xWiggy18x where did you get the $3.00? I have never once charged anyone for a SIM card. They are free for the foreseeable future.
Aside, when you go from 4G to 3G, you SIM can become one of three states: Retired, Grandfathered, Aging.
Aging is what its *supposed* to be listed as for the 30 days, not 90, once you switch off of it. If its listed as Aging, you can safely reactivate it.
Grandfathered means it is *supposed* to be usable if already in use, but once removed from an account, it is useless.
Retired is what is *supposed* to follow the Aging period after 30 days. Once its retired, its done.
If you ever are trying to activate a SIM a VZW rep says if Unusable (UN), Retired (RT), or Grandfathered (GF), you will have to get a new SIM. If the status shows it is Reached Switch (RS) it is just awaiting the phone to activate. Do not let anyone replace your SIM card if the status is RS. All that does is qeue the new SIM behind the old one, so the activation takes longer.
SIM cards are FREE from stores and from calling VZW Tech Support. I just had an agent order one on Tuesday and shipped to a customer and it had no charge to it.
If you have a SIM replaced, destroy the old one, as it can contain sensitive account information you would probably not want a nefarious character getting.