It's exciting when life changes and you need your Verizon service to move with you – whether it's a new home, a new device, or even passing on a line to a family member or friend! Transferring your Verizon service, also known as a "Transfer of Service" (TOS), ensures you maintain your number and avoid interruptions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process.
Ready to make the switch? Let's get started!
Have you ever wished there was a clear, concise way to move your Verizon service without the headache? Well, you're in luck! This guide is designed to make the process as smooth as possible. By the end, you'll be a pro at navigating Verizon's transfer requests.
Understanding Verizon Service Transfers: What You Need to Know First
Before diving into the "how-to," it's crucial to grasp what a service transfer entails and who can initiate it. A Verizon service transfer allows you to move an existing phone number and its associated service from one Verizon account to another, or even change the billing responsibility for a line.
Who Can Initiate a Transfer?
For Personal Lines: Both the current account owner (the "relinquishing party") and the person assuming responsibility (the "assuming party") can initiate the transfer. However, the process usually flows more smoothly when the current account owner starts it.
For Business Lines: Typically, the relinquishing party (the existing business account owner) must initiate the transfer.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin, make sure both parties meet these essential criteria:
Age: The person assuming financial responsibility must be 18 or older (19 in Alabama).
Credit Check: The assuming party must pass a soft credit check. Don't worry, this typically won't impact your credit score.
Account Status: Both the relinquishing and assuming Verizon accounts must be in good standing with no outstanding balances.
Line Activity: The line being transferred must have been active on the account for at least 30 days (5 days for Business accounts).
Device Payment Agreements: If a device payment agreement is associated with the line, the assuming party must be eligible to take over that agreement. Alternatively, the relinquishing party can pay off the remaining balance before the transfer.
Plan Changes: Be aware that all transferred lines may be required to switch to a currently available plan on the new account.
Timeliness: A transfer request typically remains active for 15 days (30 days for business lines). If not completed within this timeframe, a new request will be needed.
Step 1: Gather Your Information (Engage Here!)
Alright, let's kick things off! Before you even log into My Verizon or pick up the phone, what's the very first piece of information you think you'll need for a Verizon transfer request?
Think about it for a moment.
If you guessed account details for both parties and the phone number(s) being transferred, you're absolutely right! Having everything ready will save you a lot of time and potential frustration.
Here's a comprehensive checklist of what you'll need:
For the Relinquishing Party (Current Account Owner):
Your Verizon Account Number.
Your My Verizon Username and Password.
The full name and email address of the person who will be taking over the line(s).
The specific mobile number(s) you wish to transfer.
Details of any Device Payment Agreements associated with the line(s) being transferred (you'll need to decide if they're being assumed or paid off).
For the Assuming Party (New Account Owner):
Their full name and email address.
Their Social Security Number or Tax ID for the credit check.
A valid payment method for the new account.
If they are an existing Verizon customer, their My Verizon Username and Password.
If they are a new Verizon customer, they will need to be prepared to create a new My Verizon account and select a new plan.
Step 2: Initiating the Transfer Request
There are a couple of primary ways to initiate a Verizon service transfer: via the My Verizon website or the My Verizon app. Both are relatively straightforward.
Option A: Initiating via My Verizon Website
This is often the most common and recommended method for its comprehensive interface.
Sub-heading: Logging In as the Account Owner
Sign In: Open your web browser and go to the official Verizon website (verizon.com).
Access My Verizon: Sign in to your My Verizon account as the Account Owner or Account Manager. This is crucial, as sub-accounts or basic users cannot initiate a transfer.
Navigate to Transfer Service:
Once logged in, look for a section related to "Account" or "My Devices."
Within this section, you should find an option like "Transfer your service" or "Transfer Service." The exact wording might vary slightly, but it's usually clear.
Start a New Transfer: On the "Transfer Your Service" page, you'll likely see an option to "Start a new transfer." Click on this.
Sub-heading: Selecting Lines to Transfer
Choose the Line(s): You'll be presented with a list of lines on your account. Select the specific line(s) you wish to transfer by checking the corresponding box next to each number.
Continue: After selecting the lines, click "Continue."
Sub-heading: Providing New Account Holder Information
Specify Account Type: You'll be asked if you want to transfer the line(s) to a personal account or a business account. Select the appropriate option.
Enter New Customer Details: Carefully enter the first name, last name, and email address of the person who will be assuming responsibility for the line(s).
Tip: Double-check the email address for accuracy, as this is where the new owner will receive instructions to complete the transfer.
Apply to All (if applicable): If you're transferring multiple lines to the same new customer, you might see an "Apply" button to automatically populate the details for all selected lines. Click this if it applies to your situation.
Confirm Email Address: You may be asked to confirm the email address to receive confirmation emails, or you can enter additional emails if needed.
Continue: Click "Continue" to proceed.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Disclosures and Submitting
Review Disclosures: Read through the Disclosures and Authorizations carefully. These outline the terms and conditions of the transfer, including any impact on existing promotions or device payment agreements.
Accept & Acknowledge: If you agree, click "Accept & Acknowledge."
Review and Confirm: On the "Review And Confirm Your Transfer Request" screen, take a moment to verify all the details you've entered. Ensure the correct lines are selected and the new account holder's information is accurate.
Submit: Once everything looks correct, click "Submit."
Option B: Initiating via My Verizon App
The My Verizon app offers a convenient way to initiate transfers from your mobile device.
Open the App: Launch the My Verizon app on your smartphone or tablet. Ensure your app is up to date for the latest features.
Sign In: Sign in as the Account Owner or Account Manager. You may need to enter your password, use a fingerprint, or Face ID.
Navigate to Transfer Service:
From the main screen, tap on the "Mobile" tab (if it's not already selected).
In the "Devices" section, tap on the mobile number you wish to transfer. If you need to select a different number, navigate to "Devices" > "Manage all devices" and then tap "Manage" below the appropriate phone number.
From the "Device Management" section, tap "Transfer your service."
Start a New Transfer: Tap "Start a new transfer."
Select Lines and Provide Details: Follow the on-screen prompts, which will be similar to the website process:
Select the line(s) to be transferred.
Choose whether to transfer to a personal or business account.
Enter the full name and email address of the new account holder.
Review and accept disclosures.
Confirm and Submit: Review the details on the "Review And Confirm Your Transfer Request" screen and tap "Continue." An email with instructions will be sent to both you and the person assuming liability.
Step 3: The Assuming Party Completes the Transfer
Once the relinquishing party has initiated the transfer, the ball is in the assuming party's court. They have a limited time (usually 15 days for personal lines, 30 for business) to accept and complete the transfer.
Sub-heading: Receiving the Transfer Request Email
Check Email: The assuming party will receive an email from Verizon with the subject line, "You have a line transfer request to complete." It's crucial they check their spam or junk folders if they don't see it.
Open the Link: The email will contain a link to begin or resume the transfer process. They should click on "Transfer now."
Sub-heading: Authenticating and Verifying
Enter Information: On the "Start or resume your transfer request" screen, the assuming party will likely need to enter a Transfer Request PIN (provided in the email) and the mobile number associated with the transfer.
Continue: Click "Continue."
Sub-heading: Choosing Account Destination
New Account or Existing Account: The assuming party will be presented with two options:
"Set up a new account" (if they are a new Verizon customer).
"Sign in" (if they are an existing Verizon customer and want to add the line(s) to their current account).
Follow On-Screen Prompts:
If "Set up a new account" is chosen: They will need to provide credit information (Consumer or Business), consent to a soft credit check, and create a new My Verizon account with a PIN.
If "Sign in" is chosen: They will sign in to their existing My Verizon account.
Sub-heading: Reviewing and Accepting the Transfer
Review Details: On the "Review and accept service transfer" screen, the assuming party must carefully review all the request details, including the lines being transferred, any device payment agreements, and potential plan changes.
Accept: Click "Accept."
Disclosures and Authorizations: Review the "Disclosures and authorizations" document and click "Accept & Acknowledge."
Sub-heading: Selecting a Plan and Finalizing
Select Plan(s): The assuming party will need to select a plan for the transferred line(s). They may have the option to "Keep the plan" (if it's compatible with their new account type) or "Pick a new plan."
Review Costs: Review the estimated monthly cost details.
Terms and Conditions: View the Verizon Wireless Customer Agreement and Taxes, Surcharges and Fees documents.
Accept & Complete Transfer: Check the box to accept these terms and click "Accept & Complete transfer."
Step 4: Confirmation and Post-Transfer Steps
Congratulations! Once all steps are completed by both parties, the transfer process is typically very quick.
Sub-heading: Confirmation
Both the relinquishing and assuming parties should receive a confirmation email or text message from Verizon indicating that the transfer is complete.
The assuming party's My Verizon account will now reflect the transferred line(s).
Sub-heading: What to Do After the Transfer
Power Cycle Device: The assuming party should power cycle (turn off and then on again) the transferred device to ensure it connects properly to the new account.
Verify Service: Confirm that calls, texts, and data are working as expected on the transferred line.
Update Billing: The assuming party should verify their billing address and payment methods are correctly set up on the new account. The relinquishing party will no longer be billed for the transferred line.
Promotions and Discounts: Be aware that certain special offers, airtime, line access discounts, or equipment and feature discounts may not transfer with the line. Individual content promotions or subscriptions associated with a line generally will transfer.
Delete Data (Relinquishing Party): If the device itself is being transferred to a new owner, the relinquishing party should perform a factory reset to wipe all personal data before handing it over.
Important Considerations and Troubleshooting
Incomplete Transfers: If a transfer request isn't completed within the specified timeframe (15 or 30 days), it will automatically cancel. You'll need to start a new request.
Device Compatibility: While the number transfers, ensure the device itself is compatible with Verizon's network, especially if it was previously used with another carrier.
Number Lock: If you have "Number Lock" enabled on your Verizon account (a security feature to prevent unauthorized porting), you will need to disable it before initiating a transfer. This can usually be done in My Verizon under Security settings or by dialing *611.
Customer Service: If you encounter any issues or have questions throughout the process, don't hesitate to contact Verizon Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204. They can provide personalized assistance and help resolve any roadblocks.
In-Store Assistance: For complex situations or if you prefer face-to-face support, visiting a Verizon store can be beneficial. Be prepared for potential wait times.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to initiate a Verizon transfer of service online?
You can initiate a transfer of service online by signing into My Verizon as the Account Owner or Account Manager, navigating to the "Account" or "My Devices" section, and selecting "Transfer your service."
How to accept a pending Verizon transfer request?
If you are the assuming party, you will receive an email from Verizon with a link to accept the transfer. Click the link, enter the provided PIN and mobile number, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the acceptance process, including a credit check and plan selection.
How to transfer a line with a device payment agreement on Verizon?
The device payment agreement can move with the line to the new account if the assuming party is eligible and passes a credit check with no required down payments. Alternatively, the relinquishing party can pay off the remaining balance before the transfer.
How to check the status of a Verizon transfer request?
Once initiated, the relinquishing party typically receives email updates, and both parties can often check the status within their My Verizon accounts or by contacting customer service.
How to transfer multiple lines to a new Verizon account?
When initiating the transfer on My Verizon, you will have the option to select multiple lines simultaneously to be transferred to the new account owner. Ensure all selected lines are intended for the same recipient.
How to transfer Verizon service to a new owner if I'm not the account owner?
If you are the assuming party and not the current account owner, the current account owner must initiate the transfer. They will then provide your details, and you will receive an email to complete your portion of the transfer.
How to avoid issues during a Verizon service transfer?
To avoid issues, ensure both accounts are in good standing, accurately provide all required information for both parties, disable "Number Lock" if enabled, and address any device payment agreements upfront.
How to transfer Verizon service for a business account?
For business accounts, the relinquishing party (existing business account owner) must typically initiate the transfer through My Business or by contacting Verizon Business customer service. The process generally follows similar steps to personal transfers but with business-specific eligibility requirements.
How to transfer my Verizon Fios service to a new owner?
For Fios account transfers, both the existing and incoming account holders often need to contact Verizon together and stay on the phone during the entire process. All billed charges up to the transfer date are typically for the outgoing customer.
How to get help if my Verizon transfer request is stuck or denied?
If your transfer request is stuck or denied, first review all eligibility requirements and ensure all information was entered correctly. Then, contact Verizon Customer Service at 1-800-922-0204 for personalized assistance and troubleshooting.
