match Personal Details Exactly
- Go to Profile → Check that:
Name, date of birth, and gender match exactly with your Aadhaar.
Even minor differences (like middle names or initials) will trigger validation failure.
D. No Pending Exit or Incomplete Exit Date
- Go to View → Service History
- Make sure your employer has marked the Date of Exit correctly.
- If missing or incorrect → Contact the employer to update it through the Employer Portal.
E. Check for Multiple Service Records
- If you've worked in multiple companies under the same UAN, ensure all:
Exits are marked
PF accounts are merged properly
F. Disable Autofill and Clear Cache
- Browser autofill may change values silently.
- Clear browser cache and Java temp files.
- Always use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, but avoid IE for this step.
G. Try Filing Using UMANG App (Optional Bypass)
- If the portal shows repeated validation errors, try using the UMANG app (official government app).
- Go to: EPFO Services → Employee Centric Services → Raise Claim
H. Form Filing Timing
- Wait 2 months after your last working day to file Form 19 for final settlement.
- Some validations only pass after this cooling-off period.
9. Unable to Link Aadhaar with UAN
You see an error message saying "Unable to Link Aadhaar with UAN" when trying to link an employee's Aadhaar number.
Solution:A. Verify the Aadhaar Number Format
Ensure the Aadhaar number is entered correctly and does not contain any extra spaces or characters.
B. Confirm Aadhaar Authentication
Make sure the Aadhaar number is successfully linked with the employee's UAN in EPFO records. If not, you may need to update it through the EPFO portal.
C. Check UAN Status
The employee's UAN must be active for linking with Aadhaar. Ensure the UAN is activated and not locked.
10. Invalid UAN When Submitting Claims
The portal shows an "Invalid UAN" error message when submitting a claim like Form 19 or Form 10C.
Solution:A. Verify UAN with EPFO Records
Ensure that the UAN you are submitting is active and matches the EPFO records for the employee.
B. Ensure UAN is Linked to the Correct Member
The UAN must be correctly linked with the employee's EPFO account. If there's a mismatch, the claim will be rejected.
C. Check for Typographical Errors
Ensure there are no typos or formatting errors in the UAN entered. Even one incorrect digit can cause the error.
11. EPFO Portal Keeps Logging Out Automatically
You are logged out of the EPFO portal automatically after a few minutes of inactivity.
Solution:A. Check Session Timeout Behaviour
- The EPFO portal has a
short session timeout for security (usually 10–15 minutes of inactivity).
- Always complete tasks quickly or
save frequently.
B. Use the Recommended Browser
- Use Internet Explorer 11 or Microsoft Edge in IE mode.
- Avoid Chrome, Firefox, or newer Edge versions unless IE mode is enabled.
C. Run Browser as Administrator
- Right-click your browser icon →
Run as Administrator.- This gives proper permissions for DSC and Java to work without interruption.
D. Clear Cache and Cookies
- Old cookies and corrupted cache may cause session issues.
- Clear them:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to clear all cache and cookies.
Restart the browser and log in again.
E. Check System Time and Date
- Ensure your system clock is accurate.
- A mismatch between system and server time can cause auto-logout issues.
- Go to Control Panel → Date & Time → Sync with Internet time server
F. Disable Browser Add-ons and Extensions
- Certain add-ons (e.g., AdBlockers, VPNs, Security extensions) may interfere with session cookies.
- Disable all browser extensions → Restart → Re-test login.
G. Add EPFO Site to Java Exception List
- Open Configure Java → Security tab → Exception Site List → Add:
H. Avoid Multiple Tabs or Sessions
- Don't log into EPFO from multiple tabs or browsers.
- This can invalidate your session and log you out.
I. Java & DSC Utility
- Ensure that the
DSC utility is running before logging in.
- If DSC isn't recognized, EPFO may auto-logout when you try to sign or approve something.
J. Check for System Security or Firewall Restrictions
- Over-aggressive antivirus or firewall rules might block JavaScript or session cookies.
- Temporarily disable antivirus and retry (then re-enable after testing).
12. "Server Error" or "503 Service Unavailable" on EPFO Portal
The EPFO portal displays a "Server Error" or "503 Service Unavailable" message.
Solution:A. Wait and Retry
Server errors often occur during maintenance or heavy traffic. Wait a few minutes and try accessing the portal again.
B. Check the EPFO Portal Status
Visit the EPFO website or other online sources to check if there's scheduled maintenance or a known outage.
C. Try a Different Browser
Sometimes, switching to a different browser (especially Internet Explorer) can help bypass certain server-related issues.
How Can You Maintain Your DSC for EPFO Processes?
To reduce errors and save time during urgent submissions, follow these regularly:
Renew DSC on Time
- Always renew the
Digital Signature Certificate before it expires.
- As soon as it's renewed, update the new certificate details on the EPFO portal.
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Keep Token Drivers & Software Updated
- Regularly update the DSC token drivers and any utility software (like Java or signer utilities) used for authentication.
- This avoids sudden compatibility issues during EPFO login or form submission.
Use a Dedicated System for EPFO Tasks
- Set up one computer for all EPFO-related work.
- This ensures consistent browser settings, avoids conflicting software, and makes troubleshooting easier.
Keep Backup Documents Ready
- Save copies of:
DSC authorization letters
Issuance receipts
Renewal confirmations
You may be asked to submit these documents at any time during the different processes on the EPFO portal.
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Conclusion
The EPFO portal plays a crucial role in employee benefits and compliance, but even small technical issues can delay important actions like claim approvals, DSC registrations, or updating employee records. That's why knowing the right steps for EPFO troubleshooting and maintenance online is essential.
With this guide, you now have a clear picture of how to solve common issues and maintain the smooth functioning of your DSC and EPFO processes.