A Verizon transfer of service is the official process for moving a line from your parents' account to your own while keeping your current phone number. This is the correct method to take over financial responsibility for your line without losing service or your device.
What is a Verizon transfer of service?
Verizon's "Transfer of Service," also called an "Assumption of Liability," is the official procedure for moving a wireless line from one Verizon account to another. This is the only way to leave your parents' family plan and start your own account while keeping your existing phone number. The transfer requires authorization from both the current account owner (your parents) and the new party assuming responsibility (you).
Eligibility requirements for taking over a line
To assume financial responsibility for a line, you must be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama). You will need to pass a credit check, which determines your eligibility for a credit-based plan. Depending on the results of that credit check, Verizon may require a security deposit. Additionally, the original account owner's balance must be current for the transfer to proceed. Check if your current phone is compatible with Verizon's CDMA network; other carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM networks.
What happens to your device payment agreement
If your device is under an active Device Payment Agreement (DPA), that agreement can transfer with the line to your new account. This is only possible if you pass the credit check and no down payment is required. If you do not meet that condition, the original account owner must pay off the remaining balance on the device before the transfer can be completed.
How the current account owner initiates the transfer
The current account owner or an account manager must start the transfer. They can do this through the My Verizon website, the My Verizon app, or by calling Verizon Customer Service. Before initiating the transfer, gather your current account number, billing address, and any PIN or passcode associated with the account.
Using the My Verizon website
- Sign in to the My Verizon website as the account owner or manager.
- Navigate to Account > My devices > Transfer your service.
- Select the line or lines to transfer.
- Choose to transfer to a personal account.
- Enter the required information for the person taking over the line.
- Review the disclosures and accept.
Using the My Verizon app
- Open the My Verizon app as the account owner or manager.
- Go to the Mobile tab > Manage devices > Device Management > Transfer your service.
- Select the line or lines to transfer.
- Choose to transfer to a personal account.
- Enter the required information.
- Review the disclosures and accept.
Completing your part of the transfer
After the current account owner initiates the transfer, both parties receive confirmation emails with instructions. You will need to accept the transfer, pass the credit check, and select a currently available Verizon plan. All transferred lines may be required to switch to one of these current plans. During the number transfer, Verizon may provide a temporary phone number for your new phone until the transfer is complete.
Keeping your phone number and avoiding service interruptions
You can keep your existing Verizon mobile number when performing a transfer of service. Service continues during the transfer process, so you will not experience an interruption. A one-time activation fee will typically appear on your first month's bill for the new line. You will also need to handle the process of activating phones and SIM cards on your new account once the transfer is complete.
Managing your new Verizon account
Once the transfer is complete, set up your own My Verizon online account to monitor your usage, pay bills, and manage your plan independently. You can download the My Verizon app for on-the-go access to your account details, data usage alerts, and payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my line if my parents still owe money on the account?
No. Any outstanding balance must be paid before the process can move forward.
What happens if I fail the credit check?
If you do not pass the credit check, you may still be able to take over the line, but Verizon may require a security deposit. Additionally, if you fail the credit check and have a device payment agreement, the original account owner must pay off the remaining balance.
Will my parents be notified after the transfer is complete?
Yes. Both the relinquishing party (your parents) and the assuming party (you) receive confirmation emails with instructions and updates throughout the transfer process.
Can I transfer multiple lines at once?
Yes. The account owner can select one or multiple lines to transfer during the same request through the My Verizon website or app.
Do I need a new SIM card for the transfer?
Not necessarily. If your current SIM card is compatible with your new account, you can keep using it. The transfer of service moves your line and number without requiring a new SIM in most cases.
