I agree with Mr.Nilesh Soni, and UAN means Universal Account Number.
UAN stands for Universal Account Number. The UAN will act as an umbrella for the multiple
Member Ids allotted to an individual by different establishments. The idea is to link multiple
Member Identification Numbers (Member Id) allotted to a single member under single Universal
Account Number. This will help the member to view details of all the Member Identification
Numbers (Member Id) linked to it. If a member is already allotted Universal Account Number
(UAN) then he / she is required to provide the same on joining new establishment to enable the
employer to in-turn mark the new allotted Member Identification Number (Member Id) to the
already allotted Universal Identification Number (UAN).
The basic idea of introducing UAN is to avoid PF withdrawl by the members when they move from one organization to another organization and to avoid difficulty in transferring their PF account. As most of the members are opting for PF withdrawl once they leave an organization, even though they are getting Job before 2 months (by declaring they don't have job after 2 months also) which is unethical and there is no control over that, so by introducing this UAN most of the problems will rectify and only those who are really eligible ( Not got Job within 2 months) can opt for PF withdrawl. After withdrawing PF, if they get any new Job and PF is applicable in the new organization, With the same UAN you can start your new PF account in the new organization. So UAN is life time no. irrespective of your no. of organizations in your career henceforth. This is as per my knowledge. Correct me seniors, if I am wrong.