In the Philippines, a mobile number is more than just a string of digits; it is a primary key for digital banking, government transactions, and personal security. Under Republic Act No. 11934, or the SIM Registration Act, the process of replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged SIM card while retaining the same number has been standardized to protect consumers from identity theft and "SIM swapping" scams.

Legal Framework and Ownership

The SIM Registration Act mandates that all SIM cards must be registered to a specific individual or entity. This legal link ensures that the mobile number is tied to a verified identity, providing the subscriber with a legal claim to that specific number. When a SIM is lost or compromised, the law requires Public Telecommunication Entities (PTEs) like Globe, Smart, and DITO to provide a replacement process that maintains the subscriber's existing data and number.

Mandatory Requirements for Replacement

To facilitate a replacement under the current regulatory landscape, subscribers must present specific documentation to verify their identity. This prevents unauthorized individuals from hijacking your mobile identity.

Requirement	Description
Valid Government ID	Must be an original, photo-bearing ID (e.g., Passport, Driver’s License, UMID, PhilID).
Affidavit of Loss	A notarized document stating the circumstances of the loss (required for lost/stolen SIMs).
Proof of Registration	A screenshot or copy of the SIM Registration confirmation (recommended).
Physical SIM Card	Only required if the replacement is due to a damaged or defective card.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Immediate Reporting

Under the IRR of RA 11934, subscribers are obligated to report a lost or stolen SIM to their respective PTE immediately. This allows the telco to "hotline" or deactivate the SIM, preventing unauthorized use of your data or mobile wallet (GCash, Maya, etc.).

2. Documentation Preparation

For Damaged SIMs: Simply bring the physical card and a valid ID to a wireless center.
For Lost/Stolen SIMs: You must visit a Notary Public to execute an Affidavit of Loss. This document serves as legal testimony that you are the rightful owner and have lost possession of the card.

3. Verification and Validation

Upon reaching the store, the PTE will verify your identity against their SIM Registration Database. They will check if the details on your ID match the data submitted during the initial registration.

4. Issuance of New SIM

Once verified, the PTE will issue a new physical SIM (or eSIM) linked to your original mobile number. This process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the store’s queue and system synchronization.

Key Legal Protections and Responsibilities

Data Privacy: The PTE is prohibited from using your registration data for any purpose other than verification and service provision, pursuant to the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
No Loss of Number: The law ensures "Number Portability" and continuity. You have a right to keep your number even if the physical medium (the chip) is destroyed or lost.
Penalties for Fraud: Under the SIM Registration Act, providing false information or using a fictitious identity to claim a SIM card is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and/or heavy fines.

Important Considerations for Digital Security

When you receive your replacement SIM, your mobile number remains the same, but the unique ICCID (Serial Number) of the card changes. While your number is restored, you may need to:

Re-verify Banking Apps: Some high-security apps detect a SIM change and may require a fresh login.
Check Signal Restoration: It may take up to 24 hours for all incoming SMS services (especially OTAs from international banks) to fully synchronize with the new card.

Summary of the Replacement Workflow

Notify the Telco to block the lost SIM.
Secure a Notarized Affidavit of Loss and a Valid ID.
Visit an official store/business center of your service provider.
Verify your identity via the SIM Registration Database.
Activate the new SIM card provided by the personnel.