You can activate it as soon as you pull the battery on your old one if you're upgrading. Charge it fully, install Sim card, and follow the included instructions.
i think the problem is I am transfering from t-mobile and my old number is getting ported. I followed the directions and let it charge and inserted the sim card but whenever i turn it on it says it needs to be activated before i can use it.
The port shouldn't matter, they should have set you up with a temp number until the port is complete (at least this is what they did in the past). Call the 800 number (in the paperwork) if you are unsure. My Razr would not activate following the instructions. I had to call the 800 and follow the prompts (2-3 mins) and then reset the phone and try again. It then took 3-4 minutes to activate.
I called verizon last night and they said to call tommorow because they arnt allowed to help me because it wasnt out yet. I called today and they cant figure out why its not working. They told me to drive to a place 40 mins away from my house to see if they can fix it.
My activation was a little weird as well. I followed the steps to call the 877 number where the automated system wasn't working. Transferred me to a rep who then conferenced in the automated activation system, where she then forced it to go through. Could have been due to receiving it yesterday as the rep was almost shocked I had already gotten it.