When the new A2P messaging standards are implemented in 2025, 10DLC registration will no longer be optional. This has become an important step for every business that wants to connect with US customers through SMS. Therefore, to keep the delivery of messages smooth, you need to be fully aware of the latest 10DLC requirements, benefits, and deadlines.
In this blog, we’ll explain what 10DLC is, how the registration works, key compliance steps, and what your business must do in 2025.
What is 10DLC?
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is a messaging system designed by U.S. carriers specifically for businesses, allowing them to send A2P (Application-to-Person) SMS and MMS efficiently. It uses standard 10-digit phone numbers, but manages higher message volumes and better compliance than traditional long codes. 10DLC provides businesses with better message deliverability and lower costs and is perfect for alerts, promotions, and customer communications.
What’s the Difference Between Short Code and 10DLC Messaging?
- Code Type:
- Short Code: 5-6 digit numbers
- 10DLC: Typical 10-digit phone numbers
- Purpose:
- Short Code: High-volume advertising campaigns (such as promotions and alerts)
- 10DLC: Localized, personalized A2P messaging
- Registration Process:
- Short Code: More expensive and time-consuming
- 10DLC: Faster, cost-effective
- Throughput:
- Short Code: Higher (ideal for mass messaging)
- 10DLC: Moderate (but improving with trust scores)
- Cost:
- Short Code: High setup and monthly fees
- 10DLC: Affordable for small-medium businesses
What Is 10DLC Registration?
10DLC registration is the mandatory process of enrolling your business, brand, and messaging campaign with The Campaign Registry (TCR). It helps carriers remember your brand, figure out what kind of message you’re sending, and give you a trust score that shows how reliable your message delivery is.
In short, 10DLC registration helps establish sender credibility, minimizes message filtering, and protects against spam. Short codes and toll-free numbers are alternative options, and each has its own way of registration process and pricing model.
What Are 10DLC Registration Requirements?
To comply with U.S. carrier rules, businesses must provide accurate, verified details during registration. The goal is to reduce message screening, prevent fraud, and foster transparency. This will make SMS a safe place for everyone to use.
You need to make sure of the following things before you can start the 10DLC SMS registration process:
1. Business Identity Verification
- Name of the company as it is really known
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Business address
2. Contact Information
- Business email address
- Business phone number
- Point of contact’ name and title
3. Campaign Use Case Information
- Name and description of the campaign
- Type of campaign (for example, customer service, notifications, 2FA, or marketing)
- Opt-in and opt-out workflow (must show how customers consent to receive messages)
4. Message Compliance and Consent Proof
- Sample opt-in method (web form, keyword reply, etc.)
- Clear unsubscribe instructions (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”)
How Do I Register My Business 10DLC?
Gather Your Business Info
Collect your legal entity details—including EIN, business name, contact email and phone number, and company website. This forms the foundation of your brand identity during registration.
Submit Registration for Your “Brand”
Submit your business information to The Campaign Registry (TCR). Once approved, you’ll receive a Brand ID that represents your company across all messaging campaigns.
Submit Registration for Your Texting “Campaign(s)”
Each message type or use case (e.g., promotional offers, alerts, appointment reminders) requires a separate campaign registration. Upon approval, each campaign receives a unique Campaign ID used by carriers to route and filter messages properly.
The approval timeline varies, but in general, if you’re wondering how long 10DLC registration takes, most brands are approved within 1–3 business days, and campaigns within 2–7 days.
Why is 10DLC Registration Important?
Combatting Spam and Fraud
10DLC registration helps prevent unsolicited messages by verifying the sender’s identity and message content. This reduces spam and protects users from fraudulent activity.
Ensuring Message Deliverability
Carriers treat messages from registered senders first, this improves your delivery rates and reduces the chances of being filtered or blocked.
Legal and Industry Compliance
By completing 10DLC registration, your business is perfectly aligned with the A2P messaging rules and carrier specific policies. This reduces legal risks and the risk of account suspension.
Enhanced Customer Trust
When you are a registered sender, trust is built with the recipients, which translates into more engagement, higher open rates and customer satisfaction.
The Benefits of Being 10DLC Compliant
Improved Message Deliverability
Avoid carrier-level filtering and blocking to ensure your messages reach recipients reliably and on time.
Increased Credibility and Trust
Verified senders appear more legitimate to both carriers and customers, building stronger brand trust and boosting engagement.
Access to Higher Throughput Rates
When your campaigns are registered, you can send more messages in a second, so alerts, reminders and marketing are sent in a timely manner.
Protection from the law and money
By maintaining compliance, you can protect your business from fines, penalties and message delivery problems, while enforcement may become even more strict in 2025.
Conclusion
With the new regulations in 2025, businesses that do customer communication via SMS will be required to do 10DLC registration so that they remain compliant and messages can be delivered smoothly. If you register your brand and campaigns correctly, your messages reach customers without any interruption, and your business appears as a trustworthy sender.
Ready to streamline your 10DLC SMS registration? Cloud Contact AI (CCAI) helps businesses navigate compliance with ease, improving deliverability, campaign performance, and customer trust.
FAQs
Do all businesses need 10DLC?
Of course, if you send A2P (application-to-person) messages via 10-digit long code, 10DLC registration is required so you remain compliant with U.S. carrier regulations.
How long does 10 DLC registration take?
An approval process for a campaign takes two to seven days, and the registration process for a brand takes one to three working days.
Are there penalties for not registering?
Yes, businesses that do not register for 10DLC may face delivery failures, high fees, limited rates or suspension of messaging services. Carriers are tightening enforcement even more in 2025, and phone numbers may also be blacklisted in case of repeated violations.
What happens if I don’t register my 10DLC number?
Messages may be blocked, filtered, or subject to higher fees per message. If noncompliance continues, carriers may suspend your account.
Are there any fees associated with registration?
Yes, there is a one-time setup fee and monthly charges which vary depending on your messaging case, carrier and volume.
What is the alternative to 10DLC?
Businesses have the option of toll-free numbers or dedicated short codes, and each option has a different registration process, pricing and throughput capabilities.