How To Rica A Vodacom Number (2026)

You have just bought a new Vodacom SIM card. You insert it into your phone, wait for signal, and… nothing. No service. Emergency calls only. Your SIM is a blank piece of plastic until you complete one legally mandated step: RICA.

RICA is the single most common barrier to activating a new SIM card in South Africa. It is also the most misunderstood. Many users believe RICA is automatic, or that buying from a reputable store means it is already done. It is not.

This guide covers everything you need to know about RICAing a Vodacom number in 2026. You will learn what RICA is, which documents you need, how to do it online via the app, how to do it in-store, how to check your RICA status, and what to do if your RICA fails.

How To RICA A Vodacom Number: Complete Guide

Quick Reference: RICA Codes And Contacts

Telkom RICA & Support Codes (2026)

Action	Code / Contact
Check RICA status	135 7
Activate and RICA new SIM	135
Vodacom RICA helpline	082 111
SANAS accredited lab list	www.sanas.co.za

This table gives a quick reference for SIM registration (RICA) and related support.

What Is RICA?

RICA stands for the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act. It was passed in 2002 and implemented in 2005.

Why does RICA exist?
The Act was designed to combat crime by ensuring that every mobile SIM card in South Africa is linked to a verified, living human being with a physical address. Law enforcement agencies can request subscriber information from mobile networks during criminal investigations.

What does RICA require?
Every SIM card must be registered to:
– A valid South African ID document (or passport for foreign nationals).
– A residential or business address.
– The biometric verification of the person registering.

Without RICA, your SIM card cannot connect to the Vodacom network. You cannot make calls, send SMS, or use data. The only number you can dial is 112 (emergency).

Who Needs To RICA?

You need to RICA if:
– You have purchased a brand new, never-activated Vodacom SIM card.
– You are performing a SIM swap and the new SIM requires re-registration.
– You have never RICAed your current SIM and it is suddenly blocked (rare, but happens during network audits).
– You are a foreign national with a valid passport and South African address.

You do NOT need to RICA if:
– You are a contract customer. Your contract serves as your RICA registration.
– You are performing a SIM swap and your RICA details are already on file and unchanged.
– You are using an eSIM that was activated via the app with digital RICA.

Method 1: RICA Via USSD (The Standard Method)

Best for: Basic phones, users with no data, users who prefer voice prompts.

This is the most common RICA method for prepaid customers. It requires no smartphone, no Wi-Fi, and no data.

Step-by-Step:
1. Insert your new, unactivated Vodacom SIM card into your phone.
2. Restart the phone.
3. Open the dialler.
4. Dial 135.
5. Press call.
6. You will hear an automated voice prompt or receive a USSD menu.
– Select the option for **New SIM Activation** or **RICA**.
7. Follow the prompts:
– Enter your ID number (South African ID or passport number).
– Enter your residential address (or confirm address from database).
– Confirm your details.
8. You will receive an SMS confirming successful RICA and your new Vodacom number.

Time: 2 to 5 minutes.
Success rate: High, provided your ID details match the Home Affairs database.

What if the USSD menu does not appear?
Dial 135 7 to check your RICA status. If the SIM is not RICAed, the system will redirect you to the activation flow.

Method 2: RICA Via MyVodacom App (Digital RICA)

Best for: Smartphone users with Wi-Fi access.

Vodacom allows full digital RICA using your phone’s camera. This is the most convenient method if you have a smartphone and an internet connection.

Step-by-Step:
1. Insert your new Vodacom SIM card.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. You do not need mobile data.
3. Download the MyVodacom app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
4. Open the app. It will detect that your SIM is not active.
5. Tap Activate Your SIM or RICA Now.
6. You will be guided through a three-step process:
– ID Scan: Take a photo of the front and back of your South African ID book or Smart ID card.
– Selfie: Take a live photo of your face. This is compared to the photo on your ID.
– Address: Enter your residential address or select it from the Post Office database.
7. Submit the information.
8. Vodacom verifies your ID against the Department of Home Affairs database.
9. You receive an SMS confirmation. Your SIM is now active.

Time: 5 to 10 minutes (includes verification time).
Pros: No queue, no paperwork, no store visit.
Cons: Requires Wi-Fi and a smartphone with a good camera.

Important: Your selfie must match your ID photo. If you have changed significantly (weight loss, facial hair, glasses), the verification may fail. Use the in-store method instead.

Method 3: RICA In-Store (The Assisted Method)

Best for: Foreign nationals with passports, users without smartphones, users whose digital RICA failed, users who prefer human assistance.

If you cannot RICA via USSD or the app, you must visit a physical Vodacom outlet.

Step-by-Step:
1. Locate a Vodacom Franchise, Vodashop, or Vodacom 4U kiosk.
– Avoid informal street vendors. They cannot perform RICA.
2. Take a queue ticket for RICA / New Connections.
3. Present the following:
– Your new, unactivated Vodacom SIM card.
– Your original South African ID book or Smart ID card.
– Foreign nationals: Valid passport and proof of residential address in South Africa (lease agreement, utility bill, affidavit from host).
– Proof of address (if required). Prepaid RICA sometimes waives this, but contract lines require it.
4. The consultant will:
– Scan your ID document.
– Take your photograph (biometric capture).
– Capture your residential address.
– Link the SIM card to your identity.
5. The consultant inserts the SIM into a test phone to confirm activation.
6. You receive an SMS confirming your new Vodacom number.

Time: 15 to 45 minutes depending on queue length.
Cost: The SIM card costs R25. RICA itself is free.

Pros: Works for complex cases, immediate resolution, no technical skills required.
Cons: Queues, travel time, store hours.

Method 4: RICA For Foreign Nationals

Foreign nationals often struggle with RICA because they do not have a South African ID. Vodacom has specific procedures for non-citizens.

Required Documents:
1. Valid Passport: Must be the original, not a copy. The passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining.
2. Proof of Address: A utility bill, lease agreement, or affidavit from the person with whom you are staying. The document must show your name and the physical address in South Africa.
3. Visa or Permit: Not always required, but some stores insist on seeing a valid visa, asylum seeker permit, or refugee status document.

Where to go:
Foreign nationals cannot RICA via the app or USSD. The system requires manual verification. You must visit a Vodacom Franchise or Vodashop. Smaller kiosks and resellers may not have the authority to process foreign RICA.

Cost: R25 for the SIM card. RICA is free.

Time: 20 to 30 minutes.

Note: If you are an asylum seeker with a Section 22 permit or a refugee with a Section 24 permit, bring the original permit document. Some stores may be unfamiliar with the process. Be patient, or ask to speak to a manager.

How To Check Your RICA Status

You can check whether your Vodacom number is RICAed at any time.

Via USSD:
1. Dial 135 7.
2. Press send.
3. You will receive an SMS stating:
– “Your number is RICAed. Registered to [ID Number] at [Address].”
– OR “Your number is not RICAed. Please visit a Vodacom store.”

Via App:
1. Open MyVodacom.
2. Go to Profile or Account Settings.
3. Look for RICA Status or SIM Registration.
4. The screen will display your registered ID number and address.

Via Store:
Any Vodacom branch can check your RICA status instantly by pulling up your subscriber details.

What Happens If You Do Not RICA?

If you insert a SIM card that is not RICAed:
– You will see Emergency Calls Only or No Service.
– You cannot make calls, send SMS, or use data.
– You cannot receive calls or SMS.
– You cannot load airtime.
– The only function is dialling 112 (emergency services).

There is no grace period. RICA must be completed before the SIM becomes active.

RICA And SIM Swaps: Do You Need To RICA Again?

Scenario A: You are swapping from a working Vodacom SIM to a new Vodacom SIM.
– If your RICA details are unchanged, you do not need to re-RICA.
– The new SIM inherits the RICA registration from the old SIM.
– However, Vodacom may require biometric verification at the point of swap.

Scenario B: You are swapping because your old SIM was lost or stolen.
– You do not need to re-RICA.
– Your RICA details remain linked to your mobile number, not the physical SIM.

Scenario C: You are swapping and your address or ID has changed.
– You must update your RICA details.
– This requires a store visit or digital RICA via the app.

Scenario D: You are porting your number from MTN/Telkom/Cell C to Vodacom.
– You do not need to re-RICA. Your RICA details are transferred with your number.
– However, Vodacom may require ID verification during the porting process.

RICA Errors And How To Fix Them

Error: ID Number Already Registered To Another Number

This usually means the ID document you are using is already linked to an active Vodacom SIM card. You cannot RICA a second SIM to the same ID unless you deregister the first one.

Solutions:
– If you lost the old SIM, perform a SIM swap instead of a new activation.
– If you no longer want the old number, call Vodacom at 082 111 and request that the old number be deregistered.

Error: Home Affairs Verification Failed

Your ID details do not match the Department of Home Affairs database. This can happen if:
– You recently changed your ID (e.g., from green book to Smart ID) and Home Affairs has not updated their systems.
– You entered your ID number incorrectly.
– Your ID book is damaged and the barcode is unreadable.

Solutions:
– Double-check the ID number you entered.
– Visit a Vodacom store with your physical ID. The consultant can manually override the verification in some cases.
– Visit a Home Affairs office to confirm your ID is active and correctly recorded.

Error: Address Not Found

The address you entered does not match the Post Office database or Google Maps.

Solutions:
– Use the address autocomplete function in the app.
– Enter your address exactly as it appears on your municipal bill.
– If you live in an informal settlement or unnumbered property, use a landmark description (e.g., “Next to Spaza Shop, Opposite Church”).

Error: Selfie Verification Failed

The app could not match your live photo to your ID photo.

Solutions:
– Ensure you are in a well-lit room.
– Remove sunglasses, hats, or masks.
– If you have aged significantly or changed appearance, use the in-store method instead.

Is RICA Permanent?

No. RICA is linked to the SIM card and the mobile number. If you:
– Lose your SIM and perform a swap: Your RICA moves to the new SIM.
– Cancel your number: Your RICA is deactivated.
– Port to another network: Your RICA moves with your number.
– Die: Your estate should notify Vodacom to close the account. The SIM will eventually expire.

Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section

Can I RICA a Vodacom SIM online?
Yes, via the MyVodacom app using Wi-Fi. There is no web browser portal for RICA.

Can I RICA without an ID?
No. RICA requires a valid South African ID or passport. There are no exceptions.

Can I RICA a SIM card for my child?
Yes. You must use your own ID document. The SIM will be registered in your name, not the child’s. The child is the user, but you are the legal subscriber.

Can I RICA at a PEP or Shoprite?
Yes, if the store has a Vodacom Express kiosk or accredited RICA station. Not all locations offer this service.

How long does RICA take?
– USSD: 2 to 5 minutes.
– App: 5 to 10 minutes.
– In-store: 15 to 45 minutes.

Do I need proof of address for prepaid RICA?
Not always. Many stores waive proof of address for prepaid RICA. However, if the system flags your address as incomplete or suspicious, you may be required to provide a utility bill.

Can I RICA a SIM card that is already in my phone?
Yes. If you have been using an unRICAed SIM illegally (e.g., a SIM pre-RICAed to a stranger), you can re-RICA it in your own name. Visit a store with your ID.

What happens to my RICA if I emigrate?
If you cancel your Vodacom number, your RICA is deactivated. If you keep your number active with roaming, your RICA remains valid.

Does RICA expire?
No. Once you are RICAed, your registration does not expire. However, if you do not use your SIM for more than 12 months, Vodacom may recycle the number and your RICA will be deregistered.

Can I check someone else’s RICA status?
No. RICA information is private and protected by POPIA. You can only check your own number.

Summary: Which RICA Method Should You Use?

Use the MyVodacom App (Digital RICA) if:
– You have a smartphone with a camera.
– You have Wi-Fi access.
– You want to avoid queues and travel.
– Your ID photo is reasonably up to date.

Use USSD (135) if:
– You have a basic phone.
– You have no data or Wi-Fi.
– You prefer voice prompts.

Visit a Vodacom Store if:
– You are a foreign national with a passport.
– Your digital RICA failed.
– You do not have a smartphone.
– You want immediate, human-assisted resolution.

Final Warning: The Street Vendor Trap

Buying a pre-RICAed SIM from a street vendor is extremely dangerous. These SIMs are often RICAed using stolen ID documents. You may use the SIM for months or years, then one day it is blocked. The legitimate ID owner has complained to Vodacom, and your number is suspended.

You cannot unblock it. You cannot prove ownership because the SIM is not in your name. You lose your number, your airtime, and your OTP access to banking apps.

Always RICA the SIM yourself. Buy a blank, unactivated SIM card and complete the registration in your own name. It costs the same R25 and takes five minutes.

Official Vodacom Support: 082 111 or www.vodacom.co.za
Department of Home Affairs: www.dha.gov.za

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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Vodacom RICA procedures and verification systems are subject to change without notice. Always verify current requirements with an official Vodacom outlet.