Unregistered SIM Could Block Your Banking Access: Here’s What to Do

Kathmandu: More than 40 percent of mobile users in Nepal are using SIM cards registered in someone else’s name, according to the World Bank’s Global Findex Database 2025. The report lists Nepal alongside Congo, Comoros, Morocco, Tanzania, and Jordan, where this trend is affecting access to digital financial services.

Using someone else’s SIM card can prevent users from opening mobile wallets, receiving social security payments, or applying for digital loans. Most financial institutions require the SIM card to be in the user’s name for identity verification. As Nepal moves toward linking SIM cards with national identity cards and the Nagarik app, owning a SIM registered in your own name has become essential.

The Nepal Telecommunication Authority also limits the number of SIM cards registered under one name to two per provider. Because SIM cards are now connected to many essential services from banking to digital identity transferring ownership to your name is strongly recommended.

Nepal Telecom Users

If you're using a Nepal Telecom SIM that's registered under someone else's name, the first step is to find out who the SIM is registered to. You'll then need to visit a Nepal Telecom office to request the ownership transfer. The process depends on whether you're using a prepaid or postpaid SIM.

Prepaid

For prepaid users, the transfer is allowed if you’ve been using the SIM for a long time. At the telecom office, you must present your original citizenship and a photocopy, along with a passport-sized photo. You'll also be asked to verify five to seven numbers that you've called in the last six months. Once verified, you can fill out a form called ‘Kabuliyat’ and pay a fee of Rs. 50 to complete the transfer process.

Postpaid

The process for postpaid users is more complex. Both the original SIM owner and the person requesting the transfer must be present at the office. If the original owner cannot come, a power of attorney certificate is required. In both cases, copies of citizenship documents for both parties are needed. If the SIM belongs to an organization, PAN numbers and registration documents for both the existing and new owners are required. After submitting these documents and filling out a form, the ownership can be officially changed.

Ncell Users

Ncell users must also visit the office in person to transfer a SIM card. Both the current user and the original SIM owner need to be present. If the original owner is unavailable, a power of attorney certificate must be provided. To be eligible, the current user must have been using the SIM for at least one year. Ncell will ask for 10 to 15 dialed numbers from the last six to eight months to verify usage. If possible, it's helpful to bring the original SIM packaging with the PIN and PUK codes. Once verified, Ncell will transfer the SIM card to your name.

With mobile numbers now connected to everything from digital banking to identity verification, having a SIM in your own name is more than just a formality, it’s a crucial step for security and access.

 

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: साउन ३, २०८२ १९:२५

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