If you have multiple mobile numbers registered in your name, you need to know about the new SIM card verification rules coming into force from August 24, 2026. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is tightening enforcement of the existing limit on the number of mobile connections an individual can hold.
Under the rules, a new SIM may not be issued if an individual has already reached the permitted number of mobile connections. Importantly, the limit applies to the total number of connections across all telecom operators, not separately to each company.
How Many SIM Cards Can You Have?
In most parts of India, an individual can have a maximum of 9 mobile connections registered in their name.
However, a lower limit applies in certain regions:
Most parts of India: Up to 9 connections
Jammu & Kashmir: Up to 6 connections
Assam: Up to 6 connections
North-Eastern states: Up to 6 connections
The nine-connection limit is cumulative. For example, a person cannot hold nine numbers with one operator and then obtain additional connections from other operators. Connections across different telecom companies and telecom circles are counted together.
What Changes From August 24?
Starting August 24, telecom operators will be required to identify customers who have already reached the prescribed limit and attempt to obtain another connection.
If the customer has reached the maximum permitted number of SIM connections, the operator will not issue another mobile number. Customers will also be informed about the total number of connections currently registered in their name.
How Will Telecom Companies Check Your SIM Connections?
The verification process will use the government's Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP).
The platform brings together subscriber information from different telecom operators, allowing operators to determine how many mobile connections are already linked to an individual.
This is important because customers may have SIM cards from multiple operators. The verification will therefore consider the person's overall connections rather than checking only the records of the operator from which they are seeking a new SIM.
Customer Photos to Be Available on DIP
Another change is related to identity verification.
According to the information provided, from August 23, a representative photograph of customers who already hold connections up to the permitted limit will be made available on the DIP.
Telecom operators can use this information as an additional verification mechanism when processing applications for new connections.
What Details Will Be Required for a New SIM?
When applying for a new mobile connection, customers will need to provide information about mobile numbers already registered in their name.
This includes connections obtained from:
The same telecom operator
Other telecom operators
Different telecom circles
The requirement is intended to give operators a clearer picture of an applicant's existing mobile connections before issuing another SIM.
Why Is the Government Tightening SIM Verification?
The stricter enforcement is aimed at improving the verification of mobile connections and ensuring that SIM cards are not issued beyond the prescribed limits.
Because the limit applies across operators, the use of a centralised verification system can help telecom companies identify the total number of connections associated with an individual.
What Should You Do If You Have Multiple SIM Cards?
If you have several mobile numbers registered in your name, it is worth checking how many active connections are associated with your identity.
If you have reached the applicable limit, you may not be able to obtain another SIM. The rules also make it important to ensure that mobile connections registered in your name are actually being used by you.
SIM Card Rules: Key Points
New enforcement: August 24, 2026
General limit: 9 mobile connections per individual
J&K, Assam and North-East: 6 connections
Connections are counted: Across all telecom operators
Verification platform: Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)
DIP photograph verification: Reported from August 23
New SIM applicants: May need to provide details of existing connections
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