All SIM card users in the Philippines must register their personal information with their respective telcos in accordance with the SIM Card Registration Act or Republic Act 11934, which seeks to prevent the spread of text-based scams. Moreover, the purpose of SIM card registration is to help law enforcement agencies trace perpetrators of crimes perpetrated through mobile phones.
The SIM registration law requires all new subscribers to register their SIM cards prior to activation and for existing subscribers to avoid deactivation. In this article, you'll learn the requirements and registration process for SIM card users from all networks, including Globe, TM, Smart, TNT, Sun Cellular, DITO, and GOMO, using the respective online SIM card registration portal.
Process of SIM Card Registration for All Telcos in the Philippines
To know the steps on how to register your SIM card online, just click your respective network listed below.
- Globe Prepaid SIM Card Registration (Another method: via GlobeOne App)
- Globe Prepaid WiFi SIM Card Registration
- Globe MyFi Pocket WiFi SIM Card Registration
- Globe Postpaid or Platinum SIM Card Registration
- TM SIM Card Registration
- Smart Prepaid SIM Card Registration
- TNT SIM Card Registration
- Sun Cellular SIM Card Registration
- Smart Bro Pocket WiFi SIM Card Registration
- Smart Bro Home WiFi SIM Card Registration
- PLDT Prepaid Home WiFi SIM Card Registration
- Smart Postpaid or PLDT Enterprise SIM Card Registration
- DITO SIM Card Registration
- GOMO SIM Card Registration
Reminder for Cherry Prepaid users:
As Cherry Prepaid is slated for shutdown on March 16, 2023, its SIM registration is halted as well. Therefore, you need to switch to another network first, then register your SIM with your new respective telco. In an SMS advisory regarding Cherry Prepaid's service termination, subscribers were also recommended to transfer to TM, and they will get up to 20GB of free data.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIM Registration
Who needs to register SIM?
- All SIM card users, whether prepaid or postpaid, including foreign nationals.
- Businesses and corporate entities.
Is SIM registration free?
SIM registration is free of charge to all existing and new subscribers.
What information is needed for me to register my SIM?
Subscribers are required to provide and submit the following information for them to register their SIM:
- Mobile Number
- Full Name
- Date of Birth
- Complete Address
- Sex
- Upload a valid government-issued ID
- A liveness check or selfie photo will be required for validation.
What type of ID cards will be accepted to register my SIM?
Any of the following valid IDs will be accepted in registering your SIM:
- Passport
- Philippine Identification System ID (National ID)
- SSS ID
- GSIS e-Card
- Driver's license
- NBI Clearance
- Police Clearance
- Firearms' License to Own and Possess ID
- PRC ID
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
- BIR ID (TIN)
- Voter's ID
- Senior Citizen's card
- UMID
- Persons with Disabilities card (PWD ID card)
- Other valid government-issued ID with a photo
Can I register more than one SIM card?
Yes, you can register multiple SIM cards under one name.
What is the SIM registration process for children below legal age and who do not have a government ID?
All minors (below 18 years old) will need to register their SIM under the name of their consenting parent or legal guardian. An ID and the consent of the minor's parent or guardian will be required to register the SIM.
I just recently switched to a certain network via Mobile Number Portability. Should I still register my SIM?
If you just recently transferred or switched to a certain network through Mobile Number Portability, you should register your SIM again via your respective telco's online SIM registration portal.
What are the additional requirements for SIM for business?
For businesses and organizations to use SIMs, the following information is required:
- Business name
- Business address
- Full name of authorized signatory
Further, businesses will be required to submit the following documents:
- Certificate of Registration (SEC or DTI)
- In the case of corporations, a duly adopted board resolution designating the authorized representative, and in the case of other juridical entities, a special power of attorney
What are the requirements to register SIM as a foreigner in the Philippines?
Foreigners will be required to submit the following documents:
Required documents for foreigners visiting as tourists:
- Passport (copy of the page where the visa is stamped)
- Proof of address in the Philippines (like booking in a hotel or another type of accommodation)
- Return Ticket to country of origin or any other ticket indicating the date and time of departure from the Philippines
Required documents for foreigners with other types of visas:
- Passport (copy of the page where the type of visa is shown)
- Proof of address in the Philippines
- Other relevant documents, whichever is applicable: (1) Alien Employment Permit by DOLE; (2) Alien Certificate of Registration Identification Card (ACRI Card) by Bureau of Immigration or other types of official ID card issued by any other visa-issuing agency; (3) School registration and ID for students; (4) Type of travel or admission document validity issued by the DOJ for Persons of Concern (POC)
Note that the validity of SIM cards issued to tourists is only 30 days, after which they will be deactivated. It can only be extended upon the presentation of an approved visa extension. On the other hand, foreigners with non-tourist visas can obtain SIMs without the 30-day restriction.
When is the deadline for SIM registration for existing subscribers?
The deadline for SIM registration falls on July 25, 2023. The deadline, however, may be extended up to 120 days by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
What happens if I fail to register my SIM card before the deadline?
For existing subscribers, prior to the start of SIM registration (which is December 27, 2022), who fail to register their SIMs within the prescribed period, their SIMs will be deactivated automatically. A deactivated SIM can't be used for outgoing and incoming calls, internet access, or sending and receiving of messages.
Can I still reactivate my SIM card, which was deactivated for failing to register within the deadline prescribed by law?
You can still reactivate your SIM card by registering not later than 5 days after such deactivation.
How to transfer ownership of my SIM card?
You can visit the nearest store of your respective telco to file a transfer of ownership.
What should I do if I lose my mobile phone with my registered SIM?
If you lose your mobile device with a registered SIM, kindly contact your respective telco's customer service hotline and provide the following information: (1) Name, (2) Address, (3) Date of Birth and (4) Mobile Number. Check out the SIM replacement guide for each network: Globe/TM, Smart/TNT, DITO, and GOMO.
Related:
What will I do if I experience errors or problems during SIM registration?
You can call your respective telco's customer service hotline or channel:
- Globe Prepaid/Postpaid - 211
- TM (Touch Mobile) - 808
- Smart Prepaid/Smart Postpaid/Talk 'N Text/Sun - *888
- DITO Telecommunity - 185
- Cherry Prepaid - 7909-4-909
- GOMO - fb.com/getgomo
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Individuals who provide false information or fake IDs may face prison time of six months to two years and a fine between PHP 100,000 and PHP 300,000.
Meanwhile, telcos that refuse to register SIM cards for no valid reason may be fined from PHP 100,000 to PHP 1 million, depending on the number of offenses. Telcos, their agents or employees who breach data confidentiality may also face fines of PHP 500,000 to PHP 4 million.
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