User Guide : Ensuring Compliance in Text Messaging (10DLC)

Background

• 10DLC is a system in the United States that allows businesses to send application-to-person (A2P) SMS and MMS messages using standard 10-digit local phone numbers

• It was introduced because traditional long codes were originally designed for person-to-person (P2P) messaging and were not intended for high-volume business use. This led to issues like low throughput, poor deliverability, and increased spam

• Major US carriers began requiring 10DLC registration to ensure higher security, reduce spam, and improve the reliability of business messaging

Why 10DLC Is Needed

• Spam Prevention & Security: Registration ensures only verified businesses can send mass texts, reducing spam and fraudulent messages

• Higher Deliverability: Registered 10DLC campaigns are less likely to be filtered or blocked by carriers, ensuring messages reach recipients

• Compliance: US carriers now require all A2P messaging over local long codes to be registered, or messages may be blocked and extra fees applied

• Cost-Effective: Compared to short codes, 10DLC offers a more affordable way for businesses to send high volumes of texts while maintaining professionalism and local presence

Steps to Register for 10DLC

    Obtain a 10DLC Number

• Purchase a dedicated 10-digit long code (local phone number) from your messaging provider

• Register Your Brand

  • Submit your business’s legal information to The Campaign Registry (TCR), which is the central database used by all US carriers to validate brands

• Required details typically include: legal business name, EIN/tax ID, physical address, business website, and business email

• Register Your Campaign(s)

  • For each type of messaging (e.g., marketing, alerts, authentication), register a campaign with TCR

• Provide campaign name, description, sample messages, opt-in/opt-out methods, and expected volume
  
  

• Campaign Review & Approval

  • Carriers and TCR review your submission. Once approved, you receive confirmation and can begin sending messages

• Go Live

  • After approval, your 10DLC number is enabled for business messaging with higher throughput and deliverability

Key Points

• Mandatory: All US businesses sending A2P messages via 10DLC must register or risk message blocking

• Central Registry: The Campaign Registry (TCR) is the industry hub for brand and campaign verification

• Benefits: Enhanced trust, message deliverability, and compliance with carrier regulations

10DLC registration is now an essential step for any business seeking to use SMS for customer communication in the US.