Texting has become a core part of business communication. Customers expect fast responses, and most businesses are now using text messages alongside voice calls to stay connected.
But before you start texting your customer base, there’s one requirement you can’t ignore: 10DLC.
Getting familiar with 10DLC early helps you avoid delivery issues, stay compliant, and set up texting the right way from day one.
Here are 10 things every business owner should know about 10DLC before they start texting for SMS marketing or other purposes.
1. What Does 10DLC Mean?
10DLC stands for 10-digit long code, which refers to a standard local phone number used to send text messages through a texting platform.
More specifically, A2P 10DLC (application-to-person messaging) allows a software application to send messages from a business to a mobile user. Mobile carriers created this system to protect consumers and ensure that messages come from verified businesses.
2. What Is a US 10DLC Number?
A US 10DLC number is a local phone number approved for business messaging. Unlike a short code or toll-free numbers, a 10 digit long code is tied to your company name and business identity.
This helps carriers recognize legitimate traffic and improves message deliverability when you send text messages.
3. Is 10DLC Registration Required?
Yes, 10DLC registration is required for most businesses that send messages to customers in the U.S.
As of 2025, mobile carriers block unregistered traffic. That means unregistered messaging can lead to failed delivery, filtering, or complete blocking of your messages.
If you plan to send SMS messages, business text messages, or even simple appointment reminders, you must complete 10DLC registration.
4. What Is 10DLC Registration?
10DLC registration is the process of verifying your business and your messaging campaigns through The Campaign Registry.
What Is The Campaign Registry
Behind every 10DLC registration is an organization most businesses never hear about: The Campaign Registry (TCR). TCR is the centralized, industry-governed body that manages brand and campaign registration for 10DLC messaging in the U.S. It was established by the major carriers — AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon — to create a standardized vetting process for businesses that send text messages over 10-digit long codes.
Think of TCR as the gatekeeper. When your business registers for 10DLC, your information flows through TCR, which validates your identity and assigns your campaigns a trust rating that carriers use to determine how your messages are treated. Without TCR registration, your messages are either blocked or heavily throttled. You can learn more at campaignregistry.com.
This registration process includes:
- Brand registration (your business identity, company name, and employer identification number or tax ID)
- Campaign registration (your messaging campaigns, campaign type, and campaign details)
Once you complete brand registration and campaign registration, carriers assign a trust score, which impacts message throughput and how many messages you can send.
Who Actually Controls 10DLC Rules?
The Campaign Registry (TCR) — not the FCC, and not individual carriers — is the central authority governing 10DLC brand and campaign registration. TCR is a neutral, industry-managed organization created specifically to standardize how businesses register and vet their SMS campaigns. If you have questions about registration requirements, use case definitions, or Trust Scores, TCR's website at campaignregistry.com is the authoritative source. Your VoIP provider can guide you through the process, but the rules themselves come from TCR.
5. What Information Do You Need to Apply?
To complete 10DLC registration, you’ll need:
- Company name
- Employer identification number or tax ID
- Business address
- Website
- Description of your business communication and customer communication
You’ll also need to describe your message content, campaign type, and how you collect opt ins.
This information is submitted through registration forms and reviewed during the vetting process.
6. What Are 10DLC Requirements?
To stay compliant with 10DLC compliance and carrier regulations, businesses must:
- Collect opt ins before sending messages
- Provide clear opt out instructions
- Share accurate sample messages
- Follow carrier guidelines on message content
Regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and standards from the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association require businesses to protect consumers and avoid unwanted messages.
This might sound like a lot, but most providers help handle these requirements so you’re not navigating them alone.
7. What Types of Messages Can You Send?
With A2P 10DLC, businesses can send messages such as:
- Appointment reminders
- Customer service updates
- Account notifications
- Promotional messages and promotional offers
These messaging campaigns must align with your registered campaign details. If you plan to run multiple campaigns, each may require its own campaign registration.
8. What Is the Approval Process Like?
After submitting your 10DLC registration, your information goes through a vetting process and campaign vetting review.
Typical timeline:
- A few business days for basic setups
- Up to two weeks depending on complexity
During the approval process, carriers verify your business identity and messaging use case before you receive approval and can send SMS at scale. Working with the right provider can speed this up and help avoid delays.
9. How Much Does 10DLC Registration Cost?
There are small fees associated with 10DLC registration, including:
- Brand registration fees
- Campaign registration fees
These fees are managed by The Campaign Registry and your campaign service provider or software provider.
Compared to a short code (which can cost thousands per month), 10DLC is more accessible for small businesses.
10. What Happens If You Skip 10DLC?
Skipping 10DLC can create serious issues:
- Unregistered messaging and unregistered traffic get blocked
- Reduced message throughput and delivery failures
- Fines for non-compliance
Without a registered campaign, you may not be able to send messages or receive messages reliably across carrier networks.
How Does 10DLC Compare to Other Options?
Businesses typically choose between:
- Short code (high volume, high cost)
- Toll-free numbers (flexible but less local)
- 10DLC (balanced, cost-effective, local)
A2P 10DLC allows businesses to send more messages than traditional long codes while maintaining better trust and compliance than unregistered options.
How Do You Start Texting with 10DLC?
To start texting, businesses should:
- Choose a texting platform or software application
- Complete brand registration and campaign registration
- Submit sample messages and campaign details
- Collect opt ins from customers
- Complete registration and wait to receive approval
Once registration is complete, you can confidently send text messages and scale your business messaging.
Where Simplicity VoIP Fits In
With Simplicity VoIP, businesses don’t have to manage the entire registration process alone.
The Chat & SMS solution acts as both a texting platform and a guide through 10DLC registration, helping you:
- Complete brand registration
- Submit campaign registration
- Stay compliant with carrier guidelines
- Ensure successful registration
This makes it easier to send messages, manage inbound messages, and support your customer base without worrying about compliance gaps.
Get Onboard and Get Ahead
10DLC isn’t just a requirement, it’s what makes modern business texting reliable.
By completing 10DLC registration, businesses can:
- Improve message deliverability
- Build trust with customers
- Stay compliant with carrier regulations
- Scale messaging campaigns with confidence
For most businesses, getting this right early prevents issues later.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to start texting or want help with 10DLC registration, Simplicity VoIP can guide you through the process and help you stay compliant while you grow. Just reach out to get started.
