Follow the registration sequence
A2P 10DLC is the US carrier standard for business texting from regular 10-digit numbers. Registration covers both the business and its texting use case, usually through the texting provider.
Gather the business details
Have the legal business name and tax ID ready. Check them against the business records before submitting, rather than relying on the name used on signs or social profiles.
Prepare the website information and sample messages at this stage too. Sending an incomplete application creates more work later.
Register the brand
The brand identifies the business. Your provider usually handles submission to The Campaign Registry. Keep the information consistent across the application so the provider does not need to resolve different versions of the business identity.
Submit the campaign for review
The campaign describes how the business will use texts. Explain the actual use case and supply sample messages that reflect it.
For example, if the stated purpose is replying to missed calls, use samples showing that conversation. Do not submit unrelated promotional examples and expect them to explain the service.
Attach the number and confirm it is live
After approval, have the provider confirm that the number is attached and ready. Test the intended conversation before relying on it for customer replies.
Prepare what providers ask for
Common sources of delay include details that need correcting or a campaign that must be rejected and resubmitted. Check the following before submission:
- The legal business name and tax ID match records exactly.
- The website shows how people opt in to texts and includes a privacy policy.
- Sample messages match the stated use case.
Ask the provider to identify any missing item clearly. Guessing at a correction can leave the same problem unresolved.
Keep answering while texts are pending
Phone answering can go live first. Give callers an accurate callback plan while texting waits for approval. Unregistered 10DLC business texts to US numbers are blocked, so leave automated texting out of the live workflow until approved.
What to do about it
- Gather the legal business name, tax ID, website opt-in information and sample messages first.
- Ask your provider to name any missing item clearly before it submits.
- Keep phone answering live and leave automated texting out of the workflow until approval is confirmed.
Questions
Can I register without an EIN?
Businesses without an EIN can register as a Sole Proprietor brand, with lower limits of one campaign and one phone number.
Does a toll-free number use this process?
Toll-free numbers use their own verification process instead of 10DLC registration.
Is the planning window a guaranteed launch date?
No. Allow for review and possible resubmission, and confirm approval with the provider before setting a texting launch date.