PTA Phone Registration Errors in Pakistan: IMEI Already Exists, Sixth Phone and Wrong PSID
PTA phone registration failing? See what IMEI already exists, the 5 phone yearly limit, a wrong IMEI and a wrong PSID mean, and the fix PTA lists for each.
When PTA's phone registration system rejects you, the message usually points to one of six causes: the IMEI already exists, you hit the five phone yearly limit, the IMEI is wrong, your passport has no travel record, the IMEI is GSMA invalid, or a payment went to the wrong place. Each has a different fix.
We read PTA's DIRBS FAQ document, file dated 14 October 2025, on 11 October 2026. This guide turns its error answers into one page. It is about the registration system called DRS, at dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs, and the *8484# USSD route that feeds it.
"IMEI already exists"
PTA lists three reasons for this message. The IMEI may already be compliant, which means nothing more is needed. Tax may be pending against it. Or the IMEI may be in multi-SIM verification, where the manufacturer is confirming that both IMEIs of a dual SIM phone belong together.
If tax is pending, log in to your DRS account and delete the pending application. A PSID, the payment slip number, is valid for 7 days. If nobody pays it, the application is deleted from both PTA and FBR systems automatically, and you can apply again.
If the manufacturer does not validate the IMEIs, PTA may reject the application or put it on hold until you give a reason. Make sure the IMEIs programmed in the phone are the right ones, and use your own credentials.
The sixth phone in one year
PTA says an individual can register up to five mobile devices in a calendar year. A sixth phone cannot be registered by the same person that year. The count is by calendar year, so it starts again in January.
Deleting applications is limited too. You can delete or remove an application up to five times. After that, you must send a request on PTA's complaint portal, with a valid reason, to reset the counter.
You typed the wrong IMEI
The fix depends on where your application stands. If it is still pending, delete it and apply again with the right IMEIs. If it is approved, you file a complaint on PTA's complaint system under "Correction of wrongly entered IMEIs".
Attach a screenshot of the IMEIs from *#06#, the proof that FBR duties were paid, and the credentials you used to register. PTA may replace the wrong IMEI after the manufacturer confirms the right one, provided there is no fraud involved. Do not delay. A phone with the wrong IMEI stays unprotected.
| Error or problem | PTA's answer |
|---|---|
| Sixth phone in a year | Not allowed, limit is 5 devices a calendar year |
| Wrong IMEI, application pending | Delete it and apply again |
| Wrong IMEI, application approved | Complaint under "Correction of wrongly entered IMEIs" |
| Invalid GSMA TAC | Cannot be registered |
| Applying from abroad | Not possible, the site works only in Pakistan |
"Passport not eligible for tax exemption"
This message appears when you register with a passport and choose "International Traveler", but FIA records show no travel history for you. PTA says to file a complaint on its complaint system with supporting documents.
Travellers have 60 days after arrival to register the phone they carried in. Our guide to registering a foreign phone for 120 days covers the temporary option for overseas Pakistanis, and a separate guide on getting a phone released from customs or courier explains the PSID steps for parcels.
Invalid GSMA TAC and applying from abroad
An "Invalid GSMA TAC" error means the phone's IMEI is not valid under international standards. PTA says such IMEIs cannot be registered and are subject to blocking. There is no workaround on the portal.
If you are an overseas Pakistani, you cannot register from abroad. PTA says the registration website can only be reached from inside Pakistan.
Payment problems
These come up most often after the application goes through.
- Pay the PSID at a commercial bank branch. PTA says online banking is not currently available for these duties, and that is the usual reason a paid phone stays "Not PTA Registered".
- Check that the PSID printed on your bank slip matches the one in your SMS or email.
- If you paid against the wrong PSID, go to the nearest FBR Customs House. PTA cannot reimburse payments sent to FBR.
- If you paid but deleted the application, file a PTA complaint with the proof of payment, the IMEIs and the CNIC or passport you applied with.
- If you deleted the SMS messages from *8484#, open dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs, choose forgot password and enter the same SIM number to see your PSID, tracking ID and IMEIs.
After FBR confirms the payment, the status changes from "Pending" to "Approved". PTA says to restart the phone after 3 to 4 hours. Our step by step guide to registering a mobile with PTA shows the whole path.
If nobody answers your complaint
Send a reminder on the same complaint. Keep your complaint number and any screenshots. Our walkthrough on complaining to PTA shows what to attach. PTA's toll free helpline, 0800-55055, is listed on its website.
Common questions
How many phones can I register in a year?
Up to five devices in a calendar year for an individual, according to PTA's FAQ.
How long is a PSID valid?
Seven days from the date it is generated. If unpaid, it is deleted automatically and you apply again.
Can I pay the PSID through online banking?
PTA's FAQ says payment is not currently available through online banking for these duties. Pay at a commercial bank.
Does a tax filer pay less?
No. PTA's FAQ says all individuals pay customs duties regardless of filer status. Ask FBR for the amount.
What if I cannot log in?
Use forgot password on dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs and enter the SIM number linked to your account.
How we verified this
What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.
Last checked 11 October 2026. We downloaded and read PTA's DIRBS Frequently Asked Questions document, file name 2025-10-14-FAQs_updated.pdf, on pta.gov.pk. The five device limit, the PSID and payment answers, the IMEI already exists cases, the wrong IMEI route and the passport error come from its Registration Issues, PSID Issues and IMEI Already Exist sections. We did not register a phone to test the errors. Duty amounts are set by FBR and are not stated here. Confirm the current rules on dirbs.pta.gov.pk and pta.gov.pk.
About the author
Technology Journalist & Multimedia Producer
Ahmad Ali is a technology journalist and multimedia producer at Pakistan Era, joining the team in October 2026. He covers consumer technology and digital life for Pakistani readers, combining research with hands-on product testing.
