SIM Card Registration Simplified: No Need to Enter ID Card Number

Jakarta – From 1 July 2026, prepaid SIM card registration will use facial recognition, replacing the previous method requiring National Identity Number (NIK) and Family Card Number (NoKK).

‘During previous registrations, it was all about the eyes—no mistakes allowed when entering numbers. Now it’s all about the smile,’ explained Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, Director General of Digital Ecosystem at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, during a press conference on Friday (29 May 2026).

The new process is faster, taking just one minute to complete, and users can do it themselves or visit mobile operator outlets and partners.

Customers can purchase mobile numbers anywhere, including online or at stalls, then access the operator’s web platform. They simply enter their phone number and ID card details, followed by a facial photo as instructed.

Edwin claimed the system’s accuracy is 96%, with photos verified by the Civil Registration and Population Agency (Dukcapil).

‘Once the notification appears confirming verification, it’s done,’ he added regarding the new registration process.

Mobile operators will not store customer biometric data during registration; instead, they encrypt the data and send it to Dukcapil for matching and verification.

The new prepaid registration method applies only to new customers, with discussions underway to make it voluntary for existing users.

The reason it is not yet mandatory for existing users is that current ministerial regulations only cover new customers, and system readiness is also a consideration.

‘I need to check the system readiness at the operators first, and also because all parties must verify through Dukcapil. Dukcapil must also be prepared, so we’re working together,’ Edwin stated.