So, you're looking to transfer your Verizon service? Whether you're moving, passing on a line to a family member, or switching to a new carrier, it can feel a bit daunting. But don't worry, I'm here to guide you through every step of the process. Let's get this done smoothly!
How to Transfer Service from Verizon: A Comprehensive Guide
Transferring your Verizon service isn't a single, monolithic task. It depends on what kind of service you're transferring and to whom. We'll cover the most common scenarios:
Transferring a Mobile Line to Another Verizon Account (Change of Ownership)
Transferring Your Mobile Number to a Different Carrier (Porting Out)
Transferring Verizon Fios (Internet/TV/Home Phone) to a New Address
Transferring Verizon Landline Service
Let's dive into each one!
Step 1: Identify Your Transfer Needs and Gather Information
Before you do anything else, let's figure out exactly what you're trying to accomplish.
Are you giving your phone line to someone else who will then be responsible for the bill, but they're staying with Verizon? This is a "Transfer Your Service" or "Change of Ownership."
Are you leaving Verizon entirely and taking your phone number to a new carrier? This is "Porting Out."
Are you simply moving to a new house and want to keep your Verizon Fios or landline service at your new location? This is a "Service Address Change" or "Moving Service."
Once you've identified your scenario, gather the following crucial information for any type of transfer:
Your Verizon Account Number (found on your bill or in your My Verizon account).
Your Account PIN/Security Code (if you have one set up).
The mobile number(s) you wish to transfer.
The full name and email address of the person receiving the service (if applicable).
Any outstanding device payment balances on phones you plan to transfer. This is critical as devices often need to be paid off before they can be transferred or unlocked.
Step 2: Transferring a Mobile Line to Another Verizon Account (Change of Ownership)
This process is for when you want to transfer the billing responsibility of a mobile line (or lines) to another person who will also be a Verizon customer. This can be initiated by either the current account owner or the person assuming responsibility.
Sub-heading: Initiating the Transfer as the Current Account Owner
This is the most common way to start a "Transfer Your Service."
Log In to My Verizon: Go to the
Verizon website Navigate to Transfer Service:
On the website: Go to "Account" > "My devices" > "Transfer your service."
In the app: Tap the "Account" tab > "Profile & settings" > "Addresses" (sometimes found under "Account" > "Devices" > select the mobile number > "Transfer your service"). Verizon's app interface can vary slightly, so look for "Transfer your service" or similar.
Start a New Transfer: Select "Start a new transfer."
Select Lines to Transfer: Choose the line(s) you want to transfer responsibility for and select "Continue."
Provide New Account Holder's Info:
Select whether you're transferring to a "Personal Account" or a "Business Account."
Enter the First Name, Last Name, and Email address of the person who will be taking over the line(s). Ensure this email address is correct as they will receive instructions there.
Review and Accept Disclosures: Read through the applicable disclosures and terms, then select "Accept & Acknowledge."
Confirm Transfer Request: Review the transfer request details carefully and select "Continue."
What happens next? An email with instructions will be sent to the new Account Owner. They have 15 days (for personal lines) or 30 days (for business lines) to accept the transfer.
Sub-heading: Accepting the Transfer as the New Account Owner
If someone is transferring a line to you, you'll need to complete the process.
Check Your Email: Look for an email from Verizon titled "You have a line transfer request to complete."
Open the Transfer Link: Select the "Transfer now" link within the email.
Enter Transfer Request PIN: You'll be prompted to enter a "Transfer request PIN" from the email and one of the mobile numbers associated with the transfer. Select "Continue."
Complete Your Account Setup/Login:
If setting up a new Verizon account: Select "Set up a new account." You'll then go through a credit check (soft credit check, which won't impact your score), create a new account, choose a plan, and set up a PIN.
If adding to an existing Verizon account: Select "Sign in" and follow the prompts to log in as the receiving Account Owner or Account Manager. You'll then select a plan for the transferred line(s).
Review and Accept: Review the service transfer details and accept the "Disclosures and Authorizations."
Finalize: Complete any remaining steps, such as choosing a plan (if you didn't already) and reviewing estimated monthly costs. Accept the Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement and acknowledge taxes, surcharges, and fees. Select "Accept & Complete transfer."
Important Notes for Change of Ownership:
The current account balance must be current for the transfer to proceed.
The person taking over the line must be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama).
Any device payment agreements on the transferred line must either be paid off by the original owner or the receiving party must be eligible to assume them.
New accounts must be active for 30 days (personal) or 5 days (business) before they can initiate a transfer out of that new account.
Step 3: Transferring Your Mobile Number to a Different Carrier (Porting Out)
This is what happens when you decide to leave Verizon and take your current phone number with you to a new mobile provider. Do NOT cancel your Verizon service before porting! Your new carrier needs your Verizon account to be active to successfully transfer the number.
Obtain Your Number Transfer PIN (NTP): This is essential for porting your number.
Dial #PORT: From the smartphone with the number you want to transfer, dial #PORT. Verizon will text you a link to generate the NTP in My Verizon.
My Verizon Website/App: Sign in as the Account Owner or Account Manager. Look for "Generate PIN" or "Number Transfer PIN" within your account settings (often under "Account" > "Profile & settings" or "Security").
Important: Your Number Transfer PIN is valid for 7 days. Provide it to your new carrier promptly. Keep it safe – Verizon will never ask you for this information.
Business Accounts: Individual lines need an NTP. For 10+ lines, call 1-800-922-0204.
Gather Other Necessary Information: Your new carrier will also need:
Your Verizon Account Number (as it appears on your bill).
Your Billing Address associated with your Verizon account.
Your Mobile Number(s) you wish to port.
Your Name as it appears on the Verizon account.
Contact Your New Carrier: Inform your new carrier that you wish to "port" or "transfer" your number from Verizon. Provide them with your Verizon Account Number, Number Transfer PIN, and other requested details.
Initiate the Porting Process: Your new carrier will handle the transfer request with Verizon.
Keep Your Verizon Account Active: Do not disconnect your Verizon line of service until after your number is successfully moved to the new carrier. If you disconnect prematurely, you may lose your number.
Confirm Porting Completion: You'll typically receive a notification (often a text message) from your new carrier when the porting is complete. Mobile number transfers usually take 4-24 business hours. Test your phone (make/receive calls and texts) to ensure everything is working on your new carrier's network.
Important Considerations for Porting Out:
Early Termination Fees (ETFs) / Device Payment Balances: If you are under a contract or have an outstanding device payment balance, you will likely be responsible for these charges when you port out. Check your Verizon contract and device payment agreements to understand any potential fees.
Number Lock: Verizon has a "Number Lock" feature to prevent unauthorized porting. If this is enabled on your line, you must turn it off before you can port your number. You can usually do this in My Verizon under "Security" or by dialing *611.
SIM Card: Your new carrier will provide you with a new SIM card (or eSIM profile) for your device.
Step 4: Transferring Verizon Fios (Internet/TV/Home Phone) to a New Address
Moving your Fios service is generally straightforward, but it requires checking availability at your new location.
Sub-heading: Checking Fios Availability at Your New Address
Visit the Verizon Fios Website: Go to the Fios section of the Verizon website.
Enter Your New Address: Look for a "Check Availability" tool and enter your new address.
Confirm Fios Service: The tool will tell you if Fios is available at your new home. If it is, great! If not, you may need to consider canceling your Fios service (see Step 5) and exploring other providers.
Sub-heading: Initiating the Fios Transfer
Log In to My Verizon: Access your My Verizon account online.
Navigate to Moving Services: Look for a section related to "Moving," "Change Address," or "Transfer Service" for Fios. This is often found under "Account" or "Service & Apps."
Provide New Address Details: Follow the prompts to enter your new service address and your desired move-in date. It's recommended to schedule this as soon as you know your move date to avoid service interruptions.
Select New Plan (if applicable): You may have the option to keep your current Fios plan or select a new one, depending on promotions and availability at your new location.
Schedule Installation/Self-Installation:
Self-Installation: If your new home is already wired for Fios, you might be eligible for self-installation. Verizon will send you the necessary equipment.
Professional Installation: If your new home isn't wired for Fios, or if you prefer professional assistance, you'll need to schedule a technician visit.
Disconnect Service at Old Address: During the transfer process, you'll typically set a disconnection date for your old address. Ensure this aligns with your move.
Return Equipment (if required): If you're swapping equipment or discontinuing service at your old address and not needing certain equipment at your new one, be prepared to return it within 30 days to avoid unreturned equipment charges. Verizon usually provides a prepaid return label.
Important Considerations for Fios Transfers:
Timeliness: Notify Verizon of your move as soon as possible to minimize delays.
Fees: There might be a move order fee (sometimes around $99 for professional installations) or other installation charges depending on your situation.
Equipment: Understand which equipment (e.g., ONT, router) needs to be returned or can be reused.
Step 5: Transferring Verizon Landline Service
Transferring a traditional Verizon landline is less common now, but the process generally involves similar steps to Fios when moving, or specific actions if you want to port the number to a mobile device.
Sub-heading: Moving a Verizon Landline to a New Address
Contact Verizon Customer Service: For landline service, it's often best to call Verizon directly. Explain that you are moving and wish to transfer your landline service to a new address.
Check Availability: The representative will verify if landline service is available at your new location.
Schedule Disconnection/Installation: You'll schedule a date for your service to be disconnected at your old address and installed at your new one.
Review New Plan/Costs: Discuss any changes to your plan or potential costs associated with the move.
Sub-heading: Porting a Verizon Landline Number to a Mobile Phone (Voice over IP Service)
If you want to get rid of your traditional landline but keep the number on a mobile device (either a new cell service or a VoIP service), this is called porting a landline number.
Choose Your New Provider: Decide whether you want to port the number to a standard cell phone carrier (e.g., another Verizon mobile plan, AT&T, T-Mobile) or a specialized VoIP (Voice over IP) service that allows landline numbers to function on mobile apps or adapted devices.
Contact the New Provider: Reach out to the new provider and inform them you wish to port a landline number from Verizon.
Provide Necessary Information: You will need to provide:
Your Verizon Landline Number
Your Verizon Landline Account Number
Your Account PIN/Security Code (if applicable)
Your Name and Billing Address associated with the Verizon landline.
A Letter of Authorization (LOA): Some landline ports require a signed Letter of Authorization. Your new provider will guide you on this.
Do NOT Cancel Verizon Landline Service: Keep your Verizon landline active until the porting process is confirmed as complete by your new provider. Landline ports can take longer than mobile ports (typically 2-10 business days).
Verify Service: Once the new provider confirms the port, test your number on your new device to ensure calls and texts are working correctly.
Cancel Old Service: Only after confirming the successful port, contact Verizon to cancel your old landline service. Be prepared to return any rented equipment.
Step 6: Review Your Final Bill
After any transfer, it's crucial to review your final Verizon bill for the old service. This bill may include:
Prorated charges for the time your service was active.
Early Termination Fees (ETFs) if you were under contract and cancelled service prematurely (more common with older plans or Fios).
Outstanding device payment balances if you ported a line or closed an account with devices still being financed.
Unreturned equipment charges if you failed to return any Verizon equipment.
If you have any questions or discrepancies on your final bill, contact Verizon customer service immediately.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about transferring Verizon service, with quick answers:
How to transfer service from Verizon to another person on a personal account?
You can initiate a transfer of service online through My Verizon or the My Verizon app by selecting "Transfer your service" and providing the new account holder's name and email. The new owner then receives an email to complete the process.
How to transfer service from Verizon to another person on a business account?
Similar to personal accounts, a business line transfer can be initiated by the existing account owner via My Verizon Business or by contacting Verizon business support. The new business account owner will then complete the acceptance process.
How to transfer my Verizon phone number to a new carrier?
To transfer your Verizon phone number to a new carrier (port out), you need your Verizon account number and a Number Transfer PIN (NTP). Dial #PORT from your Verizon phone or generate it in My Verizon. Provide this information to your new carrier, and do NOT cancel your Verizon service until the port is complete.
How to transfer Verizon Fios internet and TV service to a new address?
First, check Fios availability at your new address on the Verizon website. Then, log into My Verizon and navigate to the "Moving" or "Change Address" section for Fios to schedule the transfer and new installation.
How to transfer a landline number from Verizon to a mobile phone or VoIP service?
Contact your desired new mobile or VoIP provider and inform them you wish to port your Verizon landline number. You'll need your landline account number, PIN, and possibly a Letter of Authorization. Keep your landline active until the port is complete.
How to find my Verizon Number Transfer PIN (NTP)?
Dial #PORT from your Verizon smartphone, and Verizon will text you a link to generate your NTP. Alternatively, log into My Verizon (website or app) as the Account Owner or Account Manager and look for "Number Transfer PIN" in your account or security settings.
How to check the status of my Verizon number transfer (port-in or port-out)?
If you're porting to Verizon, Verizon will typically text you a link to track the status. If you're porting out from Verizon, your new carrier should provide status updates. You can also contact Verizon customer service for port-out status.
How to deal with device payment plans when transferring Verizon service?
If you're transferring a line to another Verizon account, the device payment agreement can either be paid off by the original owner or, if eligible, assumed by the new account holder. If porting out to another carrier, you typically must pay off any remaining device payment balance.
How to avoid early termination fees (ETFs) when transferring Verizon service?
ETFs are less common now with no-contract plans, but if you have an older contract plan or Fios service, you may incur an ETF if you cancel service before your contract term ends. Check your contract details or speak with Verizon to understand potential fees. Moving Fios to a new address typically doesn't incur an ETF unless Fios isn't available at the new location and you cancel.
How to return Verizon equipment after transferring or canceling service?
If you're required to return equipment (e.g., Fios router, set-top box), Verizon will typically provide a prepaid shipping label. You usually have 30 days from service disconnection to return the equipment to avoid unreturned equipment charges.
