With the rise of business texting, mobile carriers have enforced strict 10DLC compliance rules to protect users from spam and phishing. To continue sending messages without interruptions, businesses must complete the 10DLC registration process.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to register for 10DLC easily and ensure compliance with carrier regulations.
10DLC, or 10-digit long code phone numbers, are just like regular phone numbers (e.g., 441-220-0000) that you can use for sending text messages.
If your business has a landline or internet (VoIP) phone number, it also falls under the same category of 10DLC. This means you can send texts using your business phone number, but only after meeting 10DLC compliance requirements.
However, do not confuse 10DLC with toll-free numbers, which typically start with 800, 811,…899. Toll-free numbers are not considered 10DLC, and the same compliance regulations do not apply to them.
10DLC allows businesses to send application-to-person (A2P) text messages using their local phone numbers while complying with carrier rules to avoid extra fees or penalties. Toll-free numbers can also send A2P messages to local phone numbers.
Major US carriers now require 10DLC registration, which helps improve message speed, security, and delivery rates.
A2P messaging was once called an Automated Messaging Service, but since businesses now use texting more like real conversations, the definition has changed.
Now, A2P messaging refers to any text message sent from a business using software like TXTImpact instead of a regular phone’s messaging app to a person. This includes texts sent via shortcodes, toll-free numbers, and 10-digit long codes (10DLC).
A2P 10DLC is a specific type of A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging that uses 10-digit long code phone numbers.
To send A2P messages, you just need a 10DLC number. Keep reading to learn more about the 10DLC registration process.
A2P messaging is a broad term, while A2P 10DLC messaging refers specifically to business texting using 10-digit numbers.
Businesses prefer 10DLC numbers for three key reasons:
They can use their existing phone numbers.
They are much cheaper than other options.
Customers trust them more than shortcodes.
Businesses had to manage opt-ins using keywords, which was messy.
Customers received unwanted messages, leading to spam complaints.
Carriers banned shared shortcodes, which led to the introduction of 10DLC regulations for better security and control.
10DLC registration is a process that verifies your business is using text messaging for valid reasons, not spam. It informs mobile carriers about your identity and purpose for messaging customers, ensuring your texts are delivered without being blocked.
Business Messages Are A2P - Carriers classify all business texts as A2P, even if they’re for customer support or reminders. A2P messages must follow carrier rules.
Mandatory Carrier Compliance - AT&T and T-Mobile require businesses to register for 10DLC. Unregistered messages may be blocked, delayed, or fined.
Customer Consent Is Required - If you collect customer data, like phone numbers or appointments, you must get clear consent before texting—even for non-marketing messages.
Clear Call-to-Action (CTA) - Customers must know what to expect when they text you. For example, “By texting us, you agree to receive customer support messages.” By signing up, you agree to receive promotional messages from [Business Name]. Reply STOP to opt out. Message and data rates may apply.”
Terms & Privacy Policies - Businesses must provide clear Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies to explain how customer data is used and protected. Also, data-sharing clauses are to be included.
Customer Support - If a customer texts your business for help, your reply is considered A2P messaging. Even though it’s not marketing, unregistered messages may be blocked.
Internal Notifications - Sending work updates or shift reminders to employees via text still counts as A2P messaging. Since it's sent through a business platform, 10DLC registration is required.
Appointment Reminders - Texting customers about upcoming appointments involves data collection and customer interaction. Carriers require these messages to follow 10DLC rules.
Mobile carriers created 10DLC regulations to stop scammers from pretending to be real businesses and texting people without their permission.
As a business, here’s what you need to know:
Note: But the best part is that TXTImpact handles most of this for you—reach out if you have questions!
TCR, or The Campaign Registry, is a system responsible for approving business text messaging under 10DLC rules. It ensures that your business and messages are legitimate so carriers can deliver them smoothly and in bulk.
Again, you don’t have to handle this yourself - TXTImpact can take care of everything on your behalf and ensure a smooth, seamless A2P 10DLC registration.
Now, after reviewing and collecting all the business information, you can fill up the 10DLC Registration Form.However, we will also gather all this information from you once you successfully sign up for TXTImpact.
Note: Campaigns for common purposes, like two-factor authentication (2FA) and account notifications, are usually approved very quickly. However, some types of campaigns may take longer, sometimes up to a week, for approval.
Carriers may reject a 10DLC campaign for the following reasons:
Missing or Inadequate Call to Action (CTA)
Incorrect Opt-out Message
Prohibited SHAFT-C Content
No Website or Online Presence
Lead Generation & Affiliate Marketing
Privacy Policy Issues
Inappropriate Use Cases
Tips & Best Practices
Avoid Forbidden Content
Provide Accurate & Consistent Information
Keep Campaigns Organized
Get Proper Consent from Users
What if My Campaign is Rejected?
If your campaign gets rejected, TXTImpact’s A2P Operations Team will contact you to fix and resubmit your registration.
You'll get your brand registration approved almost instantly by The Campaign Registry. But before you can start texting, there's one more step.
You need to register your campaign with a DCA (Direct Connect Aggregator). This means providing details on how you collect opt-ins—contacts who have agreed to receive texts from your business.
The DCA will review your campaign to ensure it meets all guidelines. This process typically takes 2-5 days, though some campaigns may require up to a week for approval.
If all required information is provided correctly, approvals are usually quick. However, if any details are missing or incorrect, the back-and-forth communication may extend the process.
A DCA (Direct Connectivity Agent or Direct Connect Aggregator) is a middleman that helps send text messages from platforms like TXTImpact to mobile carriers like Verizon. They have direct connections with carrier networks to ensure smooth message delivery.
Now, mobile carriers require DCAs to manually review campaigns to ensure they follow best practices. This vetting process comes with extra fees, and opt-ins (getting permission from recipients) are a key part of 10DLC regulations.
Note: The 10DLC registration process will not be considered successful unless the vetting is done properly, and your messages will not be delivered to recipients.
Now the main point is, how can you prove the opt-ins? Let's see what you can do for that.
If you're collecting phone numbers for texting, you need proof that people have agreed to receive messages. Here’s how to do it:
By using these methods, you can legally prove that customers agreed to receive texts, keeping your business compliant and protected!
10DLC registration doesn’t guarantee high deliverability or prevent messages from being marked as spam.
Its purpose is to ensure compliance and reduce spam risks. Even if you're registered and vetted, sending texts to the wrong audience can still lead to spam flags and bans.
Here are some signs that can lead to messages being flagged as spam or getting banned:
These are some indicators that can flag your message as spam:
For more details, check out our dedicated blog on: SMS Marketing Mistakes and How to Avoid them
If you want to send A2P (Application-to-Person) messages in the U.S. using a 10-digit long code (10DLC), you need to register your brand and campaign. However, this comes with several fees, including registration, messaging, and non-compliance fees.
One-Time 10DLC Registration Fees
Campaign Vetting Fee
Other One-Time Fees (T-Mobile Specific)
10DLC Messaging Fees by Carrier
Standard Messaging Fees (For Registered 10DLC Numbers)
If you violate 10DLC messaging policies, T-Mobile imposes heavy fines:
💡 Make sure your campaign follows guidelines to avoid these high penalties!
Trust Score meaning:
A Trust Score is a rating given to businesses when they register for 10DLC messaging. It determines how many messages you can send per second (message throughput). A higher score means better messaging speed and fewer restrictions.
How Trust Score is Assigned
When you register, your business information is reviewed based on factors like accuracy, legitimacy, and online presence. Your score will be between 0 and 100.
What If You Get a Low Score?
A lower score can happen due to:
If you're not happy with your score, you can request a review for free within 45 days or pay $40 after that.
Message Throughput Based on Trust Score
How to Improve 10DLC Trust Score for Higher Message Throughput?
A higher Trust Score means faster, more reliable messaging for your business!
The Campaign Registry categorizes business messaging into different use cases based on purpose. Here are the standard categories:
Other Use Cases
Currently, special use cases are not supported for registration.
A Call-to-Action (CTA) in text messaging tells customers what action to take, such as opting in for messages, confirming an appointment, or getting support. A well-structured CTA ensures customers understand what they are signing up for and helps businesses comply with regulations.
Common CTA Examples
1. Customer Support
"Text SUPPORT to [Your Number] for help. By texting, you agree to receive service messages. Message and data rates may apply."
2. Appointment Reminders
"Text CONFIRM to [Your Number] to confirm your appointment. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
3. Promotions & Newsletters
"Get exclusive deals! Text JOIN to [Your Number] to subscribe. Reply STOP to opt out. Message and data rates apply."
4. Employee Notifications
"Text YES to [Your Number] for company updates. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
5. Surveys & Feedback
"We’d love your feedback! Text SURVEY to [Your Number] to participate. One-time message only."
6. Order Tracking
"Text TRACK to [Your Number] for order updates. Standard messaging rates apply."
7. Event Registration
"Text RSVP to [Your Number] to get event updates. Reply STOP to unsubscribe."
8. Discounts & Offers
"Get 20% off! Text SAVE20 to [Your Number] for your discount. Reply STOP to cancel."
Key CTA Requirements
Following these guidelines ensures your CTAs are clear, compliant, and easy for customers to understand.
When using text messaging for business under the 10DLC system, you must follow certain rules to stay compliant with carrier and legal requirements. These Terms & Conditions (T&C) inform customers about what they are agreeing to when they opt-in to receive messages.
Key Requirements for 10DLC T&C
Following these guidelines ensures legal compliance, transparency, and trust between your business and customers. It also helps avoid issues like message blocking or fines from carriers. Always review your T&C with a legal expert to stay compliant.
What are ISVs?
An ISV or Independent Service Vendor is a business that offers services or some sort of products/software to other businesses, it is considered as an ISV.
For example: Companies that offer a cloud-based or SaaS tool for businesses to run SMS or text marketing campaigns are called ISVs.
Other than this, if any company specializes in offering SMS marketing services to other businesses are also called ISVs
TXTImpact specializes in SMS marketing that offers a SaaS-based mass texting tool for businesses to run SMS campaigns. It is considered as an ISV.
If you are an ISV, you must register each business as a separate brand and create a messaging campaign for each one. Every phone number should be linked to a single campaign—sharing numbers across multiple brands is not allowed and may lead to fines or blocked messages.
Can I use the same phone number for multiple brands under 10DLC?
No, each number must be assigned to a single campaign and brand. Mobile carriers do not allow exceptions for ISVs. However, multiple phone numbers can be used for one campaign.
If you want to send business text messages without creating a separate brand and campaign for each end-user, you have a few options:
Choosing the right option depends on your business needs and the level of risk you're willing to take.
Contact us or sign up for a free trial now.
