Are you looking to pass on your Verizon account to a friend, family member, or even a new business partner? Whether you're moving, consolidating accounts, or simply changing who's financially responsible, transferring a Verizon account can seem like a daunting task. But don't worry, it's a very manageable process if you know the right steps.
Let's dive in and get this sorted out, shall we?
How to Transfer a Verizon Account to Someone Else: Your Comprehensive Guide
Transferring a Verizon account, often referred to as a "Transfer of Service" (TOS) or "Assumption of Liability" (AOL), involves moving the responsibility for a mobile line (or lines) from one individual or business to another. This means the original account holder is released from financial responsibility, and the new account holder takes it on, along with the existing phone number(s) and potentially device payment agreements.
It's crucial to understand that this isn't just about changing who pays the bill; it's a complete change of ownership.
Step 1: Preliminary Checks and Gathering Information – Are You Ready for the Handover?
Before you even think about hitting "transfer," there are some essential things both the current account owner (the "relinquishing party") and the new account owner (the "assuming party") need to confirm and prepare. This step is all about making sure the transfer goes as smoothly as possible.
Sub-heading: Current Account Owner's Checklist (The Giver)
Account Balance is Current: This is non-negotiable! Your Verizon account must have a zero balance or be completely paid up to the current billing cycle. Any outstanding charges will prevent the transfer.
Active Wireless Number: The line(s) you wish to transfer must have been active for at least 30 days for standard monthly accounts or 5 days for business accounts.
Gather New Owner's Information: You'll need the full name and email address of the person who will be taking over the line(s).
Device Payment Agreements: If there are any devices on payment plans associated with the lines being transferred, be aware that these agreements will typically transfer with the line. Promotional credits tied to these agreements may not transfer. This is a very important point to discuss with the new owner.
No Number Lock: If you have "Number Lock" enabled on your line for security, you'll need to disable it. This feature prevents unauthorized transfers, so it must be turned off before you can proceed.
Understand Final Bill: You, as the relinquishing party, will receive a final bill for all charges incurred up to the date the transfer is completed.
Sub-heading: New Account Owner's Checklist (The Receiver)
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old (or 19 in Alabama) to assume responsibility for a Verizon account.
Credit Check: Verizon will perform a soft credit check. Don't worry, this typically doesn't impact your credit score. However, you must pass it to proceed. A security deposit might be required depending on the credit check results.
Eligibility for Device Payments: If you're taking over lines with existing device payment agreements, you must be eligible to assume them.
Account Status (if existing): If you already have a Verizon account and are adding the transferred line(s) to it, your existing account must also be current.
Plan Considerations: Be prepared that the transferred lines may be required to switch to a currently available plan if the existing plan is no longer offered. Discuss this with Verizon and the current account holder.
Response Time: Once the transfer is initiated, you'll typically have 15 days to accept the transfer (30 days for business lines). Don't delay!
Step 2: Initiating the Transfer – Let's Get This Show on the Road!
There are primarily two ways to initiate a Verizon account transfer: through the My Verizon website or app, or by contacting customer service. The online method is generally the most straightforward.
Sub-heading: Option A: Initiating Online via My Verizon (Recommended)
Sign In: As the Account Owner or an Account Manager of the current account, sign in to My Verizon using a web browser or the My Verizon app.
Navigate to Transfer Service:
On the website: Go to "Account" -> "My devices" -> "Transfer your service."
In the My Verizon app: Tap the "Mobile" tab -> From the "Devices" section, tap the mobile number you want to transfer (or navigate to "Devices" -> "Manage all devices" and tap "Manage" below the appropriate phone number) -> From "Device Management," tap "Transfer your service."
Start a New Transfer: Review the eligibility and plan information, then select "Start a new transfer."
Select Lines to Transfer: Choose (check) the line(s) you wish to transfer, then select "Continue."
Specify Transfer Type:
For a personal account transfer, select "I want to transfer line(s) to a personal account." Enter the First Name, Last Name, and Email address of the person taking over.
For a business account transfer, select "I want to transfer line(s) to a business account." Enter the First Name, Business Name, and Email address of the new account holder.
Review and Accept Disclosures: Carefully read and accept the applicable disclosures by checking the box, then select "Accept & Acknowledge."
Review and Confirm: Review the transfer request details to ensure everything is correct, then select "Continue."
Email Notification: An email containing instructions on how to complete the transfer will be sent to the new Account Owner.
Sub-heading: Option B: Initiating by Contacting Verizon Customer Service
While the online method is preferred, you can also initiate a transfer by calling Verizon Customer Service. This is often necessary for more complex scenarios or if you encounter issues online.
Call 1-800-922-0204 (Verizon Customer Service). Be prepared to provide your account information and the details of the person assuming the account.
Both the current and new account holders may need to be on the call together to consent to the transfer. This ensures smooth verification of identities and agreement to terms.
Step 3: The New Owner's Acceptance – Sealing the Deal!
Once the current account owner initiates the transfer, the ball is in the new account owner's court. They have a limited time frame (typically 15 days for personal accounts) to accept and complete the transfer.
Check Email: The new Account Owner will receive an email from Verizon titled "You have a line transfer request to complete."
Open and Select "Transfer now": Click on the "Transfer now" link within the email.
Verify Request Number: On the "Start or resume your transfer request" screen, verify that the auto-populated Request number matches the details from the email.
Complete Transfer Options:
To set up a new Verizon mobile account: Select "Set up a new account." You will then need to provide credit information (Consumer or Business), consent to a soft credit check, create your account details (billing information, My Verizon PIN), and select a plan.
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.
Review and Accept Service Transfer: Carefully review the request details, then select "Accept."
Review Disclosures and Authorizations: Read and accept the "Disclosures and authorizations," then select "Accept & Acknowledge."
Select Plan (if setting up new account): If you chose to set up a new account, you can typically "Keep the plan" (if compatible) or "Pick a new plan." Review the estimated monthly cost.
Final Agreement: Review and accept the "Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement" and "Taxes, Surcharges and Fees" documents by checking the box, then select "Accept & Complete transfer."
Step 4: Confirmation and Post-Transfer Actions – You Did It! Now What?
Once both parties have completed their respective steps, Verizon will process the transfer. You'll receive confirmation when it's complete.
Sub-heading: What Happens Next?
Final Bill for Old Owner: The original account owner will receive a final bill covering charges up to the transfer date.
New Account Activation: The new account owner will have their service activated under their name and billing responsibility. They should immediately gain full access to My Verizon for their new account.
Device Payment Clarity: Confirm with Verizon that any device payment agreements have successfully transferred and that the new owner understands their ongoing financial obligations.
Router/Device Reset (for Fios/Home Internet): If transferring Fios or home internet services, the outgoing customer should consider resetting their router to factory settings to clear personal data. The incoming customer should then reset the router's username, password, and wireless password for security.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about transferring a Verizon account, with quick answers to help you navigate the process.
How to check if my Verizon account balance is current before transfer?
You can check your current account balance by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app. The balance needs to be zero or paid up to the current billing cycle to proceed with a transfer.
How to find the Account Owner's name and email for a Verizon transfer?
The current Account Owner of the Verizon account will need to provide their full legal name and email address to the person taking over the account during the transfer initiation process.
How to get a Number Transfer PIN for Verizon?
A Number Transfer PIN is typically used when porting a number to a different carrier, not for transferring ownership within Verizon. For an internal Verizon transfer, you simply follow the steps outlined above through My Verizon or customer service.
How to disable Number Lock on my Verizon account?
You can disable Number Lock in your My Verizon account by going to the Security page and selecting "Off" for the number(s) you want to unlock. You may receive a security authorization code to confirm the change.
How to know if a device payment agreement will transfer with a Verizon line?
Generally, device payment agreements do transfer with the line during a Verizon account ownership transfer. However, any associated promotional credits usually do not transfer. It's crucial to confirm this with Verizon during the transfer process.
How to accept a Verizon account transfer request?
The new account owner will receive an email from Verizon with instructions and a link to accept the transfer. They must follow this link and complete the on-screen steps within 15 days (for personal lines) to finalize the process.
How to create a new Verizon account when accepting a transfer?
When accepting a transfer, if you don't have an existing Verizon account, you'll be prompted to "Set up a new account." This will involve providing your credit information, creating billing details, and setting up a My Verizon PIN.
How to check the status of a pending Verizon account transfer?
Both the relinquishing and assuming parties will receive email notifications regarding the status of the transfer. You can also sometimes check the status within the "Transfer your service" section of My Verizon if the request was initiated online.
How to ensure all lines transfer smoothly on a multi-line Verizon account?
During the initiation process on My Verizon, the current account owner can select multiple lines to transfer at once. Ensure all desired lines are checked before continuing. Also, verify that the new account holder's chosen plan can accommodate all the transferred lines.
How to contact Verizon Customer Service for account transfer help?
You can contact Verizon Customer Service by dialing 1-800-922-0204. It's often beneficial for both the current and new account owners to be on the call together for seamless verification and assistance.
