To get your Three PAC code, text PAC followed by your date of birth to 65075 — for example PAC060385 if you were born on 6 March 1985. That is the one thing Three does differently from other UK networks, where a plain “PAC” is enough — Three needs your date of birth in the message as well. This porting authorisation code is free, lasts 30 days, and moves your number to your new network, usually the next working day.
In short: text PAC + your date of birth as DDMMYY, no space, to 65075 → give the code to your new network → your number moves. More than one number on the account? Use My3 or call 0333 338 1082 instead.
How to get a PAC code from Three
| Route | How | Works for |
|---|---|---|
| Text | PAC + date of birth (DDMMYY) to 65075, e.g. PAC060385 | Accounts with one number only |
| My3 | Log in → Manage your plan → Leave Three → Get a PAC or STAC code | Everyone — the code shows on screen straight away |
| Phone | Call 0333 338 1082 | Accounts with two or more numbers |
Getting the text right
When the code does not arrive, the message format is the first thing to check. Three’s own example is PAC060385:
- Date of birth as six digits — day, month, two-digit year (DDMMYY). 6 March 1985 is 060385, not 6385 or 06031985.
- No space between PAC and the date.
- The account holder’s date of birth, as Three holds it. If the account is in someone else’s name, use theirs — or use My3, which avoids the problem entirely.
- Send it from the Three number you want to keep.
If you have more than one number with Three, the text route will not work for you at all. Go straight to My3 or the phone number above.
Using the code
- Give the code to the network you are joining, not to Three
- Your Three account stays active, and billed, until the number moves
- Three closes the account itself once the switch completes — do not cancel it first
- Your final Three bill arrives within 38 days of the number moving
Leaving before your minimum term ends can bring an early termination fee. My3 shows any charge on the same screen as your code, so you can check it before you use it. Getting the code commits you to nothing.
Already closed your Three account?
You still have time. Three lets you request a PAC for up to 90 days after closing an account — longer than most networks. After that the number cannot be moved, so do not leave it late.
Keep the number or give it up?
- PAC (PAC + date of birth to 65075) — you leave and keep your number
- The termination code (same format, sent to 75075) — you leave and give the number up
A STAC cannot be undone once used, which matters most if your number is a premium mobile number worth keeping. Check which code you were sent before you hand it over.
Common questions
Why does Three ask for my date of birth?
It is a security check. Requesting a code is the first step towards moving your number, so Three wants proof the request comes from the account holder.
Is a Three PAC code free?
Yes. The only costs involved are anything you already owe Three, such as an early exit fee.
Three and Vodafone have merged. Does that change anything?
Not for getting your PAC — Three still runs its own process. If you are moving between Three and Vodafone specifically, the Vodafone guide covers the split-port problem worth watching for.
The short version
Add your date of birth to the text and Three’s PAC process is as quick as anyone’s. Use My3 if you have several numbers or the text fails, and remember you have 90 days after closing to change your mind. For the process across every network, see the guide to PAC codes.
Sources
- Three — How to get a PAC or STAC code, on the text format, My3 route and multi-line number.
- Three — Leave with your number, on the 90-day window, early termination fees and final bill timing.
- Ofcom — Switching mobile provider, on free codes and 30-day validity.
Last reviewed 23 October 2026. Network processes change; this guide is re-checked when they do.