How do I check if a phone is PTA approved?
Dial *#06# on the phone to see its IMEI number, then send each 15-digit IMEI by SMS to 8484, or check it on PTA’s DIRBS website (dirbs.pta.gov.pk) or the DIRBS DVS Android app; the reply tells you the phone’s registration status.
Step by step
- Dial *#06# on the phone. It shows the 15-digit IMEI. A dual-SIM or eSIM phone has more than one IMEI; on an iPhone you can also see them in Settings.
- Send each IMEI, one per message, by SMS to 8484.
- Or enter the IMEI on dirbs.pta.gov.pk, or in PTA’s DIRBS DVS app for Android.
- Check every IMEI. PTA asks buyers to confirm that each one shows as PTA Compliant / Registered before buying.
If the phone is not registered
It can be registered on DIRBS (dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs), by dialling *8484#, or at a mobile operator’s franchise or customer service centre. The system issues a payment slip (PSID) with the official tax. For an estimate before you pay, use our PTA tax calculator.
If it is registered under the “individual” category
PTA advises getting the PSID and the record of customs duty paid from the seller, because the phone is registered against one person’s CNIC or passport.
PTA helpline: 0800-55055.
Questions
What is DIRBS?
DIRBS is PTA’s Device Identification Registration and Blocking System, which records the IMEI of every mobile device used on Pakistani networks.
How many IMEIs should I check?
All of them. A dual-SIM or eSIM phone has two or more IMEIs, and PTA asks you to check each one by SMS to 8484.
Does Mobile Rate check IMEIs?
No. Only PTA can tell you a phone’s status. We never ask for an IMEI; we only estimate the tax.
Sources
- PTA DIRBS: Device Verification System (SMS to 8484, *#06#, DVS app)
- PTA DIRBS: FAQs (check every IMEI; “PTA Compliant / Registered”; individual category)
- DIRBS DVS app on Google Play
Last checked 26 Oct 2026. Estimate. The amount on your DIRBS payment slip (PSID) is final. Not affiliated with PTA or FBR.