This process can vary depending on who your mobile provider is, but the main steps will more or less remain the same.
Both new and old account holders will need sufficient ID to get the process underway. We break down exactly what you need in the section below. Keep both the account number and mobile number for your plan on hand.
Some providers, like Telstra, TPG/Vodafone, and amaysim, will require you to fill out a change of ownership form that can be submitted online. Others, including Boost Mobile, require you to lodge your request via telephone.
Complete any necessary forms with the appropriate details and lodge them with your provider. You will be notified once the ownership transfer is complete.
Identification requirements will vary between providers but typically you'll need:
| Response | 75+ yrs | 65-74 yrs | 55-64 yrs | 45-54 yrs | 35-44 yrs | 25-34 yrs | 18-24 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | 55.17% | 53.71% | 54.65% | 55.96% | 50.25% | 57.34% | 37.11% |
| Somewhat difficult | 31.03% | 35.43% | 31.98% | 37.31% | 45.18% | 33.49% | 56.7% |
| Very difficult | 8.62% | 9.14% | 12.21% | 5.18% | 4.57% | 8.72% | 5.15% |
| I don't have a mobile phone/mobile phone plan | 5.17% | 1.71% | 1.16% | 1.55% | 0.46% | 1.03% |
Time frames will vary between providers and the complexity of your application.
To give you an idea, it can take Telstra and Optus up to 10 business days to transfer ownership. That is if there aren't any issues with the application.
After transferring the mobile number to your name, you can easily switch providers to get yourself on a better phone plan (or network) if you wish.
Read our guide to porting your number to get started.
Take control of your new account and see if you can find a better deal in our mobile plan comparison table below.
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I’m having trouble porting my old number as it was opened in my girlfriend’s name as she has passed away/ I need all the information that was on it including contacts/ Centrelink and Medicare info
Hi John, Your best bet is to visit your plan provider (ed Vodafone or Optus) and ask for customer support.
I understand the information supplied about porting my phone number however how do I keep my current email address when the internet is bundled up with our phones through Telstra
Hi Marilyn,
If you moved your phone from Telstra but kept your internet with them, you would still be able to keep your Telstra email address.
If, however, you were leaving Telstra entirely and no longer had a phone, internet or any service with them, you can keep your Telstra email address free for the first 12 months after you leave if you let them know you want to keep it. If you wanted to keep your Telstra email address after those first 12 months, it costs $79 a year.
You can find more info here: https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/personal/help/pdf/cis-personal/broadband/personal-critical-information-summary-paid-email.pdf
Hope this helps.