How to register your SIM card

With Republic Act No. 11934 taking effect on Dec. 27, 2022, otherwise known as the SIM Card Registration Act, you may be wondering how to register your SIM card.

Under the new law, every SIM card holder must register their SIM cards with their respective telco providers regardless of whether they’re a new or existing subscriber. The registration process itself is free, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out. (Read: Fil gamers, freedom groups unite against SIM card registration bill)

On Monday, Dec. 12, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) released the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of R.A. 11934, which included details on how you can register your SIM card.

New or old SIM user

If you’re a new SIM card user—defined by the law as someone who purchases their SIM card starting on Dec. 27—your telco will provide a registration form for you to use. New SIM card themselves will be sold in “deactivated mode” starting on Dec. 27, meaning you can’t use a new SIM card without registering it.

For existing subscribers, on the other hand, you are required to register your SIM card within 180 days of the effectivity of the act. If you don’t register, then your SIM may automatically be deactivated, but it may be reactivated within five days of deactivation.

Required information and documents

When you go to register your SIM card you will need to provide a valid government-issued ID. These include the following.

• Passport
• Philippine Identification System ID
• SSS ID
• GSIS ID
• Driver’s license
• NBI clearance
• Police clearance
• Firearms’ license to own and possess ID
• PRC ID
• IBP ID
• OWWA ID
• BIR ID
• Voter’s ID
• Senior citizen card
• UMID
• PWD card

In addition, you must also provide your full name, birthday, sex as well as address—either present or official.

If you’re a postpaid subscriber and your telco provider already has these details, you must still confirm this information through your telco’s online registration form.

Minors

If you’re a minor under the age of 18, you will need to register your SIM card under the name of your parent or guardian, They will need to present both a valid ID as well as proof of consent.

Foreigners

If you’re a foreigner or ex-pat looking to register your SIM card, you will need to provide a few extra details. These are as follows.

• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Passport
• Address in the Philippines
• Type of travel or admission document presented
• ID number or number of the document presented

Businesses and organizations

If you’re looking to register a SIM used by your business or organization, you will need to present the business name and business address. In addition, you will also need to provide the full name of the authorized signatory for your business.

What if you fail to register

If you fail to register your SIM card, then you may end up having to pay a hefty fine. These are as follows.

• First offense: ₱100,000 to ₱300,000
• Second offense: ₱300,000 to ₱500,000
• Third offense and every subsequent offense afterward: ₱500,000 to P1,000,000 for every offense

In addition, you will need to comply with the registration requirements should you sell or transfer your registered SIM. Failure to do so can result in imprisonment for six months to two years or a fine of ₱100,000 to ₱300,000 or both.

The same penalty applies if you provide false information to register your SIM.

In addition, using a registered SIM to spread inaccurate information or to defraud, you will face at least six years of imprisonment or a fine of ₱200,000 or both.

What if you lose your SIM

Should you lose your SIM card—or it gets stolen—then you need to report it immediately to your telco. In the process, you will need to provide them with your name, address, date of birth, mobile subscriber number as well as other relevant information to establish ownership of the SIM.

What if you live in a remote area

If you live in a remote area of have limited internet connectivity, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, NTC, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Education, as well as all telcos, will facilitate SIM registration

With this, you should be ready to register your SIM card for when the R.A. 11934 comes into effect on Dec. 27, 2022.