How to Register Mobile in PTA (DIRBS): Step-by-Step Guide 2026
If you bring a mobile phone from abroad or buy a non-PTA phone, you must register it with PTA through DIRBS and pay the applicable duty, or it will be blocked on Pakistani networks. Travellers have 60 days from arrival to do this. Registration can be done online on the DIRBS portal, by dialling *8484#, or at any mobile operator service centre. This guide explains each step, the documents you need and the special rules for overseas Pakistanis.
PK Portals is an independent information site and is not linked to PTA or FBR. The steps follow PTA’s official DIRBS guidance.
Who needs PTA registration?
- Anyone who brings a phone from abroad and wants to use it with a Pakistani SIM.
- Anyone who buys a non-PTA phone in Pakistan.
- Phones whose 8484 reply says valid (genuine but not registered).
Phones sold by official distributors in Pakistan are already registered. To find out the status of your phone, use our PTA approved check first.
What you need
- Passport number (for passport registration) and/or CNIC or NICOP number
- A Pakistani mobile number registered on your passport or CNIC
- The phone’s IMEI number(s). Dial *#06# to see them. Dual-SIM and eSIM phones have two IMEIs.
- Money for the duty and taxes (PTA tax), paid at a bank
Three ways to register
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| DIRBS portal | Open dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs, create an account and submit a registration request |
| USSD | Dial *8484# from a local SIM registered on your CNIC and follow the menu |
| Operator centre | Visit any mobile operator’s customer service centre or franchise with your ID and phone |
Step-by-step PTA registration
- Choose passport or CNIC registration. Passport registration is cheaper but is only for phones brought by travellers within 60 days of arrival.
- Enter your passport or CNIC number, the mobile number on that ID, and all IMEIs of the phone.
- Submit the request. The system calculates the duty and generates a PSID (payment slip ID), valid for 7 days.
- Pay the PSID at a bank before it expires.
- After the payment is confirmed, PTA whitelists the IMEI. Send the IMEI to 8484 to confirm that the phone now shows as compliant.
To estimate how much you will pay, see PTA tax on mobile phones 2026-27. Since 1 July 2026, the tax on imported phones registered through DIRBS can also be paid in installments under the Finance Bill 2026-27.
Temporary registration for overseas Pakistanis and foreigners
If you are visiting Pakistan and will take the phone back, you can apply for temporary registration instead of paying full duty.
- It is valid for 120 days from your arrival date, checked against FIA travel records.
- Only one device per person is allowed, and it must leave Pakistan with you.
- The phone works only with the Pakistani SIM issued in your own name that you declare. Foreign SIMs cannot be used for temporary registration, though roaming works.
- You need to apply again on every visit.
Important rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline for travellers | 60 days from arrival in Pakistan |
| Late registration | Allowed, but duty plus a fine is charged |
| Yearly limit | Up to five devices per person in a calendar year |
| Dual-SIM / eSIM phones | Every IMEI must be registered |
| Free baggage allowance for phones | Withdrawn on 30 June 2019; duty applies to phones brought from abroad |
Common problems
- Only one SIM works: one IMEI may be unregistered. Check both IMEIs with 8484 and file a complaint on PTA’s complaint system if needed.
- PSID expired: generate a new one. The amount may change slightly with the exchange rate.
- Phone shows non-compliant: the IMEI is not GSMA standard and cannot be registered.
Related guides
- PTA approved check by IMEI
- PTA tax on mobile phones 2026-27
- Passport fee in Pakistan
- All Mobile & Tech guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I register my mobile with PTA?
Use the DIRBS portal (dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs), dial *8484# from a SIM on your CNIC, or visit a mobile operator service centre. Enter your ID details and IMEI, then pay the PSID at a bank.
How many days do I have to register a phone brought from abroad?
Travellers can register within 60 days of arriving in Pakistan. After that, registration is still possible but a fine is added to the duty.
How long is the PSID valid?
The PSID generated by DIRBS is valid for 7 days.
Can overseas Pakistanis use their phone without paying tax?
Yes, for a limited time. Temporary registration allows one phone for 120 days from arrival, used with a Pakistani SIM in their own name.
How many phones can I register in a year?
One person can register up to five devices in a calendar year.
Sources: PTA DIRBS official FAQs and The Nation (23 June 2026).
