How To Make A SIM Card Registration In The Philippines

Since the end of last year, the Philippine government has issued a new regulation for owners of mobile phone subscribers to help them avoid unnecessary troubles by scammers.

This article will update the latest information about this SIM card registration law and its related issues. Keep reading and understand clearly to avoid your phone number being locked!

Why Do You Have To Make SIM Card Registration In The Philippines?

On December 27, 2022, the Philippine SIM Card Registration Act (Republic Act No. 11934) officially came into effect to curb SMS crime. As a rule, individuals – including foreigners – and corporate entities must register to use physical SIM cards and eSIMs for domestic mobile phones and modems through their telecommunications services.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has extended the transition to July 25, 2023. It means that after this date, unrealized SIMs will be disabled, possibly not having access to calls and social networks.

How To Make A SIM Card Registration

The current users using prepaid must register before the date specified above; otherwise, their SIMs will be disabled. Meanwhile, new users can register online through the available registration forms of the telecom service provider.

The initial registration steps are relatively similar for objects, specifically:

1. Go to your telecommunications service’s website:

• Globe/TM: new.globe.com.ph/simreg
• Smart/TNT/Sun Cellular: smart.com.ph/simreg
• DITO: via Dito App

1. Enter your 10-digit phone number
2. Enter the OTP sent to your phone message
3. Fill in the required fields, such as full name, birthday, gender, and present or official address
4. Take or upload a picture of your valid government-issued identification
5. Click the “Send” button to complete the process
6. Save the reference number as proof of your registration
7. Finally, your phone will receive a successful registration message to end the process.

The Requirements For SIM Card Registration

During registration, you must take a photo of a valid government-issued ID document with a picture of your face. Eligible documents include:

• Bureau of Internal Revenue ID
• Driver’s License
• Firearms License to Own and Possess ID
• Government Service Insurance System E-Card
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
• National Bureau of Investigation Clearance
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration ID
• Passport
• Disabilities Card
• Philippine Identification
• Police Clearance
• Professional Regulation Commission ID
• Senior Citizen’s Card
• Social Security System ID
• Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card
• Voter’s ID
• Other valid government-issued ID with a photo

For Foreign Nationals And Tourists

For foreigners, you must fill in your passport number, nationality, and address in the Philippines. Another essential point to consider is that required documents are divided based on their type of visa and length of stay, such as:

In addition, SIM cards registered with visitor visas are only valid for 30 days. After that, you can apply for an extension, but on condition that your visa is also extended.

For Corporations/Companies

You must enter the company’s name and address and the authorized person’s full name for businesses. The following documents also need to be presented:

• Certificate of business registration
• Valid resolution appointing legal representative
• Special power of attorney for other legal entities

For Minors

Minors can have their SIM cards registered in the name of their parents or legal guardian and with their consent. They must present valid identification (e.g., School ID) and proof of permission from their authorized guardian.

For Postpaid Subscribers

You need to register similarly following the steps above. Telecommunications companies have saved data on user information, whether prepaid or postpaid. Therefore, the registration of these two objects is not much different.

For Remote Areas

If your area has limited Internet connectivity, telcos or DICT, NTC, DILG, and DepEd will assist you in applying. You need to update your local site on the website (if possible) or contact them directly via the hotline and follow the instructions.

How To Activate A Disabled SIM Card

According to the DICT announcement, unregistered SIMs will immediately be deactivated after the specified date. However, this government agency also allows users to deactivate it within 5 days from the end of the registration period.

To restore the old SIMs and mobile services, users must connect to WIFI, visit the service provider’s website, or go to the center for advice. You can follow these steps:

• Check the serial number on your SIM
• Provide your ID
• Sign the reactive paperwork provided
• Pay fees for restoration and additional services or owe previous fees

You will then be issued a new SIM card but still use the old phone number. The time to receive the new card depends on the telecommunications company, and you must register it.

For the cases of deactivation not due to unregistered, you can also use the steps above to restore. The time limit is usually 120 days to 4 months, depending on the company, before the data is completely deleted and the phone number is available for sale.

FAQs

What Should You Do When You Do Not Receive The Successful Registration Message?

You can check the registration portal again if you do not receive a confirmation text after registering online. You need to enter your phone number. Your application is successful if you receive the “your mobile number is already registered” prompt. Otherwise, you have to re-register from the beginning.

Can You Register Multiple SIM cards?

Yes, you can. There are not any limits on quantity at all. Bear in mind that you need to register each one separately through the respective telecommunication portals and both under your name, even if different companies issue them.

Will The SIM Card Expire?

Absolutely, yes. For all types of SIMs that are inactive after a period of 90 to 180 days, they will automatically expire. It means the user loses all balance and data stored through it, and someone else can legally acquire the phone number.

If your SIM card is a travel type, it will expire after 30 days, even if you are registered. After that period, you can extend it further, but it depends on your visa.

How Much Does A SIM Card Cost In The Philippines?

In the Philippines, SIM card prices range from ₱29 to ₱999, depending on the telecom operator and their services. Typically, they will come with 5G data access for both websites and apps, call duration, number of messages, and shelf life (for travelers).

You can purchase at stores of popular telecommunications companies such as Smart (from ₱50) and Globe and Dito (from ₱99). Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like GOMO, TM & TNT, or Cherry Prepay with prices from ₱29 through their agents at convenience stores or kiosks. 

In addition, if you are a tourist, you can buy them right at the airport, especially at Philippine international airports.

What Should You Do When A Sim Card Is Lost Or Stolen?

If there is no possibility of finding the SIM card, you need to report it lost or stolen and request a replacement from the telecommunications company. You can follow these steps:

• Contact or visit the store of the telecommunications service provider.
• Provide personal information such as full name, phone number, identification document, and certificate of theft (if any).

After receiving the information, the telecommunications company will deactivate the old SIM and exchange it for a new one. The following steps are similar to re-activation as above.

Wrap-Up

After purchasing a new SIM, you should register your information immediately with the issuing company to avoid being disabled. In addition, you should visit the company’s official online registration portal to prevent your personal information from being leaked.

Applying SIM card registration law can partially limit the number of unauthorized phone numbers spreading on the market and the fraudulent practices that take advantage of them. However, you still need to be wary of spam messages, emails with links, or strange phone numbers!