What Documents Do You Need to Port a Business Phone Number?
To port a business phone number in the UK, you usually need a recent bill from your current provider, a signed Letter of Authorisation (LOA) and a full list of the numbers you want to move. Your new provider may also ask for your account number and installation address. Every detail should match your current provider’s records.
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Business Number Porting Document Checklist
| Documents | Why it’s needed |
|---|---|
| Recent phone bill | Helps verify the account holder and the address the numbers are linked to |
| Signed LOA | Gives your new provider written authorisation to request the port |
| Full list of numbers | Your main number, DDIs (the direct dial numbers staff use), number ranges and any associated numbers |
| Porting (number request) form | Lets your new provider contact your old provider and request the number. Your new provider usually completes it with you |
| Details to have ready | Why it’s needed |
|---|---|
| Account holder name and account number | Lets your current provider find the account |
| Installation address and postcode | Should match the address on the account |
| Main billing number | The main number on your bill, which identifies the account the numbers sit on |
| Linked services | Alarms, card machines or lift lines that use the number |
Exact requirements vary by provider. We confirm what’s needed before we submit your request.
Do You Need a Recent Phone Bill to Port a Business Number?
Yes, in most cases. The bill helps verify the account holder, the address and the numbers on the account.
Use a bill issued in the last few months, as providers differ on how recent it must be. If the bill doesn’t list every number, send a separate list. If you can’t find it, ask your current provider for a copy or a recent invoice.
Do You Need a Letter of Authorisation (LOA)?
In most cases, yes. An LOA is written authorisation that allows your new provider to request the port of your numbers.
It should be signed by someone with authority on the account, such as a director or owner, and the details should match your current provider’s records. Check your new provider’s rules on how long an LOA stays valid. We send it to you to sign.
What Details Should Match Your Current Provider’s Records?
Your provider checks every request against the account on file. These details should match your current provider’s records:
- Account holder or company name
- Installation address and postcode
- Main billing number
- Account number
- Name of the person signing the LOA (an authorised person on the account)
Copy the details straight from your bill. Watch for trading names, old addresses and abbreviations, as these are common causes of delays.
What Do You Need to Port Multiple Business Numbers or a DDI Range?
Send one complete list of every number you want to move. Include your main number, all DDIs (direct dial-in numbers for individual staff or departments) and number ranges, along with the main billing number they sit under. Also check any alarm, fax or lift lines, as they may need separate handling.
A spreadsheet works well for long lists. Numbers on different accounts may need separate requests. Our
number porting team can help.
What Can Cause a Business Number Port to Be Rejected?
The most common reasons are simple paperwork errors:
- Name or address doesn’t match the account
- Wrong account or billing number
- LOA missing, unsigned or out of date
- The number is inactive, or not associated with the account being ported
- Bill too old or unclear
To fix it, compare your details against the bill, correct the error and resubmit. We help you fix it.
What Happens After You Submit the Documents?
- Your new provider checks the paperwork.
- The request goes to your current provider.
- Your current provider accepts or rejects the request.
- A port date is confirmed.
- On the day, your numbers move to your new service.
We deal with your existing provider for you. Timescales depend on the number type and provider.
Should You Cancel Your Old Provider Before Porting?
No. Keep your old service active until the port is complete. Cancelling early can lead to losing your number.
If you're planning for the January 2027 landline switch-off, start the porting process early. This leaves time to fix any issues.
Need help porting your business number?
Our UK-based team will handle the paperwork and help you keep your number. Plain English, no jargon, no obligation.
Written By | About the Author
Kully Hothi has over 15 years of experience in the VoIP and telecoms industry. Drawing on a background in telecoms sales and leadership, he provides expert, impartial advice on VoIP and cloud telephony solutions. As a lead author for The VoIP Shop, Kully Hothi helps businesses understand and adopt modern communication technologies