Last verified: July 2026
Quick Answer
You cannot complete full RICA registration for an MTN SIM card using USSD alone. Under South Africa’s Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA), law requires visual verification of identity and residential address documents (or live facial scanning), which text-based USSD menus cannot handle.
However, you can dial *131# or *135# on your handset to access the MTN service menu and attempt a quick RICA status check or request a status update SMS. To register a new SIM card, you must use the official MTN App (Self-RICA) or visit an official MTN Store / authorised agent with your original ID and proof of residence.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
This guide explains RICA compliance options for MTN South Africa prepaid, contract, top-up, and eSIM subscribers.
- Eligible users: South African citizens, permanent residents, and foreign visitors with valid identification activating an MTN SIM card or checking activation status.
- System scope: USSD serves as a lightweight status checker or basic navigational menu. Full document upload and identity verification require smartphone camera access or in-person verification.
- Exclusions: Unregistered users cannot complete an initial RICA submission via USSD alone. Furthermore, third-party USSD agent portals (such as
*130*7422#) are restricted strictly to registered SmartRICA/MTN sales agents and cannot be used directly by individual consumers.
How to Complete or Check RICA
Before You Start
Gather the required official documents before attempting registration:
- South African Citizens / Permanent Residents: Original RSA barcoded ID book or smart ID card.
- Foreign Nationals: Original, valid passport.
- Proof of Residential Address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or municipal account (dated within 3 months).
- Physical SIM Card: Unactivated starter pack or existing SIM card number.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
Option 1: Checking RICA Status via USSD
- Open the phone dialler on your MTN mobile device.
- Dial
*131#(or dial*135#and select My Account). - Select the menu option for RICA or Account Status.
- Follow the prompt to receive an on-screen confirmation or SMS detailing whether your number is active and registered.
Option 2: Completing Self-RICA (Official App Method)
- Download and open the MTN App on your smartphone (data charges may be zero-rated on the MTN network).
- Tap RICA my SIM (login is not required for this action).
- Input your new SIM card number.
- Take a clear photo of your ID/Passport and proof of address.
- Take a live selfie photo for facial match verification and submit.
Option 3: In-Person Store Registration
- Visit any official MTN Store, retail partner, or authorized RICA agent.
- Hand over your physical SIM card and present your original identity document and proof of address.
- The agent will process the details through the official portal and activate your SIM.
Confirmation or Expected Result
- Successful Status Check: You will receive an instant on-screen notification or SMS reading “Your SIM card is fully RICA compliant” or similar confirmation.
- Successful Registration: Once approved via the app or store, network services (calls, SMS, data) will go live. An SMS welcome notification is typically sent to the newly registered number within 15 minutes to 24 hours.
- Failed / Pending: If services remain blocked, dial 135 (from an active MTN phone) or contact the MTN RICA Helpdesk at 083 123 7422.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Feature | Details |
| USSD Session Fee | Free on the MTN network. |
| Registration Fee | R0.00 (RICA registration is mandatory by law and free). |
| Self-RICA Processing Time | Immediate to 24 hours. |
| Store Processing Time | Usually active within 15 to 60 minutes. |
| Daily Limits | Multiple SIMs can be registered per ID, subject to network fraud and compliance checks. |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”: Ensure you have network signal bars. Restart your handset and re-dial
*131#or*135#. - “MMI Session Timed Out”: USSD sessions expire after approximately 20–30 seconds of inactivity. Redial the code and navigate the prompts faster.
- Dual SIM Issues: Make sure you dial the USSD code using the correct MTN SIM slot on multi-SIM phones.
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
- SIM Disconnected / No Service: If an un-registered SIM is inserted, network access is restricted by law. USSD commands will fail because the SIM cannot connect to the tower. You must complete registration at an MTN Store or via Wi-Fi using the MTN App.
- Address Match Failure: When using Self-RICA, ensure proof of address is legible, less than 3 months old, and matches the name on your ID document.
Official Alternatives
When USSD cannot complete your task, use these verified MTN channels:
- Official App (Best for Mobile Self-Service): Download the MTN App to complete Self-RICA, check balances, or manage account settings without waiting in line.
- In-Person Store (Best for Urgent Access & Physical Assistance): Visit any MTN Store or certified retail partner to register a physical SIM or resolve account blocks immediately.
- MTN Call Centre: Dial 135 (Free from MTN lines) or 083 135 (from non-MTN lines).
- MTN RICA Helpdesk: Call 083 123 7422 or email [email protected].
Related Guides:
- MTN — Parent hub for network services.
- How To Check MTN Number USSD Code — Quickly view your assigned cellphone number on-screen.
- MTN Internet Settings USSD Code — Receive automatic APN and data setup configurations.
- MTN MoMo USSD Code — Access mobile money services via USSD.
- MTN Airtime Transfer USSD Code — Transfer airtime or data to another MTN subscriber.
- Mobile Network USSD Codes — Compare USSD commands across all South African mobile networks.
Safety and Privacy
- Protect Personal Credentials: Official MTN channels will never ask for your SIM PIN, banking PIN, or One-Time PINs (OTPs).
- Beware of Scams: Never hand your ID documents, passports, or facial photos to unverified individuals or unofficial third-party websites claiming to offer “instant online USSD RICA.”
- POPIA Compliance: Document submission through official MTN channels is governed by South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
- Report Unauthorised Activity: If you suspect fraudulent SIM swapping or unauthorized registration on your ID, contact MTN Customer Care (135) immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current How To RICA MTN SIM Card Using USSD Code?
As of July 2026, *131# and *135# are the primary USSD service codes for checking RICA status and account information on MTN South Africa. There is no consumer USSD code that allows you to upload or submit new RICA documents directly.
Can RICA be completed by USSD?
No, individual subscribers cannot complete full RICA registration using standard USSD codes alone. RICA legal regulations require identity and proof of address document verification, which must be performed in person at an agent/store or digitally via the official MTN App.
What documents are required for MTN RICA?
You need a valid green barcoded South African ID book, Smart ID card, or foreign passport, plus a proof of residence document (like a utility bill or bank statement) less than 3 months old.
How can the user check MTN RICA status?
You can dial *131# on your MTN phone, select the account/RICA option, or call customer support on 135 to check if your SIM is active and fully registered.
What should I do if the MTN USSD route does not work?
If USSD fails or your SIM card is barred, download the official MTN App over Wi-Fi to use the Self-RICA option, or bring your ID and proof of address to your nearest MTN Store.
