How to Register a Mobile Phone with a Passport?

How to register a mobile phone with a passport? With the increase in smartphone prices, bringing a phone from abroad has become a more attractive option. However, in order to use mobile phones brought from overseas in Türkiye, IMEI registration is mandatory.

Mobile phones brought from abroad are granted a 120-day usage period. Within this period, the IMEI registration must be completed. Devices that are not registered within the specified time will be automatically blocked from use. To continue using your phone without interruption, completing the IMEI registration is essential. IMEI registration allows the phone to be registered using your Turkish ID number or, for companies, a tax number. This process is carried out under the supervision of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK).

What Is IMEI? What Happens If You Don’t Register?

IMEI registration for phones brought from abroad can be completed quickly via the e-Devlet (e-Government) system. To complete the process, you must have entered Türkiye from a foreign country using your passport. If a passport entry exists, unregistered devices may be blocked.

When a SIM card is inserted into your phone, the mobile operator checks the IMEI number. Devices that are not registered in the system are reported to BTK. BTK then sends an SMS notification stating that the phone is unregistered and will be blocked if the IMEI registration is not completed within 120 days.

How to Register IMEI?

Unregistered devices are reported to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), and the legal registration period begins. Phones that remain unregistered after the legal period are blocked. For dual SIM devices, the allowed registration period is 240 days.

To register an IMEI via e-Devlet, you must have entered Türkiye from another country. Phones brought from abroad or currently located overseas must be registered to be used in Türkiye. This process can easily be completed through the e-Devlet system.

How Much Is the Overseas Phone Registration Fee?

The registration fee for phones brought from abroad was determined as 31,692 TL in 2025. This fee can be paid at tax offices or authorized banks. To register an IMEI, the passport must not have been used to register another device within the last two years.

The overseas phone registration fee can be paid through many banks. If you prefer to pay online, you can do so via the official tax office website. By using your passport and IMEI number, you can safely register and use your phone.

Mobile Phone Registration via e-Devlet

Applications for registering phones brought from abroad can be made through the e-Devlet Gateway. The passport holder enters their personal information and completes the registration. No additional documents are required for applications submitted via e-Devlet.

Mobile Phone Registration at Subscriber Registration Centers

You can also register your phone at the branches of mobile operators such as Turkcell, Türk Telekom, or Vodafone. The passport holder must apply in person with their passport and phone to complete the registration.

How to Check Phone Registration Status?

After completing the phone registration, you can check the registration status by visiting mcks.gov.tr/tr/imeisorgu. Only one phone can be registered per passport. After two years, a new device can be registered using the same passport.

How Do Minors Under 18 Register a Phone?

Individuals under the age of 18 can bring a phone from abroad as a passenger. The registration must be completed with a petition filled out by their parents. Additionally, the legal guardian must apply to a Subscriber Registration Center with a copy of their ID. Since e-Devlet passwords are not issued to minors, overseas phone registration for those under 18 is completed at Subscriber Registration Centers.

This answers the question: How to register a mobile phone with a passport?

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