You can transfer your existing phone number to Verizon from another carrier, and the process usually takes one to three business days

Moving your number to Verizon is called a port, and it keeps your phone number active while switching carriers. You'll need your account number and PIN from your current carrier before you start. Verizon can initiate the port when you buy a new plan, either in a store, online, or by phone.

The port itself is free. You may owe early termination fees to your old carrier if you're still under contract with them — that's separate from what Verizon charges. Once the port completes, your old carrier's service stops and Verizon's begins on the same number.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your account number and PIN from your current carrier before starting a port to Verizon.
  • The port is free through Verizon, but your old carrier may charge an early termination fee if you're under contract.
  • Porting usually takes one to three business days, and you can use your phone during that time.
  • If the port fails, Verizon will contact you and may ask for a different form of ID or account information from your old carrier.

What information you need from your current carrier

Before you contact Verizon, log into your current carrier's account online or call their customer service. Write down your account number — this is not your phone number, but a separate identifier on your bill. You'll also need your account PIN or password, which you may have set up when you opened the account.

If you don't have a PIN, most carriers will let you create one over the phone or online. Some carriers call this a "transfer PIN" or "port PIN" specifically. Write it down; you'll give it to Verizon during the port request. If your account is in someone else's name, that person will need to be present or authorize the port in writing.

Starting the port through Verizon

You can port your number when you set up a new Verizon plan in three ways: online at verizon.com, in a Verizon store, or by calling 1-908-559-4899. During setup, you'll select the option to bring your number from another carrier. Verizon will ask for your current carrier's name, your phone number, your account number, and your PIN.

If you're buying a new phone at the same time, Verizon will set up your new device on a temporary number first, then move your real number over once the port completes. You can still make and receive calls on the temporary number while waiting. If you're keeping your old phone, it will stop working once the port finishes.

What happens while your number is porting

The port usually takes one to three business days. During this time, your old carrier's service and Verizon's service both exist for your number — whichever one processes your call first gets it. This can cause missed calls or texts, so tell people you're switching and give them a heads-up if they can't reach you for a day or two.

You'll receive a text or email from Verizon when the port is complete. Your old carrier's service will stop at that moment. If you still have a phone on your old carrier's network, it will lose service. Check that calls and texts work on Verizon before you cancel anything with your old carrier or destroy your old SIM card.

When a port fails or gets delayed

A port can fail if the account number or PIN is wrong, if the account is in dispute, or if your old carrier flags it for fraud. Verizon will contact you by phone or email and explain why. The most common fix is providing the correct account number or PIN — call your old carrier to double-check these if Verizon says they don't match.

If your old carrier says the account is locked or under investigation, you may need to contact them directly to unlock it before Verizon can port. Some carriers require written authorization if the account holder's name doesn't match the person requesting the port. Verizon will tell you what they need; don't ignore these requests, or the port will stay stuck.

Charges and fees to expect

Verizon does not charge a porting fee. However, your old carrier may charge an early termination fee if you're still under a contract with them — this fee comes from your old carrier, not Verizon, and appears on your final bill with them. The amount varies by carrier and how much time is left on your contract.

You'll start paying Verizon's plan charges on the day the port completes, not the day you request it. If you're switching mid-month, your old carrier will prorate your final bill based on the days you used their service. Check your old carrier's final bill to make sure the charges are correct.

Keeping your old carrier's services after porting

Once your number ports to Verizon, your old carrier's service stops completely — you can't keep email, voicemail, or other services tied to that account. If you have a work email through your old carrier, change it before the port completes. read any photos, contacts, or files stored in your old carrier's cloud storage or apps.

Some carriers offer to forward your voicemail to another number for a short time after you leave. Ask your old carrier about this option before you port. After the port, you won't be able to access your old voicemail through that number anymore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I port my number if I'm still under contract with my current carrier?

Yes, you can port at any time. Your old carrier may charge an early termination fee for breaking the contract, but that won't stop the port. The fee appears on your final bill with them, separate from what you pay Verizon.

What if I don't know my account PIN?

Call your current carrier's customer service and ask them to reset your PIN or create a new one. Have your account number and the phone number on the account ready. Most carriers can set a PIN over the phone in a few minutes.

Can someone else port my number if it's in my name?

Not without your permission. If the account is in your name, you or someone with power of attorney must authorize the port. Your carrier may require written authorization if someone else tries to port on your behalf.

Will I lose my text messages and photos when I port?

Your text messages and photos stay on your old phone — they don't travel with your number. Before you port, back up anything you want to keep using your phone's backup tool or cloud storage. The port only moves your phone number and service, not the data on your device.

What if the port takes longer than three days?

Contact Verizon and ask for a status update. Delays usually mean your old carrier flagged something or Verizon needs more information from you. Verizon can tell you what's holding it up and what you need to do next.