Do you have more than 9 SIM cards registered in your name? Find out quickly

Rules regarding SIM cards have changed. Holding more than 9 SIM cards in a single name could now lead to trouble; check the list immediately via the government's 'Sanchar Saathi' portal and block any fraudulent numbers.

If you are a mobile user, this news is crucial for you. Strict rules regarding SIM cards came into effect on August 24, 2026. According to a new directive from the Department of Telecommunications, any citizen holding more than the prescribed limit of SIM cards in their name will not be issued a new one. Telecom companies have been clearly instructed to verify the data on a customer's existing SIM cards before granting a new connection. If the maximum number of SIMs is already active in your name, your request for a new one will be immediately rejected.

New rule effective from today

Under Department of Telecommunications regulations, an individual can hold a maximum of 9 SIM cards in most states across the country. However, for security reasons, this limit is set at 6 SIM cards for Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and the Northeastern states. While this limit existed previously, monitoring has been significantly tightened since August 24. An individual who has already reached the prescribed limit of SIM cards will no longer be able to easily obtain a new one. Telecom companies will mandatorily check the records of all mobile connections registered to a customer's name before issuing a new SIM.

Strict action against fraudulent SIMs

Another key provision has been added to the new rules regarding fraudulent SIMs. If fake or forged documents are used to acquire a SIM card, telecom companies must immediately inform the police or investigative agencies, and an FIR will be lodged directly. Additionally, the government will record details of individuals holding SIMs beyond the prescribed limit on the 'Digital Intelligence Platform'; this record will include their photographs and other essential information.

How many SIMs are registered in your name? Here is how to find out

To facilitate this, the government has introduced a special feature on the 'Sanchar Saathi' portal known as TAFCOP (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection). Checking this is very simple:

1. Open the website tafcop.sancharsaathi.gov.in in your mobile or computer browser.

2. Enter your 10-digit mobile number that is currently active in your name.

3. After entering the mobile number, you will receive an OTP; enter it on the website to verify.

4. Once verification is complete, a list of all mobile numbers registered in your name will appear on the screen.

What to do if you see an unknown number in the list?

If you see a number in the list that you do not recognize or are not using, you can report it right there by marking it as "Not My Number." The concerned telecom company will then investigate the number and deactivate it if necessary. Through this same portal, you can also block a stolen or lost mobile phone using the CEIR facility and report fraudulent calls or messages via the Chakshu service.