An ARN number is the unique identification allotted to a mutual fund distributor registered with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). It helps identify and verify the distributor associated with a mutual fund transaction.
ARN stands for AMFI Registration Number. It applies to mutual fund distributors, not investors or individual transactions. AMFI has appointed Computer Age Management Services Limited (CAMS) to handle ARN and Employee Unique Identification Number (EUIN) registration and renewal activities.
Table of Contents
What is an ARN number?
An ARN number identifies an individual or entity registered with AMFI to distribute mutual funds. It allows eligible Regular Plan transactions to be associated with the relevant distributor.
ARN is sometimes referred to as an ARN reference number. However, its correct expansion is AMFI Registration Number. It should not be confused with the reference number generated for a mutual fund purchase, redemption or service request.
An ARN is linked to the PAN of the individual or entity to which it is allotted. According to AMFI, it is a permanent, unique and non-transferable identity. The registration must remain valid for the distributor to continue undertaking mutual fund distribution activities.
Source: AMFI: How to apply for AMFI registration and obtain ARN or EUIN.
Key Takeaways
- An ARN number is the unique, permanent and non-transferable identity allotted to an AMFI-registered mutual fund distributor.
- Individual applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid NISM Series V-A certification.
- An ARN does not automatically permit a distributor to conduct business with every mutual fund, as separate AMC empanelment is required.
- Investors can verify a distributor’s registration through AMFI’s official “Locate a Mutual Fund Distributor” facility.
- An ARN is different from an EUIN, folio number and transaction reference number.
Structure of an ARN
An ARN is generally displayed in the following format:
ARN-123456
“ARN” identifies it as an AMFI Registration Number, while the digits represent the unique number allotted to the distributor.
The number belongs to the registered distributor. It is not an investor account number or transaction identifier. Investors generally receive folio numbers, while eligible employees and sales personnel working under a distributor receive an EUIN.
ARN code in mutual funds
An ARN code in mutual funds identifies the distributor through whom an investor makes an investment under a Regular Plan. It may appear on application forms, transaction records or account statements where distributor details are captured.
The ARN helps the mutual fund and other authorised entities attribute the transaction to the concerned distributor, process eligible commissions and trace complaints.
A distributor’s ARN is not applicable to an investment made directly with an asset management company under a Direct Plan because no distributor is involved.
Why is ARN important?
An ARN creates an identifiable link between a mutual fund distributor and the transactions facilitated through that distributor. It allows investors to verify the distributor’s AMFI registration before investing and identify the distributor connected with a transaction or service issue.
The number also supports accurate record-keeping and accountability across the mutual fund distribution process. However, an ARN does not guarantee the quality of a distributor’s services, the suitability of a recommendation or the performance of a mutual fund scheme.
Why is ARN required in mutual funds?
An individual or entity seeking to distribute mutual fund products must complete the applicable AMFI registration requirements and obtain an ARN.
An ARN alone does not permit the distributor to offer schemes from every asset management company. The distributor must also be formally empanelled with the relevant AMC. According to AMFI, a transaction submitted under the ARN of a distributor who is not empanelled with the concerned AMC may be processed under the Direct Plan.
An employee, relationship manager or salesperson who interacts with investors may also require an EUIN. The ARN identifies the distributor or distribution entity, while the EUIN identifies the individual who interacted with the investor.
Source: AMFI: Registration, EUIN and AMC empanelment requirements.
Step-by-step process to apply for an ARN
An individual applicant can follow these steps:
- Obtain the required certification: Pass the NISM Series V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification Examination or complete the applicable continuing professional education requirement.
- Visit the AMFI distributor portal: Select the online facility for ARN and EUIN registration.
- Complete identity verification: Provide PAN and Aadhaar or meet the applicable validated KYC requirement.
- Fill in the application: Enter the required personal, certification and registration details.
- Upload the documents: Submit the documents applicable to the applicant category.
- Pay the registration fee: Fees vary by applicant category and are subject to GST.
- Submit the application: CAMS processes the registration on behalf of AMFI.
- Access the ARN: Once approved, the applicant can view and download the registration details through the relevant portal.
AMFI discontinued the physical biometric process at CAMS points of service with effect from October 1, 2024. Fresh ARN and EUIN applications must be completed online using PAN and Aadhaar authentication or an eligible validated KYC status, as applicable.
Primary uses of ARN in mutual funds
An ARN is primarily used for:
- identifying an individual or entity engaged in mutual fund distribution;
- associating eligible Regular Plan transactions with the relevant distributor;
- allowing investors to verify a distributor’s AMFI registration;
- processing eligible distributor commissions;
- tracing the distributor connected with a complaint or service issue; and
- applying for empanelment with individual AMCs.
Benefits of an ARN code
An ARN supports transparency and accountability in mutual fund distribution in the following ways:
Distributor verification
Investors can verify the ARN holder’s registration details through AMFI’s official distributor locator.
Clear accountability
Transactions carrying an ARN can be traced to the relevant distributor, supporting record-keeping and complaint handling.
Consistent professional identity
The ARN provides the distributor with a standard identification across the mutual fund distribution ecosystem.
Eligibility for AMC empanelment
An ARN allows a distributor to apply for empanelment with an AMC. Empanelment remains a separate process and is not automatically granted with ARN registration.
An ARN indicates AMFI registration and does not constitute an endorsement of the distributor’s services or recommendations.
Examples and use cases of ARN
Suppose an investor purchases units of a mutual fund under a Regular Plan through an AMFI-registered distributor. The distributor’s ARN may be recorded in the application or electronic transaction data, linking the transaction to that distribution entity.
If an employee of a distribution company directly interacts with the investor, the company’s ARN and the employee’s EUIN may both be captured. The ARN identifies the company, while the EUIN identifies the employee.
Investors can also use an ARN to verify a distributor through AMFI’s official locator before using the distributor’s services.
How to find or verify an ARN
Investors can verify an ARN using AMFI’s “Locate a Mutual Fund Distributor” facility:
- Visit the official AMFI distributor locator.
- Search using the ARN or the ARN holder’s name.
- Apply location filters if required.
- Review the available registration details.
AMFI also publishes information about ARNs that have been suspended, terminated or declared invalid. Investors should rely on AMFI’s records rather than visiting cards, screenshots or unverified online listings.
An ARN holder can check their details by signing in to the relevant AMFI registration portal.
Source: AMFI: Locate a Mutual Fund Distributor
Eligibility: Who can apply for an ARN?
Individuals and eligible non-individual entities can apply for an ARN. An individual applicant must:
- be at least 18 years old;
- hold a valid NISM Series V-A certification;
- provide PAN and Aadhaar for the applicable authentication and Know Your Distributor process, or meet AMFI’s validated KYC requirement; and
- submit the prescribed application and fee.
A non-individual entity must have at least one employee with a valid NISM certification and EUIN. Additional requirements apply according to the entity’s legal structure.
Individual mutual fund distributors are ordinarily allotted an EUIN with their ARN without a separate EUIN application or additional charge.
Essential documents for an ARN code application
An individual applicant generally needs:
- a valid NISM Series V-A certification;
- PAN;
- Aadhaar or details required to establish validated KYC status;
- a recent photograph;
- bank account details or supporting proof, where required; and
- other information prescribed in the application.
Non-individual applicants may need to provide the entity’s PAN, incorporation or registration documents, and details of authorised persons, partners, directors or designated officials.
Applicants should check AMFI’s current category-specific document requirements before applying.
Fees for ARN registration and renewal
AMFI prescribes different registration and renewal fees according to the applicant category.
Under the fee schedule applicable from October 1, 2024, the initial ARN registration fee for an individual or proprietorship is ₹3,000. The renewal fee is ₹1,500. GST at 18% applies to both amounts.
Fees are higher for categories such as partnership firms, LLPs, companies, banks and non-banking financial companies.
Fees, taxes, documents and registration procedures are subject to change. Applicants should check AMFI’s latest requirements before applying.
Source: AMFI: ARN and EUIN registration fee structure
Renewing an ARN code
An ARN holder should renew the relevant NISM certification before applying to renew the ARN or EUIN. The certification may be renewed by passing the applicable examination or completing the prescribed continuing professional education programme.
AMFI permits ARN and EUIN renewal up to six months before expiry. Completing the process before the expiry date helps maintain continuity of registration.
If an ARN or EUIN is renewed after it expires, the renewed validity begins from the renewal date. The gap may affect the distributor’s eligibility to receive commission on business conducted while the registration was invalid.
Renewal must be completed online through the AMFI distributor portal. A non-individual distributor must also ensure that at least one valid EUIN remains mapped to its ARN.
Registration and renewal requirements may be revised by AMFI, NISM or other relevant authorities. ARN holders should refer to the latest official instructions.
Source: AMFI: Ready Reckoner for Mutual Fund Distributors
Tracking an ARN application
Applicants can track a registration or renewal request through the online AMFI registration facility operated by CAMS. The acknowledgement or application details generated during submission should be retained for this purpose.
An application may take longer to process if:
- the details in PAN, Aadhaar and NISM records do not match;
- the NISM certification has expired;
- documents or mandatory details are missing;
- an uploaded document is unclear; or
- payment has not been successfully completed.
Applicants should check the status shown on the official portal and provide any additional information requested during verification.
Difference between ARN, EUIN, folio number and transaction reference number
Each identifier serves a distinct purpose in the mutual fund process, as shown below:
| Identifier | What it identifies | Who it applies to |
| ARN | An AMFI-registered distributor or distribution entity | Mutual fund distributors |
| EUIN | The employee or salesperson who interacted with the investor | Eligible employees and sales personnel |
| Folio number | An investor’s mutual fund account with a fund house | Mutual fund investors |
| Transaction reference number | A particular transaction or service request | Investors, platforms, registrars and AMCs |
An ARN reference number is sometimes used informally to mean an ARN. In transaction-related communication, however, “reference number” may refer to an order or service request. The context and label should therefore be checked.
Points investors should check before using a distributor’s services
- Verify the distributor’s ARN through AMFI’s official locator.
- Confirm that the registration belongs to the person or entity offering the service.
- Check the EUIN of the person interacting with you, where applicable.
- Understand whether you are investing under a Direct Plan or Regular Plan.
- Assess the scheme’s suitability and read its documents rather than relying only on the distributor’s registration.
- Retain application acknowledgements and transaction records.
Conclusion
An ARN number provides a traceable identity for an AMFI-registered mutual fund distributor and supports transparency across the distribution process. Investors can use it to verify a distributor’s registration, while distributors need a valid ARN and the relevant AMC empanelment to conduct mutual fund business. Before working with a distributor, investors should verify the ARN through AMFI’s official locator and understand the distinction between an ARN, EUIN, folio number and transaction reference number.
FAQs
What is an ARN number in mutual funds?
An ARN number is the unique AMFI Registration Number allotted to a registered mutual fund distributor. It identifies the distributor associated with mutual fund distribution activities and eligible Regular Plan transactions.
What is the full form of ARN?
ARN stands for AMFI Registration Number. AMFI is the Association of Mutual Funds in India.
How can I find my ARN for mutual funds?
An ARN holder can access their registration details through the official AMFI registration portal. ARN details may also appear on registration records and eligible mutual fund documents carrying distributor information.
Is ARN the same as a transaction ID?
No. An ARN identifies an AMFI-registered mutual fund distributor, while a transaction ID identifies a particular investment or service request.
Is an ARN the same as an EUIN?
No. An ARN identifies a distributor or distribution entity, while an EUIN identifies the employee or salesperson who interacted with the investor.
Is an ARN mandatory for mutual fund distribution?
Yes. An individual or entity seeking to distribute mutual funds must complete the applicable AMFI registration and hold a valid ARN. Separate empanelment with the relevant AMC is also required.
What is the process of ARN generation?
AMFI allots an ARN after the applicant completes the prescribed online registration, identity verification, certification and fee requirements. CAMS processes the application on AMFI’s behalf.
Can you provide an example of an ARN?
An ARN is generally displayed in a format such as ARN-123456. This is an illustrative number and does not identify an actual distributor.
Where can I locate an ARN code?
Investors can locate a distributor’s ARN by searching the distributor’s name through AMFI’s official “Locate a Mutual Fund Distributor” facility.
How do I check whether an ARN is valid?
Search by ARN or the ARN holder’s name using AMFI’s official distributor locator. AMFI also provides information about suspended, terminated and invalid ARNs.
Can an investor apply for an ARN?
An investor does not need an ARN to invest in mutual funds. It is required only if the person intends to operate as a mutual fund distributor and meets the prescribed requirements.
Does an ARN guarantee that a mutual fund recommendation is suitable?
No. An ARN confirms the distributor’s AMFI registration but does not guarantee the suitability of a recommendation, the standard of service or investment returns.
