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for point of comparison: map of European countries that require ID to buy prepaid sim cards[1], worldwide list[2]

It's been 10+ years since I signed up for a cell phone. What is required today when you get a new account at the major carriers today in the US?

SSN and hard pull at all postpaid carriers, even if you bring your own phone.

Most major[0] stores I've seen check ID at checkout time before activating a prepaid SIM.

[0] Go to any immigrant-dense area, look for a corner store, and you can probably just top up in cash and ignore this.