RA 11934: SIM Registration Act Guide for Filipinos

RA 11934 SIM Registration Act still sets the nationwide rule: a SIM card—whether prepaid, post-paid, tourist, or roaming—must be registered before it can connect. By tying every number to a verified identity, the law aims to choke off text-based scams, fraud, and other mobile crimes.

Below you will find the 2025 registration steps, deadlines, penalties, and smart tips to keep every SIM you own (or plan to buy) active and secure.

SIM Card Registration

RA 11934 SIM Registration Act: Purpose, Scope, and Key Rights

Checklist Quick Details
Purpose Stop SMS fraud, phishing, and mobile-aided crimes by linking each SIM to a verified user.
Scope & Coverage All prepaid and post-paid SIMs sold or used in the Philippines—citizens, residents, tourists, and IoT devices.
Key Rights / Protections Prompt deactivation of lost SIMs, free re-issuance of replacement SIMs, data-privacy safeguards, and real-time blocking of reported scam numbers.
Main Penalties ₱100 k – ₱1 M fines and/or 6 months – 6 years jail for selling, swapping, or using a SIM illegally; daily fines for telcos that delay deactivation.
Where to Learn More DICT hotline 1326, NTC Consumer Welfare Division, and your telco’s SIM Registration portal.

2025 Registration Steps

  1. Online (Fastest for Most Users)
  1. Go to your telco’s portal:
    • Globe — new.globe.com.ph/simreg
    • Smart — smartsimsregistration.com
    • DITO — dito.ph/sim-registration
  2. Enter your mobile number and the one-time PIN.
  3. Upload a clear photo of a valid government ID and a selfie.
  4. Fill in your full name, birthday, gender, current address, and e-mail.
  5. Review, tick “I certify,” then submit.
  1. Offline (For Seniors, PWDs, or No-Internet Areas)
  • Visit a telco store, authorized agent, or designated government hub.
  • Staff will scan your ID, take a live photo, and encode your details.
  • Keep the printed or SMS receipt of successful registration.
  1. Post-Paid Customers
  • Confirm or update the personal data your provider already holds.
  • Reply to the prompt or visit the portal to keep your line active.
  1. Foreign Nationals & Tourists
  • Present a passport and proof of Philippine address (hotel booking, BRP, or employer letter).
  • Tourist SIMs deactivate automatically 30 days after registration unless extended with a valid visa.

Deadlines and Deactivation

Scenario Deadline Result if Missed
New SIM bought today Register before first use No call, text, or data until registered
Old SIM unregistered by 30 July 2023 Deadline lapsed Permanently deactivated; buy a new SIM
Lost or stolen SIM Report within 48 hours Owner liable for misuse until report filed

Penalties at a Glance

Violation Fine (₱) Jail Term
Selling or transferring a registered SIM without proper process 100 k – 300 k 6 mos – 6 yrs
Submitting false info or fake ID 100 k – 300 k 6 mos – 2 yrs
Telco fails to deactivate a lost SIM promptly 100 k – 1 M per day
Selling stolen SIM cards Up to 300 k Up to 2 yrs

Where and How to Report Scam Messages

Agency / Provider Best Channel
Your Telco (Globe, Smart, DITO) In-app or web support chat
NTC Consumer Welfare ✉ kontratextscam@ntc.gov.ph
☎ 1682
DICT / CICC Response Center Hotline 1326 (voice, SMS, WhatsApp)
eGov PH Super-App “eReport” module
Police / NBI Cybercrime Walk-in or via 1326
National Privacy Commission complaints@privacy.gov.ph

Pro Tips

  • Attach screenshots, timestamps, and short notes describing the scam.
  • Never click links or reply to suspicious numbers.
  • The sooner you report, the faster authorities can block the sender.

Tips for Multiple-SIM Owners

  • Register each SIM separately. No legal limit, but every card needs its own form.
  • Track your records. File the confirmation SMS or e-mail for every number.
  • Update promptly. Change of address or ID? Edit details on each portal.
  • Transfer safely. Selling a SIM? Complete the telco’s official transfer form first.
  • Lose it? Freeze it. Ask the telco to deactivate the number within 24 hours.

Additional Best Practices

  • Use only official registration links or in-store channels.
  • Acceptable IDs include passport, PhilSys, driver’s license, UMID, and PRC ID—check your provider’s FAQ for the full list.
  • Protect your one-time PIN; a telco will never ask for it by phone or chat.
  • Get replacements or eSIM conversions directly from your carrier.

The Impact So Far

Government data show text-scam complaints plunged over 93 percent within months of the law’s rollout, a sharp proof that verified numbers deter criminals. Continuous registration, quick reporting, and stricter telco monitoring keep that momentum going.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there another nationwide deadline in 2025?
No. New SIMs must be registered before activation. Missed the 2023 cutoff? Buy and register a fresh SIM.

Can one person hold 10 SIMs?
Yes, as long as each is registered under your real name and ID.

Will my data be safe?
Under the Act, telcos must store your information in an encrypted database accessible only to authorized agencies.

What if I entered the wrong birthdate?
Log in to the portal and correct it, or visit a telco store with your ID for assistance.

What Filipinos Say About SIM Registration

“At least scam texts are rare now. Before, my inbox was full of fake ‘delivery’ links.” — commenter, Facebook community group
“The portal took two tries, but it still felt safer than giving my ID to a street vendor.” — subscriber, Reddit r/Philippines
“My lola could not upload her selfie, so the barangay tech hub helped her in ten minutes.” — Twitter thread on digital inclusion

Mixed reviews remain about initial glitches, yet most Filipinos agree the trade-off of a five-minute registration for scam-free messaging is worth it.

Conclusion

The RA 11934 SIM Registration Act continues to evolve, but its core rule is unchanged: verify first, connect second. Registering every SIM under your name, keeping records, and reporting suspicious messages protect not only your number but the wider mobile community. Stay updated via your telco and official DICT or NTC channels to enjoy hassle-free service—and peace of mind that scammers are one step farther away.

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