Transitioning to your own Verizon plan can feel like a big step, especially if you've been on a family plan for years. Maybe you're moving out, starting a new chapter, or simply want more control over your mobile service. Whatever your reason, this guide will walk you through the process, making it as smooth as possible!
Ready to take the reins of your Verizon service? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding the "Assumption of Liability" (AOL)
The core of switching from a shared plan to your own individual plan at Verizon is a process called an Assumption of Liability (AOL). This is Verizon's official way of transferring the financial responsibility of a line (or lines) from one account to another. Essentially, you're taking over the ownership of your phone number and any associated device payment agreements.
What You Need to Know Upfront:
-
Consent is Key: The current account owner (the one whose plan you're currently on) must consent to the transfer. Without their approval, the process cannot move forward.
-
Eligibility Requirements: To assume liability, you generally need to be:
-
18 years or older (19 in Alabama).
-
Able to pass a soft credit check. This typically doesn't impact your credit score.
-
Current on any existing Verizon payments if you already have an account.
-
-
Device Payment Agreements: If your phone has an ongoing device payment agreement, there are usually three options:
-
The current account owner can pay off the remaining balance before the transfer.
-
The device payment agreement can move with the line to your new account. You'll then be responsible for the remaining payments. You'll need to pass a credit check for this.
-
You could purchase a new device outright or on a new payment plan once your individual account is set up.
-
-
Plan Selection: When you move to your own account, you'll need to select a currently available Verizon plan. You might not be able to keep the exact plan you were on with the family account. This is a great opportunity to explore plans that best fit your individual needs and usage!
-
Prorated Charges: Be aware that your first bill on your new individual plan might include prorated (partial) charges for the current month, plus charges for the next full month, as Verizon often bills a month in advance.
 |
| How To Switch To My Own Verizon Plan |
Step 2: Initiating the Transfer – Who Starts It?
Both the current account owner (the "relinquishing party") and you (the "assuming party") play a role in initiating the transfer. Verizon offers flexibility here:
Option A: Current Account Owner Initiates the Transfer
This is often the most straightforward approach. The current account owner will initiate the transfer through My Verizon.
-
Sign in to My Verizon: The account owner needs to sign in to their My Verizon account (either via the app or website).
-
Navigate to "Transfer Your Service":
-
On the My Verizon Website: Go to "Account" -> "My Devices" -> "Transfer your service."
-
On the My Verizon App: Go to the "Mobile" tab (if prompted, enter password/Face ID) -> From "Devices" section, tap your mobile number -> "Transfer your service."
-
-
Start a New Transfer: Select "Start a new transfer."
-
Select Line(s): The account owner will select the line(s) they want to transfer to you.
-
Choose Account Type: They'll select "I want to transfer line(s) to a personal account."
-
Enter Your Information: The account owner will need to enter your full name and email address. Ensure this information is accurate to avoid delays.
-
Review & Confirm: They'll review the disclosures and authorizations, accept, and confirm the transfer request.
-
Email Notification: An email with instructions will be sent to both the current account owner and you (the assuming party) to complete the transfer. You typically have 15 days to accept the service transfer.
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
Option B: You (the Assuming Party) Request a Release
If the current account owner prefers, or if it's more convenient for you, you can initiate the request to assume responsibility.
-
Sign in to My Verizon: Sign in to your My Verizon account (if you have one already) or create a new one.
-
Navigate to "Transfer Service": Go to "Manage" -> "Account" -> "Transfer Service."
-
Select "Assume Line": Click on the "Assume line" tab and then "Request release."
-
Enter Mobile Number: Enter the mobile number(s) you want to assume.
-
Verify & Submit: Verify the information and submit the request.
-
Request Number: Keep a record of the provided Request Number.
-
Account Owner Notification: The current account owner will receive an email with instructions to continue their portion of the transfer process. They'll need to follow the steps in Option A to release the line(s).
Step 3: Completing the Transfer – Your Role as the New Account Owner
Once the transfer request has been initiated, it's your turn to finalize the process.
-
Check Your Email: You will receive an email from Verizon with the subject line "You have a line transfer request to complete" (or similar). Open this email promptly.
-
Click "Transfer now": Within the email, there will be a link to "Transfer now." Click this link.
-
Enter PIN (if applicable): If prompted, enter the Transfer request PIN that was provided in the email or by the relinquishing party.
-
Verify Mobile Number: Enter one of the ten-digit mobile numbers associated with the transfer.
-
Choose Account Destination: On the "Let's complete your transfer" screen, you'll have two critical choices:
-
Set up a new Verizon mobile account: Choose this if you don't currently have your own Verizon account. This will guide you through creating a new account.
-
Add the line(s) to an existing Verizon mobile account: Choose this if you already have an individual Verizon account you want to merge this line into. You'll need to sign in as the Account Owner or Account Manager of that existing account.
-
-
Credit Check & Account Creation (for new accounts):
-
If you're setting up a new account, you'll need to provide credit information.
-
You'll be prompted to consent to a soft credit check.
-
Create your account details, including a PIN for My Verizon access.
-
-
Select Your Plan: This is an important step! You'll need to select a new, currently available Verizon plan for your line(s).
-
You might see an option to "Keep the plan" initially, but it's crucial to review new plans as your previous family plan rates and features may differ.
-
Take your time to explore the latest Unlimited plans (like Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate) and consider any add-on perks that suit your needs (e.g., Disney Bundle, TravelPass, etc.).
-
Consider your data usage, international calling needs, and any desired streaming benefits.
-
-
Review Estimated Monthly Cost: Carefully review the estimated monthly cost based on your chosen plan and any associated device payments.
-
Review & Accept Agreements: Read the "Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement" and "Taxes, Surcharges and Fees" documents. You'll need to accept these to proceed.
-
Confirm & Complete Transfer: Double-check all details and confirm to complete the transfer. You'll receive a confirmation number.
Step 4: Post-Transfer Considerations & Managing Your New Account
Congratulations! You're now the proud owner of your own Verizon plan. Here's what to expect and how to manage your new account:
Billing and Payments
-
First Bill: As mentioned, your first bill will likely include prorated charges from the transfer date to the end of your current billing cycle, plus a full month in advance. Don't be surprised if it looks a bit higher than your regular monthly charge.
-
Auto Pay & Paper-Free Billing: Enroll in Auto Pay and paper-free billing using your bank account or Verizon Visa Card to potentially qualify for a $10/month per line discount. This can significantly reduce your monthly cost.
-
Understanding Your Bill: Get familiar with your My Verizon account (app or website) to view your bill, track usage, and manage payments.
Device Considerations
-
SIM Card: In most cases, your existing SIM card will continue to work. If you receive a new device, it will come with a new SIM.
-
Upgrades: You'll now have your own upgrade eligibility. Keep an eye on My Verizon for upgrade offers and check your device's eligibility.
-
Device Protection: Consider adding device protection to your new plan if you want coverage against loss, theft, damage, or out-of-warranty defects.
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
Exploring Plan Features and Perks
-
My Verizon: Your My Verizon account is your hub for managing your plan. You can:
-
Change your plan: If your needs evolve, you can usually switch to a different plan within My Verizon without a fee.
-
Add/Remove Perks: If you're on a myPlan, you can customize it with various perks for an additional monthly fee (e.g., Disney Bundle, Apple One, TravelPass, Cloud Storage, etc.). You can often add or remove these perks as needed.
-
Monitor Usage: Keep track of your data, talk, and text usage.
-
-
Discounts: Don't forget to check if you're eligible for any additional discounts, such as:
-
Military, First Responder, Nurse, or Teacher discounts.
-
Student discounts.
-
Mobile + Home Discount if you bundle with Verizon Home Internet.
-
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Support
Even with a step-by-step guide, questions or issues can arise.
Common Issues & Solutions:
-
Transfer Not Completing:
-
Check for pending orders on the original account. These must be completed or removed before a transfer can finalize. Only the Account Owner or Account Manager can remove pending orders.
-
Ensure the information provided for the transfer (your name, email) is exact and matches your government-issued ID.
-
Verify that both parties (current account owner and you) have completed their respective steps in the transfer process.
-
Remember the 15-day acceptance window for personal line transfers.
-
-
Credit Check Denied: If your credit check doesn't pass, Verizon may require a security deposit to open a new account.
-
Plan Confusion: If you're unsure about which plan to choose, use the "Manage Plan" section in My Verizon. It often recommends plans based on your usage. You can also chat with a Verizon assistant or call customer service.
Where to Get Help:
-
My Verizon App & Website: These are your primary self-service tools. Many FAQs and troubleshooting guides are available directly within the app and on the website.
-
Verizon Customer Service:
-
Call: 1-800-922-0204 (for general inquiries and transfer assistance).
-
Chat: Available through the My Verizon app or website.
-
-
Verizon Community Forums: Sometimes, other users have experienced similar issues and can offer helpful advice.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common "How to" questions related to switching to your own Verizon plan, with quick answers:
How to Check My Eligibility for an Assumption of Liability (AOL)?
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
You can generally check eligibility by being 18+ (19 in AL), passing a soft credit check, and having current Verizon account payments if you're an existing customer. The best way is to begin the transfer process in My Verizon, which will guide you through eligibility.
How to Find My Current Verizon Account Owner?
The account owner is the person who originally opened the account and is financially responsible. If you're on a family plan, it's typically the main person paying the bill. You can ask them directly or, if you have account access, look for the "Account Owner" role in My Verizon.
How to Pay Off a Device Payment Agreement Before Transferring?
The current account owner can pay off the remaining balance of a device payment agreement directly through their My Verizon account or by calling customer service. This ensures the device is fully owned before the line is transferred.
How to Choose the Best Individual Verizon Plan for Me?
Review your past data usage, consider whether you need unlimited data, international calling/texting, or specific streaming perks. Use the "Manage Plan" section in My Verizon to compare current plans and see recommendations based on your usage patterns.
How to Accept a Transfer Request if I Received an Email from Verizon?
Open the email titled "You have a line transfer request to complete" and click on the provided "Transfer now" link. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter any required PINs, verify your number, select your new plan, and accept the terms and conditions.
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
How to Set Up a New Verizon Account During the Transfer Process?
When completing the transfer request after receiving the email, you'll be given the option to "Set up a new Verizon mobile account." Select this, and you'll be guided through providing your credit information, creating your account, and setting a new My Verizon PIN.
How to Add My Transferred Line to an Existing Verizon Account?
When completing the transfer request, select "Add the line(s) to an existing Verizon mobile account." You'll then be prompted to sign in to your existing My Verizon account to merge the transferred line.
How to Get the Auto Pay Discount on My New Verizon Plan?
After your individual account is set up, sign in to My Verizon (app or website) and navigate to the billing section. Enroll in Auto Pay using a bank account or Verizon Visa Card, and sign up for paper-free billing. The discount typically applies starting with your next bill cycle.
How to Add Perks Like Disney Bundle to My New Verizon Plan?
If you've chosen a myPlan (like Unlimited Welcome, Plus, or Ultimate), you can add perks through the My Verizon app or website. Go to your plan details, and you'll see options to "Choose your perks" or "Manage perks" for an additional monthly fee.
How to Contact Verizon Customer Service for Transfer Assistance?
You can contact Verizon Customer Service by calling 1-800-922-0204. You can also access live chat support through the My Verizon app or website by signing in and looking for the "Chat with us" or "Contact Us" options.
 |
