SIM ownership transfer in Pakistan is the official legal process of changing the registered owner of a mobile number from one person to another while keeping the same phone number. It is one of the most requested telecom services in Pakistan — yet most Pakistanis have no idea how the process works, what documents are required, or how long it takes.
This is Pakistan’s most complete guide to SIM ownership transfer in 2026 — covering every scenario, every operator, and every document you need.
When Do You Need a SIM Ownership Transfer?
A SIM ownership transfer is necessary in these specific situations:
| Situation | Transfer Required? |
|---|---|
| Buying a second-hand SIM | ✅ Yes |
| Receiving a SIM as a gift | ✅ Yes |
| Company SIM moving to employee’s name | ✅ Yes |
| Family member’s SIM after their death | ✅ Yes (special procedure) |
| Correcting a franchise registration error | ✅ Yes |
| Changing from business to personal registration | ✅ Yes |
| SIM registered under expired CNIC | ✅ Yes |
What transfer does NOT involve: SIM ownership transfer keeps the same phone number on a new SIM card under a new owner. It is different from MNP (number porting between operators) and different from simply buying a new SIM.
Standard SIM Ownership Transfer — Step-by-Step Procedure
Required Documents
From the current registered owner (transferring person):
- Original valid CNIC
- Original SIM card (physical card)
- Signed written authorization / transfer request form (provided at franchise)
From the new owner (receiving person):
- Original valid CNIC
- Confirmation that they have not reached their PTA SIM limit (check via 668)
Both persons must be physically present at the franchise simultaneously. This is a mandatory PTA requirement that cannot be waived. Transfers cannot be processed remotely or via proxy under standard procedure.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process
Step 1: Both the current owner and the new owner visit the same authorized franchise together. This must be a franchise of the operator whose SIM is being transferred.
Step 2: Inform the franchise agent: “We want to transfer SIM ownership.” The agent provides the official ownership transfer form.
Step 3: The current owner fills in and signs the transfer authorization section. The new owner fills in and signs the receiving confirmation section.
Step 4: The franchise agent runs biometric verification on BOTH parties:
- Current owner’s biometric confirms they are the registered owner authorizing the transfer
- New owner’s biometric links them to their CNIC as the new registered owner
Step 5: The franchise submits the transfer request to PTA’s system. The current owner’s SIM is deactivated and a new SIM is issued to the new owner with the same number.
Step 6: The new owner receives the new SIM card and a confirmation SMS within 2–4 hours confirming the transfer is complete.
Step 7: The new owner should immediately verify via 667 (send MNP to 667) to confirm their name now appears as the registered owner.
SIM Ownership Transfer Costs — All Operators 2026
| Operator | Transfer Cost | SIM Replacement Cost | Total Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jazz | Rs. 100–200 | Rs. 50–150 | Rs. 150–350 |
| Zong | Rs. 100–250 | Rs. 50–150 | Rs. 150–400 |
| Telenor | Rs. 100–200 | Rs. 50–150 | Rs. 150–350 |
| Ufone | Rs. 100–200 | Rs. 50–150 | Rs. 150–350 |
| SCO | Rs. 50–150 | Rs. 50–100 | Rs. 100–250 |
Costs may vary slightly by franchise location. Transfer fees are set by individual operators within PTA guidelines.
SIM Ownership Transfer When Original Owner Is Deceased
When the registered SIM owner has passed away, the standard procedure (requiring both owners present) is replaced by a special deceased estate procedure:
Required documents:
- Death certificate of the original owner (issued by NADRA or local government)
- Legal heir certificate OR succession certificate (issued by a court)
- Original CNIC of the deceased (if available)
- Original CNIC of the heir requesting transfer
- Application letter explaining the relationship and request
Process: Visit the franchise of the operator. Submit all documents. The franchise forwards the case to the operator’s legal team for verification. Processing takes 15–30 working days depending on the operator and documentation completeness.
Important: During this period, keep the deceased person’s SIM active if possible by maintaining balance or activity. An inactive SIM may face deactivation before the transfer completes.
What to Check Before Accepting a SIM Ownership Transfer
Before agreeing to accept a SIM transfer, always verify the current status using official tools:
Check 1: Insert the SIM and send MNP to 667. Confirm it is currently registered to the person claiming to own it.
Check 2: Ask the current owner to run a 668 check and show you the result confirming the specific number appears on their CNIC.
Check 3: Verify your own 668 count. Ensure you have not reached your 25-SIM limit before accepting the transfer.
Check 4: Confirm the SIM has no outstanding postpaid dues — you may inherit billing issues if not verified.
For complete SIM verification before any ownership change, use the official tools at Sim Owner Details — Pakistan’s most complete free SIM verification resource.
SIM Ownership Transfer vs SIM Swap vs MNP — Key Differences
| Ownership Transfer | SIM Swap | MNP (Porting) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What changes | Registered owner | Physical SIM card | Network operator |
| Phone number | Stays same | Stays same | Stays same |
| Both parties present | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (just you) | ❌ No (just you) |
| CNIC changes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Cost | Rs. 150–400 | Rs. 50–150 | Free |
| Processing time | Same day | 2–4 hours | 24 hours |
How to Verify Transfer Completed Successfully
After completing the transfer:
Method 1: New owner inserts SIM and sends MNP to 667. Reply should show new owner’s name and CNIC.
Method 2: New owner sends their CNIC to 668. The transferred number should now appear under their CNIC.
Method 3: Visit cnic.sims.pk and check under the new owner’s CNIC — the transferred number should appear.
For the complete SIM information verification guide covering all official check methods, visit the full resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I transfer SIM ownership without the original owner being present?
A: For standard transfers, both owners must be physically present simultaneously. The only exception is the deceased owner procedure, which requires legal heir documentation instead.
Q: How long does SIM ownership transfer take?
A: Same-day processing at the franchise. SIM activates under new owner within 2–4 hours of submission.
Q: Can I transfer ownership if the original owner’s CNIC is expired?
A: The original owner must renew their CNIC at NADRA first. An expired CNIC cannot complete the biometric verification required for transfer authorization.
Q: Is SIM ownership transfer free?
A: No. There is a small fee ranging from Rs. 150–400 depending on operator. This covers the transfer processing and new SIM card issuance.
Q: What happens to the original SIM after transfer?
A: The original SIM card is surrendered to the franchise and deactivated. A new SIM card is issued to the new owner with the same number.
For complete Pakistan SIM database verification and all official SIM management tools, all resources are free at Sim Owner Details.
SIM OWNER DETAILS
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