How to Transfer Verizon Account Ownership: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
Ever found yourself in a situation where you need to pass on the torch of your Verizon account? Maybe you're moving out of a family plan, taking over a loved one's line, or perhaps your business is changing hands. Whatever the reason, transferring Verizon account ownership, also known as an "Assumption of Liability" (AOL) or "Transfer of Service," can seem like a daunting task. But fear not! This guide will break down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring a smooth transition for both the current and new account holders.
Ready to take control of your Verizon future or help someone else do the same? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand the Basics and Eligibility
Before you even think about initiating a transfer, it's crucial to understand what it entails and whether both parties are eligible. This isn't just about handing over a phone; it's about transferring financial responsibility and contractual obligations.
Sub-heading 1.1: What is Account Ownership Transfer?
A Verizon Account Ownership Transfer means that the financial and contractual responsibility for one or more lines of service is moved from the current account owner (the "relinquishing party") to a new individual or entity (the "assuming party"). This new party will then be responsible for all future bills, device payment agreements, and plan choices for the transferred lines.
Sub-heading 1.2: Who Can Initiate the Transfer?
For personal lines: Either the current account owner/manager OR the person assuming responsibility can initiate the transfer.
For business-to-business or government lines: The party relinquishing the line (current responsible party) must initiate the transfer.
Sub-heading 1.3: Eligibility Requirements for Both Parties
Both the relinquishing and assuming parties must meet certain criteria for a successful transfer.
For the Relinquishing Party (Current Account Owner):
Your Verizon account balance must be current (no outstanding balances).
The line(s) being transferred must have been active on the account for at least 30 days for personal accounts, or 5 days for business accounts.
You will need the full name and email address of the person taking over your line(s).
You will remain responsible for all charges until the transfer is fully completed.
For the Assuming Party (New Account Owner):
Must be 18 years or older (19 in Alabama).
Must pass a soft credit check. Don't worry, this typically won't impact your credit score.
Must be eligible to assume any existing device payment agreements on the lines being transferred.
If adding to an existing Verizon account, that account must also be current.
A security deposit may be required based on the credit check.
Must agree to a currently available plan for the transferred line(s).
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information and Prepare
Preparation is key to a smooth transfer. Having all your ducks in a row before starting will save you time and potential headaches.
Sub-heading 2.1: Information for the Relinquishing Party
Your Verizon Account Number.
Your My Verizon User ID and Password.
The mobile number(s) you wish to transfer.
The full name and email address of the person who will be taking over the line(s).
Sub-heading 2.2: Information for the Assuming Party
Your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security Number.
Your billing address (no P.O. boxes).
Your email address.
Your Driver's License number and state of issue.
If you have an existing Verizon account, your account number and My Verizon User ID.
Be prepared for a credit check.
Sub-heading 2.3: Device Payment Agreements and Promotions
This is a critical point. If the line(s) being transferred have a device payment agreement (DPA), there are generally three options:
The relinquishing party can pay off the remaining balance of the device before the transfer. This is often the cleanest option.
The device payment agreement can move with the line to the new account. The payment amount and length of the agreement will not change, but the assuming party must be eligible.
Important Note on Promotions: While some individual content promotions or subscriptions associated with a line will transfer, certain special offers, like Airtime, Line Access Discounts, Equipment, and Feature Discounts, may not transfer. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) promotions also generally do not transfer. Trade-in credits do typically transfer with the line. It's highly recommended to confirm with Verizon what specific promotions will or will not carry over.
Step 3: Initiate the Transfer (Relinquishing Party)
The most common and straightforward way to initiate a transfer of ownership is online through the My Verizon app or website.
Sub-heading 3.1: Initiating Online via My Verizon App (Recommended)
Ensure your app is up to date.
Open the My Verizon app on the Account Owner or Account Manager device.
If prompted, enter your password, fingerprint, or Face ID.
Navigate to the Mobile tab.
From the Devices section, tap the mobile number you wish to transfer. If transferring multiple lines, you'll select them later.
From the Device Management section, tap Transfer your service.
Tap Start a new transfer.
Select the line(s) to be transferred then tap Continue.
Choose "I want to transfer line(s) to a personal account" or "I want to transfer line(s) to a business account," and enter the applicable information (First Name, Last Name, Email address for personal; First Name, Business Name, Email address for business) of the assuming party. Tap Continue.
Review the Disclosures and Authorizations, then tap Accept & Acknowledge.
From the Review And Confirm Your Transfer Request screen, double-check everything is correct, then tap Continue.
An email with instructions on how to approve and complete the transfer will be sent to both you and the person assuming liability.
Sub-heading 3.2: Initiating Online via My Verizon Website
From a web browser, sign in to My Verizon as an Account Owner or Account Manager.
Go to Account > My devices > Transfer your service.
Review Eligibility, Plans, etc., then select Start a new transfer.
Select (check) the line(s) you want to transfer, then select Continue.
Choose whether to transfer to a Personal or Business Account and enter the required information of the assuming party (full name, email address). Select Continue.
Review and accept the applicable disclosures, then select Accept & Acknowledge.
Review the transfer request details, then select Continue. An email will be sent to the new Account Owner with instructions to complete the transfer.
Sub-heading 3.3: Important Considerations for the Relinquishing Party
The assuming party has a limited time to accept the transfer: 15 days for personal accounts and 30 days for business accounts. If they don't accept within this timeframe, the request will be automatically canceled, and you'll need to start over.
You will still be responsible for the line(s) until the transfer is fully accepted and completed by the assuming party.
Step 4: Accept the Transfer (Assuming Party)
Once the relinquishing party has initiated the transfer, the ball is in your court! You'll receive an email with instructions to complete the process.
Sub-heading 4.1: Accepting Online
Open the email titled "You have a line transfer request to complete" sent to the email address provided during initiation.
Select Transfer now within the email.
From the "Start or resume your transfer request" screen, verify the auto-populated Request number matches the request details from the email.
You will then have two options:
To set up a new Verizon mobile account: Select Set up a new account. You will be prompted to provide your credit information (Consumer or Business), consent to a soft credit check, and create your new account details (billing information, PIN).
To add the line(s) 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.
From the "Review and accept service transfer" screen, carefully review the request details, then select Accept.
Review the "Disclosures and authorizations," then select Accept & Acknowledge.
Select a Plan:
You can choose to Keep the plan if it's still available or select Pick a new plan and follow the steps to choose one that fits your needs.
Review your estimated monthly cost details.
Review and accept (check) the "Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement" and "Taxes, Surcharges and Fees" documents.
Select Accept & Complete transfer.
You will receive a confirmation number. It's a good idea to print this page or save a screenshot for your records.
Sub-heading 4.2: What Happens After Acceptance?
You will receive a confirmation email and/or text message once the transfer is complete.
You may see prorated (or partial) charges on your next bill, based on the number of days the new line was active on your account during the previous bill cycle, plus charges for the next full month (Verizon bills one month in advance).
No activation fee is typically charged for transferring a line of service to your account.
Your My Verizon account will automatically deregister from the old account. You'll need to re-register your My Verizon account under your new ownership.
Step 5: Post-Transfer Verification and Troubleshooting
Once the transfer is complete, it's wise to perform a few checks to ensure everything is working as it should.
Sub-heading 5.1: Verify Service and Account Details
Check your device: Ensure you have signal connectivity and can make and receive calls/texts.
Review your account: Log in to your new My Verizon account (you might need to re-register) and confirm all previous settings, features, and especially billing details are correct.
Confirm plan details: Make sure the plan you selected is active and accurately reflected.
Sub-heading 5.2: Potential Challenges and Solutions
Service Delays: While transfers typically complete within a few hours for mobile lines, they can sometimes take longer. Landline transfers can take 2-10 business days. If you experience significant delays, contact Verizon Customer Service.
Technical Difficulties: Issues related to device compatibility or network connections can arise. Ensure your device is compatible with Verizon's network.
Missing Promotions: If a promotion you expected to transfer hasn't, contact Verizon Customer Service immediately with any documentation you have.
Unable to Log In to My Verizon: After a transfer, your previous My Verizon account link might be broken. You'll likely need to "Register" for a new My Verizon account associated with your newly transferred line.
Deceased Account Owner: If the transfer is due to a deceased account owner, specific forms and documentation (like a death certificate) will be required. Verizon has a dedicated process for this, usually involving an Executor Form. Contact customer service for specific guidance.
Step 6: Contacting Verizon Customer Service (If Needed)
While the online process is designed to be self-service, sometimes you might encounter unique situations or require clarification.
Phone Support: You can call Verizon Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204.
Online Chat: For quicker inquiries, the live chat feature on Verizon's website can be helpful.
In-Store Help: For personalized assistance and if you prefer face-to-face support, visit a local Verizon store. Be prepared for potential wait times.
Remember: Always be patient and have your account information readily available when contacting customer service.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check Verizon Account Eligibility for Transfer?
You can check eligibility by reviewing the requirements listed in Step 1.3 of this guide, or by initiating the transfer process online via My Verizon, which will prompt you if any eligibility criteria are not met.
How to Find My Verizon Account Number?
You can find your Verizon account number on your monthly bill, by logging into your My Verizon account online or via the app, or by contacting Verizon Customer Service.
How to Transfer a Verizon Line with a Device Payment Agreement?
You have two main options: either pay off the remaining balance of the device before the transfer, or the assuming party can take over the device payment agreement, provided they pass a credit check and are eligible.
How to Transfer Verizon Account Ownership if the Current Owner is Deceased?
For a deceased account owner, you will typically need to complete a specific form and provide documentation such as a death certificate. It's best to contact Verizon Customer Service directly for guidance on this sensitive process.
How to Avoid Fees When Transferring Verizon Account Ownership?
Generally, there are no transfer fees for an Assumption of Liability. However, if lines have outstanding device payment balances or if you are breaking a contract term, early termination fees or device payoffs may apply. You also need to select a currently available plan.
How to Transfer Verizon Account Ownership to a Business Account?
The process is similar to transferring to a personal account. When initiating the transfer online, you will select the option "I want to transfer line(s) to a business account" and provide the required business information.
How to Expedite a Verizon Account Ownership Transfer?
The best way to ensure a quick transfer is to have all necessary information prepared by both parties (relinquishing and assuming), ensure all eligibility criteria are met, and complete the online steps promptly. The assuming party has 15 days (personal) or 30 days (business) to accept the transfer.
How to Transfer Multiple Verizon Lines to a New Owner?
During the online initiation process, the relinquishing party can select multiple lines to be transferred simultaneously to the new account owner. All selected lines will be part of the same transfer request.
How to Handle Promotions When Transferring Verizon Account Ownership?
Some promotions, like trade-in credits, typically transfer with the line. However, certain special offers, line access discounts, or BYOD promotions may not. It's crucial to confirm with Verizon whether specific promotions will carry over before completing the transfer.
How to Re-register My Verizon Account After an Ownership Transfer?
After the transfer is complete, your previous My Verizon account access will likely be disconnected. You will need to re-register for a new My Verizon account using the transferred mobile number and your new account details as the assuming party. Look for the "Register" or "Sign Up" option on the My Verizon website or app.