How to Replace a Lost SIM Under the SIM Registration Act (Philippines)

This guide explains, in plain language, how replacement works when your SIM is lost or stolen under Republic Act No. 11934 (the “SIM Registration Act” or “SRA”) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). It covers your rights and duties, what your carrier must do, and practical steps—plus special cases (minors, foreigners, corporate lines, eSIM, ported numbers). This is general information, not legal advice.

1) Quick primer: what the law requires

Registration is mandatory for all SIMs (prepaid and postpaid). The SIM is tied to the identity of the registered end-user (or that person’s lawful representative).
If a SIM is lost or stolen, the end-user must promptly notify the public telecommunications entity (PTE)—your mobile carrier—so it can deactivate the SIM and prevent misuse.
Replacement (“SIM swap”/“SIM change”) is allowed after the carrier verifies that you are the registered end-user (or authorized representative). The replacement SIM is then linked to the same number and to your registration record.
Data privacy: Your registration data is confidential and may be disclosed only with your consent, by a valid court/subpoena, or in statutorily allowed law-enforcement situations consistent with the Data Privacy Act.

2) Your legal duties when your SIM goes missing

Report the loss to your carrier right away. The SRA expects prompt reporting to minimize the risk that a SIM registered to you is used for fraud or crime.
Cooperate with identity verification. Be ready to present valid government-issued identification and confirm the information you used when you registered the SIM (name, birth date, address, etc.). If you registered through a representative (parent/guardian, corporate officer), that representative must handle the process.
Keep your registration up to date. If your name, address, or other registration data changes, inform your carrier so the record stays accurate. (This is separate from the loss/replacement itself.)

3) What your carrier must do

Deactivate the lost/stolen SIM once you report it, to protect you and the public.
Process your replacement request after verifying identity/authority.
Maintain confidentiality of your registration data, and use it only for lawful purposes.

Note: The SRA does not fix a standard replacement fee across carriers. Carriers may charge a reasonable replacement fee or require store visit / delivery steps per their service policies.

4) Step-by-step: replacing a lost or stolen SIM

A. Immediate actions (same day you discover the loss)

Secure your accounts: If your phone is also missing, assume someone may receive one-time passwords (OTPs). Log in from another device and lock or change passwords for banks, e-wallets, email, social media, government portals, and your Apple/Google account. Enable recovery methods other than SMS where possible (authenticator apps, security keys).
Report the loss to your carrier: Use official hotlines, carrier apps/portals, or visit a store/authorized center. Ask for immediate SIM deactivation and a case/reference number.
(Optional but recommended) File a police blotter if the phone was stolen. This helps with downstream disputes and, if needed, device IMEI blocking through your carrier/NTC procedures.

B. Prepare documents

Valid government ID (original; bring a photocopy or digital copy if the carrier accepts it).
Any details of the lost SIM you still have (mobile number, last top-up, last numbers called/texted).
Affidavit of Loss: Some carriers will ask for one (sample template below).
If registered via a representative:
- Minors: Parent/guardian who registered the SIM must appear with valid ID and proof of relationship.
- Corporate/Juridical: Authorization letter or board secretary’s certificate; representative’s ID; company ID or documents showing authority.
- Foreign nationals: Passport and valid visa/arrival documents; for tourist SIMs, expect replacement only within the validity window.

C. Request the replacement (“SIM swap”)

Tell the carrier you want to replace the lost SIM but keep the same number.
Complete the identity verification steps (in-app, video KYC, security questions, or in-store checks).
If you use eSIM, ask for a new eSIM profile/QR; follow the carrier’s activation instructions on your device.

D. After activation

Test incoming calls/SMS (especially OTPs).
Re-enable banking and e-wallet access; update recovery numbers on all accounts.
Destroy/ignore the old SIM if it resurfaces—it should remain deactivated once replaced.

5) Special situations

Postpaid lines: Already registered by default. The account holder (or authorized person on the account) handles the replacement with ID verification.
Number Portability (MNP): If your number was ported, your current carrier (the one you’re using now) handles the replacement—not the original carrier.
Minors: The SIM must be registered to a parent/guardian; that same adult processes the replacement.
Foreigners:
- Tourists: Tourist SIMs are time-limited. Replacement is typically available within the validity period upon presentation of passport/arrival docs.
- Long-term residents: Treated similarly to locals for registration and replacement; bring passport and long-term visa/Alien Certificate of Registration, as applicable.
Corporate/Enterprise SIMs: The company (as registered end-user) must authorize a representative. Replacement often routes through the corporate account manager.
Disaster/Calamity scenarios: If primary IDs are unavailable, carriers may accept alternative proofs under assistance programs consistent with the SRA/IRR and data-privacy rules—expect more verification steps.
Device theft: SIM replacement does not block your handset. Ask about IMEI blacklisting (Equipment Identity Register) and provide your police blotter/IMEI.

6) Fraud prevention: SIM-swap scams

Because SIM replacement is a powerful action, scammers try to impersonate you. Protect yourself:

Never share one-time PINs or verification links. Carriers won’t ask for them by chat or social DMs.
Add/keep an account PIN with your carrier if offered.
Use app-based authenticators (TOTP) for banks and email; avoid SMS as your sole 2FA.
Monitor for sudden “No Service.” If your phone unexpectedly loses signal and you didn’t request a swap, contact your carrier from another line immediately.
Verify channels. Use official hotlines, apps, sites, and stores—beware of look-alike pages.

7) Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I reactivate the old SIM if I later find it? A: Once properly deactivated and replaced, the old SIM should remain permanently disabled. Use the new SIM/eSIM profile tied to your number.

Q: Will I lose my load, promos, or rewards? A: Carriers commonly attempt to carry over load and value-added services with the same number, but this can depend on system timelines and promo terms. Ask during the replacement.

Q: Do I need the original SIM packaging or PUK? A: Not typically. Identity verification and your registration record are what matter. Bring any details you still have.

Q: Is an Affidavit of Loss required by law? A: The SRA doesn’t mandate it expressly, but carriers may require it as part of their identity-verification and anti-fraud controls.

Q: Can someone misuse my lost SIM to commit crimes against me? A: That risk is exactly why the law expects prompt deactivation. Report immediately so activity cannot be traced to your number after the report.

8) Practical checklists

A. Same-day “Do This Now”

Report loss to carrier; get a reference number
Change passwords and switch critical accounts to app-based 2FA
If stolen, file a police blotter; prepare for IMEI blacklisting
List accounts that use your number for OTPs (banks, wallets, email, social, gov’t portals)

B. Documents to Bring/Upload

Valid government ID
Mobile number & any helpful usage details
Affidavit of Loss (if required)
For representatives: proof of authority + ID
For foreigners: passport + visa/arrival docs

9) Sample “Affidavit of Loss — SIM Card”

Note: This is a convenience template. Carriers may have their own forms. Notarization requirements vary.

AFFIDAVIT OF LOSS (SIM CARD)

I, [Full Name], of legal age, [civil status], [nationality], with address at [Address], after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, depose and state:

1. I am the registered end-user of mobile number [09XXXXXXXXX] under [Carrier Name].
2. On or about [Date], I discovered that my SIM card associated with the said number was [lost/stolen].
3. Despite diligent efforts, I have been unable to locate or recover the SIM card.
4. I am executing this Affidavit to formally report the loss and to request deactivation of the missing SIM and issuance of a replacement SIM/eSIM retaining the same number.
5. I undertake to hold [Carrier Name] free and harmless from any liability arising from transactions using the lost SIM after the date of my report.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [Date] at [City/Province], Philippines.

[Signature over Printed Name]
Affiant

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this [Date] at [City/Province], affiant exhibiting [ID Type, No., Date/Place of Issue].

[Notary Public]

10) Common carrier practices you should expect (policy-neutral)

Identity verification before any SIM swap (in-app video KYC or in-store).
Deactivation of the old SIM before activating the new one.
One replacement per active number at a time (to prevent rapid, repeated swaps).
Reasonable replacement fee and, for eSIM, a new QR/profile per device.
Refusal of suspicious requests (e.g., mismatched IDs; no proof of authority).

11) Key takeaways

Act fast: Report the loss and deactivate immediately.
Prove identity: Bring valid ID (and authority, if you’re a representative).
Replace correctly: Ask for a SIM swap that keeps your same number.
Harden security: Move critical accounts to non-SMS 2FA where possible.
Stay compliant: Keep your registration record accurate and current.

Disclaimer

This overview is based on the SIM Registration Act (RA 11934) and its IRR, together with typical carrier procedures in the Philippines. Exact documentary requirements, fees, and processing steps vary by carrier and may change. For disputes or unusual cases, consult your carrier’s formal policies or seek legal counsel.