DIRECTV Account Management › Account Transitions
⚡ Quick Answer
When a facility changes hands, DIRECTV's Change of Ownership (COO) clause gives the new owner the right to void any existing DIRECTV contract and open a brand-new account. The bill of sale is how we — and DIRECTV — verify that you are genuinely the new owner.
DIRECTV includes a clause in their service agreements called the Change of Ownership (COO). This clause exists to protect new facility owners from being locked into a contract they never personally agreed to.
When you purchase or take over a facility that already has an active DIRECTV account, that account — and any remaining contract obligations tied to it — belong to the previous owner, not you. The COO clause recognizes this and gives you, as the incoming owner, the right to:
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🚫 Void the Existing Contract Walk away from any remaining term or early termination fees tied to the previous owner's account. |
✅ Open a Fresh Account Start a brand-new DIRECTV account under your name, with your own terms and chosen service package. |
📍 Same Location, New Owner The service address stays the same — only the account holder and contract details change. |
Because the COO clause is a significant benefit — it wipes out an existing contract — DIRECTV requires documented proof that a genuine change of ownership actually took place. You can't simply claim the facility is now yours without something to back it up.
That's where your bill of sale comes in. It serves as the official evidence that the property or facility legally changed hands from the previous owner to you. Without it, there is no way to confirm that a real ownership transfer occurred.
Think of it this way: the COO clause is the key, and your bill of sale is what proves you're actually holding that key.
Ownership Changes Hands
You purchase or take ownership of a facility that has an existing DIRECTV account.
You Request a Change of Ownership
You (or we, on your behalf) notify DIRECTV that a COO has occurred and that you'd like to exercise your rights under the COO clause.
Bill of Sale Is Submitted ← This Is the Key Step
A copy of your bill of sale is provided to verify the ownership transfer. This document confirms the date the facility changed hands and identifies you as the new owner.
Previous Account Is Closed
DIRECTV reviews the documentation and closes the previous owner's account, releasing any remaining contract obligations tied to it.
Your New Account Is Created
A fresh DIRECTV account is opened in your name at the same service address, with a new agreement and your chosen service package.
🔒 A Note on Privacy
We understand that a bill of sale contains sensitive personal and financial information. Any documentation you provide is used solely for the purpose of verifying ownership with DIRECTV and is handled with strict confidentiality. We do not store, share, or use your bill of sale for any purpose beyond completing the Change of Ownership process. If you have any concerns about sharing the full document, please reach out to us — we're happy to discuss exactly what information is needed.
Any legally recognized document that confirms the transfer of ownership of the property or facility is generally acceptable. This typically includes:
Not sure if your specific document qualifies? Don't hesitate to contact us — we'll help you figure out what works.
QDoes the previous owner need to be involved in this process?
Not necessarily. The COO clause is specifically designed for situations where the previous owner may be unreachable or unwilling to cooperate. Your bill of sale is what drives the process — not the previous owner's participation.
QWill I be responsible for any unpaid balance on the previous account?
No. Any outstanding balances or early termination fees tied to the previous owner's account are their responsibility. Your new account starts completely clean.
QCan I keep the existing DIRECTV equipment already installed at the facility?
This depends on whether the equipment was owned outright or leased. We can help you sort out the details of the existing equipment during the account transition process.
QWhat if I don't have a formal bill of sale — for example, it was a family transfer?
Every situation is a little different. Reach out to us directly and we'll work with you to identify the best documentation available to support your COO request.
QHow long does the Change of Ownership process take?
Once the required documentation is submitted and verified, the process is typically completed within a few business days. We'll keep you updated every step of the way.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to walk you through the process from start to finish.