10DLC

10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is a messaging standard for Application-to-Person (A2P) business texting using standard 10-digit phone numbers. It provides enhanced deliverability and compliance for commercial SMS messages sent to US mobile carriers.

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Why 10DLC Matters

10DLC registration has become a cornerstone of legitimate business texting in the United States. Before its implementation, businesses faced unpredictable message delivery rates and frequent filtering by carriers who couldn’t distinguish between legitimate business messages and spam. This uncertainty made SMS marketing and customer communication risky investments.

The 10DLC framework creates accountability and trust between businesses, messaging platforms, and mobile carriers. By registering your business and messaging use cases, you gain access to higher message throughput, better deliverability rates, and protection from sudden carrier blocks. This translates directly to improved customer engagement, higher conversion rates, and more reliable communication channels.

For businesses using SMS for appointment reminders, marketing campaigns, or customer support, 10DLC compliance isn’t optional—it’s the difference between messages reaching customers and disappearing into carrier filters. The system protects both businesses and consumers by reducing spam while ensuring legitimate messages reach their intended recipients.

How 10DLC Works

The 10DLC registration process involves several key steps that verify your business identity and messaging intentions:

1. Business Registration: Submit your company information including EIN, business type, and industry to The Campaign Registry (TCR). This creates your business profile in the carrier ecosystem.

2. Brand Registration: Register your brand identity, including company name, website, and contact information. Carriers use this to identify who’s sending messages.

3. Campaign Registration: Define each messaging use case (marketing, notifications, customer care, etc.). Include sample messages, expected volume, and opt-in methods.

4. Carrier Approval: Mobile carriers review your registration. Approval times vary from instant to several weeks depending on your business type and use cases.

5. Number Association: Link your 10-digit phone numbers to approved campaigns. Each number must be associated with registered campaigns before sending messages.

6. Ongoing Compliance: Monitor your messaging for opt-out requests, maintain accurate registration information, and stay within approved use cases.

The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks for standard businesses. Some industries like healthcare or finance may require additional vetting. Once approved, your messages flow through carrier networks with priority routing and reduced filtering.

Best Practices with 10DLC

• Register early before launching campaigns - Don’t wait until you’re ready to send messages. Start the registration process at least 30 days before your planned launch to avoid delays.

• Be specific in campaign descriptions - Vague descriptions like “customer communication” often face rejection. Provide detailed use cases, sample messages, and clear opt-in processes.

• Maintain consistent messaging - Ensure your actual messages match your registered campaign types. Sending marketing content through a customer service campaign violates carrier guidelines.

• Monitor your sender reputation - Track delivery rates, opt-out rates, and spam complaints. Poor metrics can lead to reduced throughput or campaign suspension.

• Include clear opt-out instructions - Every message should include simple opt-out language like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” This isn’t just best practice—it’s legally required.

• Document your opt-in process - Keep records of how customers consent to receive messages. Carriers may request proof of opt-in during audits.

• Update registrations when business details change - New addresses, ownership changes, or messaging strategies require updating your 10DLC registration to maintain compliance.

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