New Delhi: The days of buying a SIM card with just a photocopy of your ID and a passport-size photo are officially over.
Starting today, January 1, 2026, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has implemented key provisions of the new Telecommunications Act, aimed at cracking down on cyber fraud and fake connections.
If you are planning to buy a new SIM or port your number this New Year, here are the 3 Major Changes you must know.
1. Paper-Based KYC is Now Illegal
- The New Rule: Telecom operators (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL) are now prohibited from accepting paper forms or physical Aadhaar copies for new connections.
- The Process: From today, only Digital Biometric E-KYC is allowed. You must provide your thumb impression or Iris scan at the point of sale.
- Why? To prevent fraudsters from misusing photocopied documents to issue fake SIMs in your name.
2. Strict Limit: 9 SIMs Per Aadhaar
- The Cap: The government has strictly enforced the limit of 9 SIM cards per individual (per Aadhaar). For J&K, Assam, and North East residents, the limit is 6 SIMs.
- The Action: If you have more than the allowed limit linked to your ID, you will receive a notification to re-verify the extra numbers within 30 days. If you fail to do so, the extra connections will be disconnected.
- Check Your Status: You can check how many numbers are active on your ID by visiting the Sanchar Saathi Portal (TAFCOP).
3. Heavy Penalty for Fake Proofs
- Jail Term: Under the new Act, obtaining a SIM card using someone else’s ID or forged documents is now a non-bailable offense punishable by up to 3 years in jail and a fine of ₹50 Lakh.
- Dealer Verification: SIM card dealers must also undergo mandatory police verification. Buying a SIM from an unregistered street vendor is now risky.
Important for Existing Users
You do not need to do re-KYC for your existing active numbers unless you receive a specific SMS from your operator or the DoT. Beware of “KYC Expiry” scam calls that might surge today.
FAQs
Yes, but the digital verification process will still be mandatory using other valid IDs (Passport/Voter ID) via the Digilocker-linked system.
Visit sancharsaathi.gov.in -> Click on “Know Your Mobile Connections” -> Enter your mobile number & OTP. It will show the full list of numbers linked to your ID.
It remains active. The ban on paper KYC applies only to new connections issued from Jan 1, 2026 onwards.
Disclaimer
This update is based on the Telecommunications Act notifications and DoT circulars effective January 1, 2026. Rules may vary for corporate connections.
