SIM registration in the Philippines has been a requirement for mobile phone users since the SIM Card Law was signed into law on October 10, 2022. The law mandates the registration of all SIM cards before activation to prevent the growing spam and scam messages sent every day. The national government set July 15, 2023, as the deadline for existing subscribers to register their SIMs.

The SIM Registration Act (SRA) requires all new subscribers to register their SIM card prior to activation. The registration process involves providing personal information such as name, address, date of birth, and a valid ID. Accepted IDs include a driver's license, passport, postal ID, voter's ID, and Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card. Student IDs issued by a state university or college in the Philippines will be accepted for all students aged 18 and above.

Telecommunication companies in the Philippines, such as Smart and Globe, have established secure systems and facilities that make it easy, safe, and convenient for their customers to register their SIMs. Failure to register a SIM card may result in deactivation, and subscribers who fail to comply with the law may face penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Overview of SIM Registration in the Philippines

In the Philippines, SIM registration is mandatory for all mobile device users, whether prepaid or postpaid. The TM SIM registration process requires users to provide their personal information, such as their full name, address, and valid identification card, to their respective mobile network providers. The government implemented this measure to curb cybercriminal activities and improve public safety.

The SIM registration law, officially designated as Republic Act No. 11934 and commonly referred to as the SIM Card Registration Act, imposes penalties ranging from ₱100,000 to ₱1 million for violations such as failure to register a SIM card and violation of confidentiality. The law also allows minors to register a SIM card, but only in the name of a parent or guardian consenting to the registration.

The SIM registration period started on December 27, 2022, and will end on June 22, 2023. Existing SIM card users are required to register within this period to avoid deactivation of their SIM cards. However, if a user fails to register with a valid reason, they can ask the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for an extension.

The Globe SIM registration process is simple and can be completed in a few minutes. Users can visit their respective mobile network provider's store or authorized registration centers and submit their personal information and identification card. Some mobile network providers also offer online registration services to make the process more convenient for users.

Overall, the SIM registration law aims to promote responsible SIM card use and provide law enforcement agencies with tools to help them solve crimes involving SIM cards.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

To register a SIM card in the Philippines, there are two ways: online and in-person. Before proceeding with the registration process, there are some requirements to be met.

Requirements for SIM Registration

To register a SIM card, one must provide the following:

• One (1) valid government-issued ID with a photo and signature. Acceptable IDs include passport, driver's license, SSS ID, PhilHealth ID, PRC ID, Voter's ID, and Postal ID.
• The mobile number to be registered.

Online Registration Procedure

To register a SIM card online, follow these steps:

1. Visit the website of your mobile network provider. For example, for Globe Telecom, go to www.globe.com.ph.
2. Look for the SIM registration page and click on it.
3. Enter your mobile phone number and click "Register."
4. You should receive an OTP (One-Time PIN), which expires within five minutes. Enter it on the website, wait for validation, and proceed with registration.
5. Fill out the required information, including your name, address, date of birth, and sex.
6. Upload a valid ID and take a selfie to confirm your identity.
7. Review your registration details.
8. Submit your registration.

In-Person Registration Procedure

To register a SIM card in-person, follow these steps:

1. Go to the nearest mobile network provider store or authorized agent.
2. Fill out the SIM registration form.
3. Present your valid government-issued ID.
4. Provide your mobile number to be registered.
5. Wait for the confirmation of your registration.

It is important to note that unregistered subscribers will have limited services until they complete the registration process. With the above steps, registering a SIM card in the Philippines is a straightforward process that can be done either online or in-person.