What is 10DLC?
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is a system designed for Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging that allows businesses to send SMS and MMS messages from standard local 10-digit phone numbers. This is in contrast to using short codes (5-6 digit numbers) or toll-free numbers for business messaging.
10DLC provides a registered, trusted channel for businesses to communicate with customers via text message while helping carriers filter out spam and unwanted messages.
Why is Registration Necessary?
Mobile carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) now require businesses to register their brand and messaging campaigns before sending SMS/MMS from local numbers. This requirement helps:
- Reduce spam and unwanted messages to consumers
- Verify the legitimacy of businesses sending messages
- Improve message deliverability for registered businesses
- Protect consumers from phishing and fraud
Unregistered traffic faces significantly lower throughput limits and higher filtering rates. Messages from unregistered numbers are more likely to be blocked or flagged as spam.
IntelliVoice as CSP
IntelliVoice acts as a Campaign Service Provider (CSP) registered with The Campaign Registry (TCR). This means we handle the registration process on your behalf, simplifying compliance with carrier requirements.
Registration Process
Step 1: Gather Your Business Information
Before starting registration, collect the following information:
- Legal Business Name: Exactly as registered with the IRS
- EIN (Employer Identification Number): Your federal tax ID
- Business Website: A live website with information about your business
- Business Address: Physical address of your business
- Contact Information: Name, email, and phone of authorized representative
- Opt-In Details: How customers consent to receive messages from you
- Sample Messages: Examples of the texts you plan to send
Step 2: Brand Registration
Your business (brand) must be registered with The Campaign Registry:
- IntelliVoice submits your business information to TCR
- TCR verifies your business information against third-party data sources
- Your brand receives a Trust Score based on verification results
- Higher trust scores result in higher messaging throughput limits
Brand registration typically takes 1-3 business days but can take longer if additional verification is required.
Step 3: Campaign Registration
After brand registration, each messaging use case requires a campaign registration:
- Describe your messaging use case (marketing, notifications, customer service, etc.)
- Provide sample messages that represent typical content
- Explain your opt-in and opt-out processes
- Acknowledge compliance with carrier and TCPA guidelines
Common campaign types include:
- Customer Care / Support
- Appointment Reminders
- Delivery Notifications
- Marketing / Promotions
- Account Notifications
- Two-Factor Authentication
Step 4: Phone Number Assignment
Once your campaign is approved, your IntelliVoice phone numbers are linked to the registered campaign. Messages sent from these numbers will be identified as trusted, registered traffic.
Compliance Best Practices
Obtain Proper Consent
- Collect explicit written consent before sending marketing messages
- Use clear opt-in language that explains what messages customers will receive
- Keep records of when and how consent was obtained
- Honor opt-out requests immediately (within 10 business days at most)
Avoid Forbidden Content
The following content types are prohibited and will result in campaign rejection:
- SHAFT content (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco)
- Cannabis and CBD products (even where legal)
- Illegal substances or activities
- Phishing or deceptive content
- Loan or debt collection messages (special short codes required)
- High-risk financial services
Maintain Records
- Document all opt-in consent with timestamps
- Keep records for at least 4 years
- Be prepared to produce consent records if challenged
- Track opt-out requests and ensure compliance
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to register or comply with 10DLC requirements can result in:
- Reduced throughput: Unregistered messages are heavily rate-limited
- Message blocking: Carriers may block unregistered traffic entirely
- Campaign suspension: Violations can result in campaign or brand suspension
- Financial penalties: Carriers impose per-message fees on non-compliant traffic
- Legal liability: TCPA violations can result in fines of $500-$1,500 per message
Get Started
Contact IntelliVoice to begin your 10DLC registration process. Our team will guide you through the requirements and handle the submission to The Campaign Registry on your behalf.