Keeping Your Digits: Guide to Verizon Transfer Number (Porting In)

Switching mobile carriers often comes with one major concern: can you keep your existing phone number? Fortunately, thanks to regulations governing Local Number Portability (LNP), the answer is usually yes. If you’re moving your service to Verizon Wireless, the verizon transfer number process allows you to bring your current number with you.

This guide explains how the verizon transfer number process (also known as porting your number) works when you’re joining Verizon.

What is a Verizon Transfer Number (Porting In)?

Performing a verizon transfer number or “porting in” your number means moving your existing active phone number from your current wireless or landline carrier to Verizon Wireless. This process is governed by FCC rules for Local Number Portability, which mandate that providers must allow customers to keep their phone number when switching carriers, provided certain conditions are met.

This ensures you can maintain your primary contact number without having to inform everyone of a new one when you switch services.

(Note: This article primarily focuses on transferring a number to Verizon from another carrier. Transferring billing responsibility for a line between two existing Verizon customers is a different process known as “Transfer Your Service” or “Change of Ownership,” typically managed through My Verizon.)

Eligibility for Porting Your Number to Verizon

Most phone numbers can be transferred to Verizon, but keep these points in mind:

• Active Service: The number you want to transfer must be currently active with your previous service provider. Do NOT cancel your old service before the transfer is complete.
• Number Type: Most wireless numbers and many landline or Voice over IP (VoIP) numbers are portable.
• Geographic Considerations: While less common for wireless-to-wireless ports, sometimes technical or regulatory limitations related to geographic “rate centers” can affect porting eligibility, especially when moving a landline number to wireless service. Verizon’s system will check eligibility during the signup process.

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Information Needed for Your Verizon Transfer Number Request

To authorize the verizon transfer number process, Verizon needs specific information about your account with your previous carrier. Accuracy is crucial here:

1. The Phone Number: The exact 10-digit number you wish to transfer.
2. Previous Carrier’s Account Number: Find this on your bill from your old provider.
3. Account Holder’s Name: The name exactly as it appears on your previous carrier’s bill.
4. Billing Address: The service or billing address listed on your previous carrier’s account.
5. Number Transfer PIN (Port-Out PIN): This is critical. To prevent unauthorized transfers, most carriers now require a special PIN, separate from your account password or security code, to authorize porting out. You must obtain this Number Transfer PIN directly from your previous carrier (often requested via their app, website security settings, or by calling their customer service) before initiating the verizon transfer number request.
6. Other Verification (Possibly): Sometimes, the last four digits of the account holder’s Social Security Number might be requested by the old carrier as part of the verification, though the Number Transfer PIN is the primary security measure.

Having this information correct and ready will significantly speed up the verizon transfer number process.

The Verizon Transfer Number Process (Porting In)

When signing up for new Verizon Wireless service (online, in-store, or by phone):

1. Indicate Transfer: Clearly state that you want to bring (port-in) your existing phone number.
2. Provide Information: During the order process, Verizon will prompt you for all the required information listed above (number to transfer, old account number, Number Transfer PIN, etc.).
3. Verizon Initiates Request: Once Verizon has your information and authorization, they will submit the porting request to your old carrier.
4. Old Carrier Approval: Your old carrier verifies the information (especially the account number and Number Transfer PIN) and approves the release of your number.
5. Activation on Verizon: Verizon activates your number on their network and your new Verizon SIM card or eSIM.
6. Completion: The transfer is complete once your number is fully active on the Verizon network. You’ll likely receive confirmation from Verizon. Your old service associated with that number should then automatically cancel (but it’s wise to confirm with the old carrier afterwards).

How Long Does the Transfer Take?

• Wireless-to-Wireless: Porting a number from one mobile carrier to another is often very fast, potentially taking anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
• Landline/VoIP-to-Wireless: Transferring a number from a traditional landline or VoIP provider typically takes longer due to different system processes, potentially ranging from 2 to 10 business days.

Verizon will provide an estimated timeframe during the signup process. Your old phone service will continue working until the verizon transfer number to Verizon is fully finalized.

Important “Don’ts” When Transferring

• DO NOT CANCEL YOUR OLD SERVICE: This is the most critical point. If you cancel your account with your previous carrier before the verizon transfer number process is successfully completed, you will likely lose your phone number permanently. Keep the old account active. The porting process itself will initiate the cancellation of that specific line with your old provider.
• DO NOT PROVIDE INCORRECT INFORMATION: Ensure the account number, name, address, and especially the Number Transfer PIN given to Verizon exactly match the records at your old carrier. Mismatched information is the most common reason for porting delays or failures.

Conclusion: Bringing Your Number to Verizon

Completing a verizon transfer number (porting in) is a standard process regulated by the FCC, allowing you to keep your familiar phone number when switching to Verizon Wireless. By ensuring your old account is active, gathering the correct account information – including the crucial Number Transfer PIN from your previous provider – and providing these details accurately during signup, you can facilitate a smooth transition. Remember not to cancel your old service prematurely; let the successful verizon transfer number process handle that. This way, you can enjoy Verizon’s network with the convenience of your existing number.