In Bangladesh, it is not known to many people how many SIM cards are registered under his/her NID. You can check unknown numbers before they get you into trouble with the law with a quick SIM registration check. This guide will help you understand what SIM registration is, how many SIMs are allowed per NID and which code is valid for each operator.

You will also find out how frequent checking will keep you safe from misuse, and what to do if you discover a SIM you never purchased. Simply follow the steps below and your identity will stay safe.

What is SIM Registration?

SIM registration translates to associating your SIM with your identity. This is done in Bangladesh using biometric verification. The Seller asks you for your NID number, your date of birth and your fingerprint of both hands. If the details are the same, the SIM is registered under your name. The government has directed the operators to identify and neutralise extra and wrongly registered SIMs. Such connections are already being eliminated by operators. It’s crucial to know which numbers are registered under your name and to keep your records clean.

How Many SIMs Can You Register with One NID?

The government has restricted the number of SIMs per NID to 10. This cap applies to both prepaid and postpaid connections, and all operators. Older SIMs might be switched off or a new registration might not work if you exceed 10. The government circular had urged people to shut surplus SIMs by 30 October 2025 and operators were allowed to close them at will thereafter. It is also illegal to register another person’s SIM on your own NID and will result in a jail term and/or a fine.

Can You Register a SIM with a Birth Certificate or Passport?

Yes. A birth registration certificate, passport or driving license can also be used to register a SIM. But such registration is valid for only half a year. This is beneficial for expatriates who visit Bangladesh for a brief period of time and require a local telephone number. In case you get your NID within those six months then call the operator and re-register the SIM with the operator. Otherwise, the SIM can be disabled at the end of 6 months.

Why Regularly Check Your Registered SIMs?

A copy of your NID can be misused. On purchase of SIM one can provide the seller with a photocopy of one’s NID. If the dishonest vendor uses that copy, he can hand it over to another person to get a SIM. If he/she commits a crime using the SIM, it will be tied to your name and you could have serious problems. Therefore, don’t leave the NID with the seller after purchase of a SIM card. Make sure to review your registered numbers periodically, and ensure that you’re using all of them.

How to Perform a SIM Registration Check Step by Step

The check is free and quick. You need to dial *16001# from any operator’s sim first. Secondly, enter the last four numbers of your NID. Thirdly, wait for the reply message which will indicate the number of SIMs being registered in your NID and display the numbers. The last four digits of your NID can also be sent via SMS to 16001.

Certain providers will have their very own codes. Robi users can dial 16003#, Banglalink users can dial 16002#, and Airtel users can dial 1214444#. To download the information, the GRAMEENphone user should send the “info” word to 4949. Callers of Teletalk can type “info” into the phone.

In case you have found an unwanted SIM, go to the customer care center of that provider with your NID, request for removal and retain the confirmation.

FAQs

1.What is the process to check the number of SIMs registered on the NID?
Call *16001# from any operator’s sim and input the last 4 digits of NID. Your numbers registered under NID will be displayed in a reply message.

2.How many SIM cards can be retained by a person?
In all, one NID can support up to 10 SIMs (including all prepaid and postpaid connections of all operators). Excessive usage may result in the deactivation of older SIMs or a new registration may not be successful.

3.What if I discover a SIM that I did not purchase?
Please visit the customer care center of the operator in person with your NID and request them to remove the SIM. It’s important to act fast, as any crime committed using that number may be connected to your identity.

4.Can I know who registered someone else’s SIM?
No. Customer care will not share registration information with anyone other than the person who used their NID to register. They will not provide information with respect to a number registered in another person’s name.

5.Do you have a birth certificate and can I buy a SIM?
Yes. Birth registration certificate, Passport or driving license is accepted, the SIM remains valid for 6 months only.

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