Recently, both Chunghwa Telecom and Far EasTone issued public announcements stating that, in accordance with the NCC’s anti-fraud strategy, effective December 30, 2025, members of the public applying to telecom providers for SIM card replacement or reissuance services will be required to present their old SIM card or provide proof of loss, in addition to the two forms of identification previously required; To change phone numbers, applicants must meet specific criteria before the request can be processed.
What are the new regulations for telecom providers regarding SIM card replacements and number changes? When applying for a SIM card replacement or reissue, how should you present your old SIM card or provide proof of loss? Here is an explanation:
To support the government’s anti-fraud strategy, telecommunications providers are complying with NCC regulations and will implement new rules for SIM card replacement and number changes effective December 30, 2025. Below is a summary video and detailed explanation:
1. What are the new regulations for telecom providers regarding SIM card replacements and number changes?
In line with its anti-fraud strategy, the NCC has implemented additional measures regarding the public’s application for telecommunications service numbers. Building on previously implemented measures such as “KYC identity verification,” the “three-strike anti-fraud rule” (limiting high-risk users to one new line within three years), , and “restrictions on frequent SIM card replacements within 90 days (limited to twice in 90 days),” as well as a strict ban on reselling or renting out phone numbers and SIM cards registered under one’s own name, the NCC has announced the latest [ Guidelines on the Management Mechanism for Telecommunications Service Providers (September 26, 2025 Version)】，Telecom operators are required to tighten their regulations regarding SIM card replacements and number changes for their subscribers. Among these,[VII. Other Measures for Improvement], two major new regulations have been added:
A. “II. When a subscriber requests a SIM card replacement or a replacement SIM card, the telecommunications carrier shall ask the subscriber to explain the reason and purpose of the request, andProvide supporting documentation“, Telecommunications service providers may exercise discretion based on the results of the KYC review.”
B. “III. When a user applies to change their mobile phone number,Telecommunications service providers should ask users to explain the reason and purpose of their application and to provide supporting documentation.Telecommunications operators may exercise discretion based on the results of the KYC review. As a general rule, a subscriber may request a mobile number change no more than twice within six months from the date of the first change. However, when corporate customers apply to change a mobile subscriber number, telecommunications carriers shall process such applications in accordance with the provisions for accepting applications for telecommunications services set forth in Paragraph 2 of Point 4 and Subparagraphs 1 and 3 of Paragraph 5 of Point 6.”
Chunghwa Telecom and Far EasTone Telecom have issued announcements one after another：In accordance with the anti-fraud strategy of the relevant government authorities, effective December 30, 2025, users applying for a replacement or duplicate SIM card or a number change must comply with the following requirements:
a. To process a card replacement or reissuance, you must present the originals of two forms of identification, as well as your old card or a proof of loss.
b. In addition to providing the original copies of two forms of identification, the number change service requires that the applicant meet one of the following conditions: “reverting to the original number,” “unable to register,” or “harassment.” The request can only be processed after supporting documentation is provided.
2. When applying for a card replacement or reissue, how should I present my old card or provide proof of loss?
After the new regulations take effect, if you need to replace or obtain a replacement SIM card due to loss or malfunction, how should you present the old card or provide proof of loss? Based on inquiries made by netizens to telecom customer service, the information currently available is as follows:
A. Damaged or defective SIM card:
a. Please present your old SIM card so that the store staff can verify the card number.
b. If the device is damaged along with the SIM card, proof of damage must be provided; this may include a receipt for the purchase of a new device or a repair order (issued within one month).、Report of a Lost Item or Damaged Photograph.
B. SIM Card Replacement or Upgrade:
Please present your old SIM card so the store staff can verify the card number.
C. Lost SIM Card:
a. Please provide the police report confirming the loss (the two-part loss report form).
b. If the item is lost abroad (including at an airport), you may provide your passport (including entry and exit stamps), airline ticket, visa, or a receipt for payment made on your behalf by a travel agency.
c. If the device is lost along with the SIM card, please provide proof of purchase for a new device (within one month).
D.eSIM ：
a. If you accidentally deleted your eSIM, please provide the device’s IMEI number. The carrier will verify the information, and once confirmed, they will reissue the SIM card.
b. To transfer an eSIM to a new phone, you must present“Proof of Mobile Phone Purchase”; If the phone was a gift from someone else or a promotional item (such as a prize from a sweepstakes), you must provide“Certificate of Gift”。
NOTE: The information above was provided by users; please refer to the specific policies of each major telecommunications provider regarding SIM card replacement and reissuance.
Although the NCC has introduced several measures to combat telecommunications fraud with good intentions, some of these measures appear to be causing inconvenience to the public. In addition to the previously controversial restriction limiting SIM card replacements to twice within 90 days per phone number, it is now reported that if a person loses their SIM card, they must file a police report and requestThe police provide a Lost Property Report (two-part form)As supporting documentation，This not only inconveniences the public but also disrupts police operations, placing an unnecessary burden on officers who are already overwhelmed with work.
Since the guidelines provided by the NCC merely require「Provide supporting documentation」，The moderator strongly urges the NCC or telecommunications providers to provide「Lost Property Report (Two-Part Form)」The standard has been changed to“You must file a report with your telecommunications provider to suspend your service (report the number as lost).”」，Require telecommunications providers to issue certificates for lost data，That way, we won’t cause trouble for the police or the public.。
Image source: ETtoday News
Source: KOCPC Chinese