Are you looking to transfer your Verizon account to a new owner? Perhaps you're moving, going through a family change, or simply want someone else to take over the financial responsibility for your lines of service. Whatever the reason, changing the account owner on Verizon is a process that requires a few key steps and some understanding of Verizon's policies. Let's dive in and get you started!
A Comprehensive Guide to Changing Your Verizon Account Owner
Changing the account owner on a Verizon account is formally known as a "Transfer of Service" or "Assumption of Liability" (AOL). This isn't just a simple name change; it's a complete transfer of financial and administrative responsibility for one or more lines of service from one Verizon account to another, or to a completely new account.
Step 1: Understanding What a Transfer of Service Entails
Before you even think about picking up the phone or logging online, it's crucial to understand what a Transfer of Service really means. This isn't like changing the name on a utility bill where you just update a contact detail. With Verizon, it's about transferring the entire financial and contractual obligation.
Financial Responsibility: The new account owner will be responsible for all future bills, including any device payment agreements associated with the transferred lines.
Contractual Obligations: If there are existing contracts or device payment plans, the new owner will assume these.
Credit Check: The person assuming the lines will typically undergo a soft credit check. This doesn't usually impact their credit score but is necessary for Verizon to assess their eligibility.
Loss of Some Promotions: Be aware that certain promotional credits, especially those tied to specific plans or devices, might not transfer to the new account. It's vital to inquire about this during the process.
Account History: The billing history and usage records for the transferred lines will then be associated with the new account.
Engage with me: Think about why you're making this change. Is it a family member taking over, or are you selling a device with a line? Knowing your specific situation will help you navigate the process more smoothly. What's your primary reason for initiating this transfer today?
Step 2: Gathering Necessary Information and Eligibility Criteria
Preparation is key to a smooth transfer. You'll need specific information from both the current account owner (relinquishing party) and the new account owner (assuming party).
Sub-heading 2.1: Information for the Current Account Owner (Relinquishing Party)
Account Number and PIN: You'll need the primary account number and the account security PIN.
Full Legal Name: As it appears on the Verizon account.
Contact Information: Phone number and email address associated with the account.
Lines to be Transferred: Clearly identify which mobile numbers you want to transfer.
Account Balance: Your account balance must be current. Any outstanding charges will need to be settled before the transfer can be fully completed.
Active Line Requirement: The line(s) being transferred must have been active on your account for at least 30 days (for standard monthly accounts) or 5 days (for business accounts).
Sub-heading 2.2: Information for the New Account Owner (Assuming Party)
Full Legal Name: Must match their government-issued ID.
Date of Birth: For verification purposes.
Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax ID (for business accounts): Required for the credit check and to set up the new account.
Contact Information: Phone number and email address.
Residential Address: For billing and service.
Payment Information: A method for setting up future payments.
Eligibility:
Must be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama or Nebraska).
Must pass a soft credit check.
Must be eligible to assume any existing device payment agreements.
If they are an existing Verizon customer, they must be an account owner or account manager on their current account.
Step 3: Initiating the Transfer of Service
There are a few ways to begin the transfer, with the online method being the most common and often the easiest.
Sub-heading 3.1: Online via My Verizon Website (Recommended)
This is typically the most straightforward path. Both parties will be involved in the process, though the current account owner usually initiates it.
Current Account Owner Logs In:
Go to the official Verizon website (verizon.com).
Sign in to My Verizon as the Account Owner or an Account Manager.
Navigate to the "Account" section. Look for "My Devices" or "Manage My Account."
Find the "Transfer your service" option. This might be under a "Devices" or "Account Management" sub-menu.
Carefully review the eligibility requirements, plans, and terms presented.
Select "Start a new transfer."
Choose the specific line(s) you wish to transfer and click "Continue."
You'll then be prompted to select whether you're transferring to another personal account or a business account.
Enter the full legal name and email address of the new account owner.
Review and accept the disclosures and authorizations.
Confirm the transfer request details. An email with instructions will be sent to the new account owner.
New Account Owner Completes the Transfer:
The new account owner will receive an email from Verizon with a transfer request PIN and instructions. They have a limited time (typically 15 days for personal accounts, 30 for business) to complete the transfer.
They should open the email and click the "Transfer now" link.
They will be prompted to enter the transfer request PIN from the email and one of the mobile numbers associated with the transfer.
They will then be given the option to:
Set up a new Verizon mobile account: If they are not an existing Verizon customer, they will go through the process of creating a new account, which includes a credit check and selecting a new plan.
Add the line(s) to an existing Verizon mobile account: If they already have a Verizon account, they will sign in to their existing My Verizon account.
They will review the request details, accept the disclosures and authorizations, and potentially select a new plan if required.
Finally, they will accept the Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement and complete the transfer.
Sub-heading 3.2: Via Phone Call to Verizon Customer Service
If you prefer speaking to a representative, or if you encounter issues with the online process, you can call Verizon Customer Service.
Dial 1-800-922-0204.
Both the current and new account owners should ideally be on the call together. This will significantly expedite the process, as the representative can verify identities and obtain consent from both parties simultaneously.
Be prepared to provide all the information listed in Step 2.
The representative will guide you through the verbal authorization process and inform you of any further steps or forms required.
Sub-heading 3.3: In-Person at a Verizon Retail Store
While not always necessary, visiting a Verizon store can be helpful, especially for complex situations or if you prefer face-to-face assistance.
It is highly recommended that both the current and new account owners visit the store together.
Bring your government-issued photo IDs and all the necessary account information (account number, PIN, phone numbers to be transferred).
A Verizon representative will assist you with the transfer, verifying identities, obtaining necessary signatures, and walking you through any required forms.
Step 4: Post-Transfer Considerations
Once the transfer is complete, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Sub-heading 4.1: Billing Cycles and Prorated Charges
The outgoing account owner will be responsible for all charges up to the effective date of the transfer. They may see a prorated credit on their next bill.
The incoming account owner will start being billed from the effective date of the transfer. They may see prorated charges on their first bill, as well as charges for the next full month (Verizon often bills one month in advance).
Sub-heading 4.2: Device Payments and Promotions
Device Payment Agreements: If device payment agreements were transferred, the new owner will continue making those payments.
Promotional Credits: Double-check with Verizon during the transfer process if any existing promotional credits will be lost or transferred. This is a common point of confusion and can impact your monthly cost. Some device credits may transfer, but specific line access discounts or plan-based promotions often do not.
Sub-heading 4.3: My Verizon Account Access
The new account owner will need to ensure they can access My Verizon with their own credentials. If they were previously an account manager, their role might change, or they might need to re-register.
The previous account owner will no longer have access to the transferred lines in their My Verizon account.
Step 5: Special Circumstances
While the above covers most scenarios, some situations require specific handling.
Sub-heading 5.1: Deceased Account Owner
If the account owner has passed away, Verizon has a specific process to manage the account.
Contact Verizon Customer Service immediately at 1-800-922-0204.
You will typically need to provide a death certificate.
Verizon has a "Transfer service when an Account Owner is deceased" process, which may involve specific forms for account members or estate executors. Redact any sensitive personal information from the death certificate before submitting.
Sub-heading 5.2: Domestic Violence Situations
In cases of domestic violence or abuse, Verizon offers assistance to transfer lines without requiring consent from the abusive party.
Contact Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204 and explain your situation. They have specific protocols in place to help.
Sub-heading 5.3: Business Account Transfers
Transferring ownership of a business account can be more complex, often requiring specific business documentation and potentially different forms.
The process generally follows the same "Transfer of Service" steps.
For business-to-business transfers, the relinquishing party often needs to initiate the transfer.
If a key person (like the original account holder) is no longer with the company, you may need to fill out a "Point of Contact" form or similar documentation. It's best to call Verizon Business customer service directly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to changing your Verizon account owner:
How to transfer a line with a device payment plan?
Quick Answer: The new account owner can assume the device payment agreement if they pass a credit check and meet eligibility requirements. Alternatively, the original owner can pay off the remaining balance before the transfer.
How to change the account owner without losing promotional credits?
Quick Answer: While some device payment credits may transfer, many promotional credits (especially those tied to specific plans or older promotions) typically do not transfer. Always confirm with Verizon directly before initiating the transfer to understand the impact on your specific promotions.
How to transfer ownership if the current owner is unavailable?
Quick Answer: This is challenging. Ideally, both parties need to be involved. If the current owner is simply unavailable but willing, coordinate a time for them to be present for a call or to initiate the online process. If they are completely unreachable or unwilling, specific legal documents like a power of attorney might be required, or in special cases like deceased owners or domestic violence, Verizon has specific protocols.
How to transfer a business Verizon account owner?
Quick Answer: The process is similar to personal accounts but may require specific business documentation. The relinquishing party (current business owner/authorized contact) usually initiates the transfer online or by calling Verizon Business customer service.
How to transfer Verizon service to a new account that isn't Verizon?
Quick Answer: This is called "porting out" a number. You don't "transfer" the Verizon account owner; instead, the new carrier handles the transfer of your number. You'll need your Verizon account number and PIN/porting PIN to provide to the new carrier.
How to find my Verizon account PIN for a transfer?
Quick Answer: You can usually find or reset your account PIN by logging into My Verizon online or through the My Verizon app. Alternatively, you can call Verizon Customer Service, but they will likely need to verify your identity thoroughly before providing it.
How to accept a Verizon line transfer request?
Quick Answer: The new account owner will receive an email from Verizon with a transfer request PIN and a link to complete the transfer online. They must follow the instructions in the email within the specified timeframe (usually 15 days for personal lines).
How to transfer only one line from a multi-line Verizon account?
Quick Answer: Yes, you can transfer specific lines. During the online transfer initiation, the current account owner will have the option to select which lines they want to relinquish.
How to change the name on a Verizon account due to marriage or legal name change?
Quick Answer: If it's a legal name change for the existing account owner (not a transfer of ownership), you'll typically need to contact Verizon Customer Service and provide official documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, court order). This is a name change, not an AOL.
How to cancel a pending Verizon line transfer request?
Quick Answer: The party who initiated the transfer (usually the relinquishing party) can typically cancel a pending request through the My Verizon website or by contacting Verizon Customer Service, as long as it hasn't been fully accepted by the new account owner.
