Retaining Your Cell Phone Number During a Move to Another State

When moving to another state, it’s natural to worry about the continuity of your phone number. Fortunately, in the US, you can retain your cell phone number even if you relocate to a different state. This is due to the FCC Number Portability Guidelines, which protect your right to keep your number as you switch carriers or geographic locations.

Portable Cell Phone Numbers

According to these guidelines, you can keep your cell phone number when you change carriers or cards, as well as when you move to another state. This means your number is not tied to a specific geographic location; rather, it follows you wherever you go. However, it’s important to verify the new carrier’s policies on number portability. They might have additional requirements or specific procedures you need to follow.

Switching Carriers and Geographic Areas

If you're switching service providers and remaining in the same geographic area, you can keep your existing phone number. The process typically involves notifying your new carrier that you want to port in your number. The new carrier will take care of the rest, including verifying that the number is eligible for porting and completing the transfer.

Using a Virtual Phone Number

If you’re an avid traveler or you’re concerned about privacy, consider purchasing a virtual phone number. A virtual phone number is linked to an app and allows you to maintain a consistent number even when you change your physical location. For example, the Numéro eSIM app is a popular choice. By using this service, you can have a reliable and consistent number throughout your move.

Landlines and VOIP

For landlines, the situation is a bit different. If you have a regular landline through a traditional phone company, you likely won't be able to keep the old number due to the area code belonging to a different state’s jurisdiction. However, if your landline is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), you can theoretically retain your number by connecting your phone and computer as if you were in your old location.

Practical Example

I work at a Boost Mobile store in a rural area south of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and have personally assisted numerous customers who bring their cell numbers from other states. One recent example was a customer who moved from Florida. Despite the geographic change, their cell phone number remained the same. During the sign-up process, I simply entered the local zip code, and the system presented the choice of two local area codes. The key is to let your new carrier know you want to port in your number.

Updating Your Preferred Roaming List (PRL)

To ensure smooth roaming, update your Preferred Roaming List (PRL) on your phone, especially if you're moving to a different state. In Android, this is done by going to your settings, then to System updates, and pushing the button for updating your PRL. This process only takes a couple of minutes and ensures that your phone knows which nearby towers it can connect to without incurring roaming charges.

By understanding and following the number portability guidelines, you can maintain continuity in your communication, whether you’re relocating to another state or simply switching carriers. Your cell number is your identifier, and with the right steps, you can make your move seamless and worry-free.