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How to Register SIM Card in the Philippines?

WhatALife Contributor

How to Register SIM Card in the Philippines

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card Registration Act was signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on October 9, 2022. The new law is in response to the rampant scam messages many Filipinos fall victim to. But, under this new law, how do you register your SIM Card in the Philippines? This blog will detail what we know so far, including registration links.

Table of contents

When will SIM Card registration start?

All existing SIM Subscribers must register with their respective Public Telecommunication Entity (PTE) within 180 days of the law’s effectivity.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the SIM Registration Act is released on December 12, 2022. This is followed by the law’s effectivity and start of registration on December 27, 2022, and will end on April 26, 2023.



However, the law also allowed DICT to extend the registration for a period not exceeding 120 days. Filipinos who failed to register within the set period may still apply for registration until July 2023. (This information is subject to change. Please standby for updates.)

Failure to register your SIM card within the allotted period will result in automatic deactivation.

Starting December 27, 2022, new SIMs will be sold in “deactivated mode.” Additionally, other than regular SIMs, embedded SIMs, broadband modems, and internet-of-things devices must also be registered.

What happens if you don’t register your SIM Card?

If users fail to register their SIM card on or before the specified period, their SIM Cards will be automatically disabled. Thus, it makes their SIM permanently unusable because they won’t be able to do the following:



  • Send or receive text messages
  • Make calls
  • Use data

To register your SIM Card, you must duly complete a control-numbered electronic registration form, which requires your full name, date of birth, sex, and address.

The form will also ask for the assigned SIM number.

In addition, the form may be found on a platform or website of respective PTEs, where users must declare that the documents presented are true and correct and that they are the same person who accomplished the form.



Below are the SIM Card Registration links for different Telecommunication Companies:

What are the requirements to register your SIM Card in the Philippines?

To verify the identity of the end-user, they are required to present valid government-issued identification cards or documents with their photograph.

This includes the following:

  • Passport
  • Philippine Identification, Social Security Service ID,
  • Government Service Insurance System e-Card,
  • Driver’s License,
  • National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance,
  • Police clearance,
  • Firearms License to Own and Possess ID,
  • Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID,
  • Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID,
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID,
  • Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ID,
  • Voter’s ID,
  • Senior citizen’s card,
  • Unified Multi-purpose Identification (UMID) Card,
  • Person with Disabilities card;
  • Other government-issued ID with a photo

Also Read: Top 3 Easiest valid IDs you can get as a Fresh Graduate in the Philippines

SIM Card Registration for Minors

A SIM may be registered for minors, but it shall be under the name of their parents/guardians who gave their consent and are also registered.

SIM Card Registration for Foreign Nationals and Tourists

Foreign nationals staying as tourists for less than 30 days must register their SIM cards. To do so, they need to present the following:

  • Passport
  • Proof of address in the Philippines
  • Return ticket to their own country or any other ticket that shows the date and time of their departure from the Philippines.

Foreign nationals with other types of visas staying for more than 30 days must present the following:

  • Passport
  • Proof of address in the Philippines,
  • Alien Employment Permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment,
  • Alien Certificate of Registration ID,
  • School registration ID for students; or
  • Other pertinent documents.

Their registered SIMs are valid for only 30 days and will automatically deactivate upon expiration.

SIM Card Registration for Corporations

Corporations may also register a SIM needed for their day-to-day business.

The owner or an authorized representative must present the following requirements:

  • Certificate of registration
  • A duly adopted resolution designating their duly authorized representative,
  • Special power of attorney for the registration of SIM of other juridical entities

SIM Card Registration for Postpaid Subscribers

Telcos already have the necessary data for postpaid subscribers, so users only need to confirm their information for SIM registration through the telco’s platform or website.

SIM Card Registration in Remote Areas

For those in remote areas with limited internet connectivity, the DICT, NTC, DILG, and DepEd, including telcos, will help in SIM Registration. Please be updated on the topic in your local areas.

Also Read: Smart Communications Inc. set up SIM card registration booths at SM Malls

What are the penalties for false information and fraudulent IDs used for registration?

The law states that those who provide false information or use fraudulent IDs during registration will face the penalty of imprisonment from six months to two years plus a fine of up to Php 300,000.

Those who spoof a registered SIM or sell a stolen SIM will face the same punishment.

The sale or transfer of a registered SIM without compliance with the required registration process will also face penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

Final Thoughts

The SIM Card Registration Act aims to reduce the number of cybercrimes, such as scams and identity thefts, in the Philippines. By following the outlined steps and providing the necessary documentation, users can easily complete their registration with no hassle. Foreign nationals and tourists are also advised to register their SIM cards so they can contribute to a safer telecommunications environment in the country.

To find out more about the SIM Card Registration Act, check out the following guides:

– WhatALife!

Source: (1), (2)

Keep Reading: Senate approves SIM Registration bill on third and final reading

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