How or when should you use your DSC in the EPFO portal? You're not alone! Lakhs of employers and employees depend on the EPFO portal for managing provident fund contributions, form submissions, withdrawals, transfers, and accessing various retirement and social security services. Over 7.66 lakh employers used the EPFO portal in 2023-24 alone.
Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) are now a crucial part of the process. Whether you're an employer managing compliance or an employee submitting forms like Form 19, Form 10c, or Form 5a, DSCs ensure secure and smooth transactions.
You will find solutions for everything in this FAQ guide—from setting up your DSC for EPFO to answering your common questions—so you can complete your EPFO tasks with confidence and ease.
DSC in EPFO: An Essential Security Measure
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Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is not just a technical requirement but an important security measure mandated by EPFO to ensure the integrity and authenticity of employer submissions. Given that EPFO transactions involve sensitive employee data and financial details, the DSC acts as a trusted digital key to protect these operations.
Moreover, it guarantees that only authorized individuals can submit or approve essential documents like KYC updates, PF claims, and monthly returns. By incorporating DSC, EPFO enhances security, reduces paperwork, and ensures smoother, faster compliance with regulatory standards.
FAQs: DSC in EPFO
1. Which browser is required for an EPFO digital signature?EPFO recommends using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for seamless DSC integration.
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2. How many days does it take for KYC to get approved in EPFO?When you submit your KYC documents (like Aadhaar, PAN, and bank account details) on the EPFO's UAN portal, the first step is for your employer to verify them. This verification is done digitally and typically takes about 2 to 7 working days, depending on your employer's internal processes. Once the employer approves the KYC, it may take another 7 to 15 working days for the EPFO to complete its verification and reflect the approved KYC in your UAN account.
The total time for KYC approval can therefore range from about a week to 2–3 weeks, but in many cases, it's faster if all the details are correct and the employer responds promptly. Your details (like name, date of birth, and gender) must match exactly with those on your Aadhaar and PAN. Any mismatch can lead to delays or rejection.
3. How to know if KYC is approved?Here is how you can check your KYC approval status:
Check via EPFO Member Portal- Visit the official EPFO Member Portal
- Log in with your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password.
- Once logged in, go to the Manage tab and select KYC.
- In the KYC section, you will see a list of documents you've uploaded (Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, etc.).
- If the status of these documents shows "Approved", then your KYC is successfully approved.
Check via the UAN Portal for Status- Log in to the UAN portal.
- Under the "Profile" section, you can check the status of your KYC.
- The documents you uploaded will show whether they have been approved or are pending.
Check via EPFO Mobile App- Download and install the EPFO app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Log in with your UAN and password.
- In the app, go to the KYC section.
- Here, you can check the approval status of your KYC documents.
Check via Employer- You can also contact your employer to verify the status of your KYC.
If the employer has already approved your KYC, they can confirm this for you.
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4. How long does it take to settle a PF claim?The time to settle a PF claim can vary depending on the method used:
Online Claims: Typically, online claims are processed more quickly, usually taking between 5 to 30 days.
Offline Claims: These claims take longer to process, typically 20 to 30 days.
The processing time may also depend on the accuracy of the provided details and the type of claim.
5. How can I check my PF approval status?You can check your PF approval status by logging into the EPFO member portal. Simply enter your UAN (Universal Account Number) and password to
track the progress of your claim. You'll find the status in the “Online Services” section under “Track Claim Status.”
6. How can I withdraw my PF without a digital signature?To withdraw your PF without a DSC, you can use the Aadhaar-based online withdrawal option, which does not require a digital signature. However, you must ensure your Aadhaar is linked to your EPFO account for this process to work.
7. How many days to approve DSC in EPFO?EPFO digital signature approval typically takes 2 to 3 working days, provided all the required documents are correctly submitted.
8. Why does EPFO prefer digital signatures?DSC in EPFO ensures data security, faster processing, and tamper-proof approvals.
9. What type of DSC is required for EPFO?A Class 3 DSC (signing only) is required for EPFO functions.
10. What if my DSC expires during claim processing?Processing may be paused.
Renew and re-register the DSC in EPFO immediately
11. Do I need to re-register my DSC after renewal?Yes, once renewed, your DSC must be re-registered on the EPFO portal.
Want to know how to register DSC in EPFO Portal? Click here
12. What software is needed for DSC to work on EPFO?Install DSC drivers and Java, and ensure browser pop-ups are allowed.
13. Can multiple DSCs be used for one EPFO account?No, only one active DSC can be mapped per authorized signatory.
14. Is biometric authentication a substitute for DSC in EPFO?No, biometric is for Aadhaar-based processes. DSC in EPFO is required for employer-level tasks.
15. Can a DSC be shared among multiple EPFO establishments?Only if the signatory is authorized across those establishments.
16. Is PAN-based verification required for DSC use?Yes, PAN must be verified and linked to your EPFO employer account.
17. Can I use Aadhaar-eSign instead of DSC in EPFO?Not for employers. Aadhaar-eSign is limited to individual employee tasks.
19. What is the validity of a typical DSC used in EPFO?1, 2, and 3 years, depending on what you choose at the time of purchase.
20. How to withdraw the PF amount from the previous company without DSC?Use the Aadhaar-based online claim on the EPFO portal. Your UAN must be linked with Aadhaar, and KYC should be verified.
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21. What is the limit of PF advance withdrawal?It depends on the reason:
Medical: Up to 6 times your monthly basic wage or total employee share, whichever is lower.
Marriage/education: Up to 50% of employee share.
Home loan/renovation: Up to 90% of the total PF balance.
22. What is the maximum PF contribution?For salaried employees under the EPF Scheme, 12% of basic + DA is mandatory.
You can voluntarily contribute more under VPF (Voluntary Provident Fund) — up to 100% of your basic + DA.
23. Can I withdraw my 100% PF amount?Yes, if you are:
Unemployed for more than 2 months or Retired
You can withdraw your entire PF balance, including the employer share.
24. Do we need to upload a signed cheque for PF withdrawal?Yes, EPFO may ask for a cancelled cheque with your name printed on it to verify bank details. It ensures the claim is credited to the correct account.
25. Why is PF withdrawal rejected?Common reasons include:
Mismatch in bank or Aadhaar details
Unverified KYC
Incomplete form
Missing DSC in EPFO or employer approval missing (in non-Aadhaar claims)
Name mismatch between documents
26. What if my name is not printed on my cheque for PF withdrawal?Upload a bank passbook copy or bank statement with your name, account number, and IFSC code visible. EPFO needs name proof linked to the account.
27. Can members file claims without employer attestation?Yes, if your Aadhaar is linked to UAN and KYC is fully verified, you can file claims directly through the Aadhaar-based process, no employer attestation needed.
28. What if the DSC token is not recognized?If your DSC token isn't recognized on the EPFO portal:
- Check if the token is properly inserted into the USB port
- Reinstall the DSC drivers from the token provider's official website
- Enable pop-ups and Java in your browser
- Clear browser cache and restart
- Try a different browser (Chrome or Firefox, 64-bit)
- Use another USB port or system to rule out hardware issues
39. Where should I get my DSC for the EPFO portal?You can get your DSC from any government-approved Certifying Authority (CA) such as Capricorn CA.
Why You Should Buy a Capricorn DSC?
When you buy a Digital Signature Certificate from Capricorn CA, you get multiple options to customize it based on your needs:
1. Type of Use (Classification)You can choose how you want to use your DSC:
Sign – For signing documents digitally
Encrypt – For securing data or emails
Sign + Encrypt – For both purposes
2. Validity PeriodSelect how long you want your DSC to be valid:
1 year2 years3 yearsChoose what fits your usage and renewal preference.
3. USB TokenYou can decide whether you need a physical USB token to store your DSC:
With USB Token – For secure storage and portability
Without USB Token – If you don't need it
4. Assistance ServicesApart from all these options to make your DSC experience better, we offer Assistance services as well. Whether you are buying DSC for the first time or have been using one for a long time, you might need assistance anytime. Capricorn gives you two options:
Need Assistance – Ideal if you're a first-time user or want expert help
Assistance Not Required – For users who prefer to manage on their own
With such flexible options, using a Capricorn DSC in EPFO form submissions makes it smooth and stress-free. So buy your Digital Signature from Capricorn CA today!
Conclusion
Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) have become a major part of the EPFO portal, ensuring secure and seamless transactions for both employers and employees. Whether you're submitting forms, verifying KYC, or managing claims, having a properly registered DSC can save time.
Through this complete FAQ guide, ensure your DSC is valid, registered, and ready to use, so you can focus on your work without the stress of paperwork. For a hassle-free EPFO experience, get your Capricorn DSC today and stay ahead of your compliance needs.