Ever thought about who truly owns your Verizon account? It might seem straightforward, but sometimes life throws us curveballs – a divorce, a move, taking over for a family member, or even just a desire for more financial independence. Changing the account owner on Verizon isn't as simple as changing a name on a bill; it's a process called a "Transfer of Service" (TOS), and it involves both the current owner and the person assuming responsibility.
Ready to take control or pass the torch? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the "Why" and "Who"
Before you even think about picking up the phone or logging online, it's crucial to understand why you're changing the account owner and who the new owner will be. This isn't just a formality; it sets the stage for a smooth transition.
Why are you changing the account owner?
Divorce/Separation: Often, one party needs to take full financial responsibility for the lines.
Taking over for a family member: Perhaps a parent is moving or wants their child to manage their own account.
Estate Management: In the unfortunate event of an account holder's passing, their estate or a designated individual will need to assume control.
Financial Independence: You've been on a family plan, and it's time to branch out with your own account.
Business Restructuring: For business accounts, changes in ownership can be part of a larger company shift.
Who is the "Relinquishing Party" and the "Assuming Party"?
Relinquishing Party: This is the current account owner. They are giving up financial and administrative responsibility for the lines.
Assuming Party: This is the new account owner. They will be taking on full financial and administrative responsibility.
Both parties must be involved in this process, generally, unless specific circumstances (like a deceased account holder or domestic violence situations) apply.
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| How To Change Account Owner On Verizon |
Step 2: Check Eligibility and Prepare Necessary Information
Before Verizon can approve the transfer, both parties need to meet certain criteria, and you'll need to gather some essential information. Being prepared can save you a lot of time and frustration!
Sub-heading: Eligibility Requirements for the Assuming Party
The person taking over the account will need to meet these basic requirements:
Age: Must be at least 18 years old (or 19 in Alabama and Nebraska).
Credit Check: The assuming party will undergo a soft credit check. This typically doesn't impact your credit score but is necessary for Verizon to assess financial responsibility. A security deposit might be required if the credit check doesn't meet their criteria.
Current Verizon Customer (if applicable): If the assuming party is already a Verizon customer, their existing account must be in good standing (payments up-to-date).
Device Payment Agreements: If there are devices on payment plans being transferred, the assuming party must be eligible to assume those agreements. This means they'll be responsible for the remaining payments. Options usually include:
Keeping the device payment agreement on the original account and assigning it to another eligible line (if the relinquishing party has other lines).
Paying off the device payment agreement before transferring the line.
Transferring the device payment agreement to the new account, provided the new account holder passes a credit check and has no required down payments.
Sub-heading: Requirements for the Relinquishing Party
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
The person giving up the account responsibility also has a few prerequisites:
Account Balance Current: The current account must be up-to-date on all payments. Any outstanding balance will need to be settled or will remain the responsibility of the relinquishing party until the transfer is complete.
Active Line Duration: The line(s) being transferred must have been active on the account for at least 30 days (for personal lines) or 5 days (for business lines).
Willingness to Authorize: The current account owner must consent to the transfer.
Sub-heading: Information to Gather (for both parties)
Have these details ready before you initiate contact:
For the Relinquishing Party:
Verizon Account Number and PIN/Password.
Account Owner's Legal First and Last Name.
Mobile Number(s) to be Transferred.
Email Address and Full Name of the Assuming Party.
If applicable, details of any device payment agreements on the lines being transferred.
For the Assuming Party:
Legal First and Last Name.
Date of Birth.
Social Security Number (for the credit check).
Current Address.
Contact Information (phone number, email address).
If applicable, details of any existing Verizon account if the lines are being added to it.
Desired plan information for the transferred lines.
Step 3: Initiate the Transfer of Service (TOS)
This is the core step where the transfer officially begins. Verizon offers a few ways to do this, but the most common and often recommended method is through their "Transfer Your Service" process, which can be initiated online or by phone.
Sub-heading: Option A: Initiating Online via My Verizon
This is often the most convenient method if both parties have online access.
Current Account Owner Logs In: The current Verizon account owner (relinquishing party) needs to sign in to their My Verizon account (either through the website or the My Verizon app).
Navigate to "Transfer Your Service":
On the My Verizon website, go to Account > My Devices > Transfer Your Service.
In the My Verizon app, usually found under the Account tab or Devices section, look for "Transfer Your Service."
Start a New Transfer: Select the option to "Start a new transfer."
Select Lines to Transfer: Choose which specific line(s) you wish to transfer to the new owner. You can transfer one or multiple lines.
Enter Assuming Party's Information: You'll be prompted to enter the legal first name, last name, and email address of the person who will be taking over the line(s).
Review and Accept Disclosures: Carefully read through any disclosures and authorizations, then select "Accept & Acknowledge."
Confirm Transfer Request: Review the transfer request details to ensure everything is accurate, then select "Continue."
Email to New Owner: An email will be sent to the assuming party with instructions on how to complete the transfer request. This email is crucial, as the new owner has a limited timeframe (typically 15 days for personal lines, 30 for business) to accept.
Sub-heading: Option B: Initiating by Phone (Customer Service)
If you prefer speaking to a representative or encounter issues online, calling Verizon Customer Service is a viable option.
QuickTip: Repeat difficult lines until they’re clear.
Both Parties Call Together: Ideally, both the current account owner and the new account owner should be on the call together. This streamlines the verification and authorization process.
Dial Verizon Customer Service: Call 1-800-922-0204 (or *611 from a Verizon mobile phone).
State Your Intent: Clearly state that you wish to perform a "Transfer of Service" or "change account ownership."
Verification: The representative will likely verify the identity of the current account owner using their account PIN/password, last four digits of their SSN, or other security questions.
Provide Assuming Party Details: The current owner will then need to provide the new owner's legal name and contact information.
Credit Check and New Account Setup (for assuming party): The representative will then work with the assuming party to run a credit check and begin the process of setting up their new account or adding the lines to an existing one.
Agreement and Confirmation: Both parties will need to agree to the terms of the transfer. The representative will guide you through the necessary authorizations.
Step 4: Assuming Party Completes the Transfer
Once the relinquishing party has initiated the transfer, the ball is in the assuming party's court.
Receive the Transfer Request Email: The assuming party will receive an email from Verizon with a link to complete the transfer. Open this email promptly!
Access the Transfer Portal: Click the link in the email, which will take you to Verizon's "Start or resume your transfer request" screen.
Enter PIN (if provided): You may need to enter a Transfer Request PIN that was included in the email.
Verify Mobile Number: Enter one of the ten-digit mobile numbers associated with the transfer.
Set Up New Account or Add to Existing:
Setting up a new Verizon mobile account: Select "Set up a new account." You'll be prompted to enter your credit information (for the soft credit check), create a new Verizon account PIN, and select a new plan for the transferred lines.
Adding to an existing Verizon mobile account: Select "Sign in" and follow the on-screen prompts to sign in as the receiving Account Owner or Account Manager.
Review and Accept Terms: Carefully review the request details, disclosures, and authorizations. This will include the Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement and details about taxes, surcharges, and fees. Select "Accept & Acknowledge."
Select Plan(s): You'll need to choose a plan for the transferred lines. You may have the option to "Keep the plan" if it's compatible, or "Pick a new plan" if you prefer.
Review Estimated Cost and Complete: Review your estimated monthly cost and then "Accept & Complete transfer."
Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation number, and the transfer will be processed.
Step 5: Post-Transfer Actions and Considerations
The transfer isn't just about getting the lines moved; there are a few important things to keep in mind afterward.
Billing Cycles: The relinquishing party will receive a final bill for charges up to the effective date of the transfer. The assuming party will see prorated charges on their first bill, reflecting the partial month of service, plus charges for the next full month (as Verizon bills in advance).
Promotions and Discounts: Be aware that certain special offers, line access discounts, or equipment discounts may NOT transfer to the new account. Individual content promotions or subscriptions associated with a line generally will transfer, but the new account holder assumes all associated charges.
Device Payment Agreements: If device payment agreements were transferred, the payment amount and length of the agreement will not change, but the responsibility shifts to the new owner.
Account Management: The new account owner can now fully manage the lines, including upgrading devices, changing plans, and adding features.
My Verizon Access: The new account owner should ensure they can sign in to My Verizon with their own credentials. The old account owner will no longer have access to the transferred lines.
Number Lock: If the relinquishing party had "Number Lock" enabled on any lines, it needs to be turned off before the transfer can be completed. This is a security feature to prevent unauthorized porting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to change account owner on Verizon if the current owner is deceased?
If the account owner has passed away, an Account Manager, Account Member, or Estate Executor can manage the account. You'll typically need to provide executorship paperwork or other documentation. Contact Verizon Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204 for specific guidance, as consent isn't required in this scenario.
How to transfer a single line to a new Verizon account owner?
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
The process is the same as transferring multiple lines. The current account owner initiates the "Transfer of Service" online or by phone, selecting only the specific line they wish to transfer. The assuming party then completes the process.
How to transfer a Verizon account with an active device payment agreement?
The assuming party can take over the device payment agreement if they are eligible and pass a credit check. Alternatively, the relinquishing party can pay off the device balance before the transfer, or assign the agreement to another eligible line on their original account if they have one.
How to find out if I am eligible to be a new Verizon account owner?
You must be 18+ (19 in AL/NE) and pass a soft credit check. Verizon will assess your creditworthiness during the transfer process.
How to avoid a security deposit when changing Verizon account owner?
A security deposit is typically required if the assuming party does not meet Verizon's credit requirements. Maintaining a good credit score and financial history can help avoid this.
How to check the status of a Verizon account owner transfer?
If the transfer was initiated online, both parties should receive email updates. If initiated by phone, you may need to call customer service and provide the request number (if you have one) for an update.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
How to transfer Verizon Fios account ownership?
For Fios accounts, both the existing (outgoing) and assuming (incoming) account holders must typically contact Verizon together and stay on the phone during the entire change of ownership process. All billed charges up to the effective date of transfer are billed to the outgoing customer.
How to cancel a pending Verizon account owner transfer?
If the transfer was initiated online, there might be an option to cancel the pending request within My Verizon. If not, or if initiated by phone, contact Verizon Customer Service as soon as possible to cancel the request.
How to ensure my promotions transfer when changing Verizon account owner?
Be aware that many promotions and discounts (like line access discounts or equipment discounts) do not transfer with a change of account ownership. Individual content subscriptions might, but it's best to confirm with Verizon directly about specific promotions during the transfer process.
How to set up My Verizon access as a new account owner after a transfer?
Once the transfer is complete, the new account owner should be able to register for My Verizon if they don't already have an account, or log in if the lines were added to an existing account. You will use your own credentials and the transferred mobile number to establish or access your My Verizon profile.
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