10DLC Registration: SMS Campaign Approval and Compliance Guide

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of 10DLC SMS registration, covering TCR brand verification, campaign vetting, use cases, MNO class assignment, and carrier compliance. We'll equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the 10DLC landscape successfully and ensure your SMS campaigns are compliant and effective.

Why 10DLC Matters

10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is the new standard for Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging in the United States. It allows businesses to send SMS messages using standard 10-digit phone numbers, offering significant advantages over traditional long codes and short codes. Key benefits include:

Improved Deliverability: Carriers prioritize 10DLC messages over unregistered long code traffic, leading to higher delivery rates and reduced filtering.
Enhanced Brand Reputation: Registering your brand and campaigns builds trust with carriers and customers, reducing the likelihood of your messages being flagged as spam.
Scalability: 10DLC supports higher throughput than traditional long codes, enabling you to send more messages faster.
Cost-Effectiveness: 10DLC offers a balance between the affordability of long codes and the performance of short codes.

Understanding the 10DLC Ecosystem

Several key players interact within the 10DLC ecosystem:

Brands: Businesses sending A2P messages.
CSPs (Communication Service Providers): Platforms like Telnyx, Twilio, etc., that provide messaging APIs and infrastructure.
DCAs (Direct Connect Aggregators): Entities that connect CSPs to MNOs.
MNOs (Mobile Network Operators): Wireless carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
TCR (The Campaign Registry): The central hub for registering and vetting 10DLC brands and campaigns.

10DLC Registration Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The 10DLC registration process involves two main steps: Brand Registration and Campaign Registration.

1. Brand Registration

This step verifies your business identity with TCR. You'll need to provide the following information:

Legal Company Name: The official, registered name of your business.
EIN/Tax ID: Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
Business Address: The physical address of your business.
Website: Your company's official website.
Organization Type: (e.g., private, publicly traded, non-profit).

Best Practice: Ensure the information you provide is accurate and consistent with official records. This will expedite the verification process and contribute to a higher vetting score.

Vetting Score: After brand registration, TCR assigns a vetting score (0-100) to your brand. This score reflects your reputation and impacts messaging throughput and carrier fees. Higher scores unlock better deliverability and lower costs. Factors influencing the score include:

Business Registration Verification: Confirmation of your business's legal existence.
Industry Type: Certain industries (e.g., cannabis, firearms) face stricter scrutiny.
History of Spam Complaints: A history of spam complaints can negatively impact your score.

Optimization Tip: Maintaining a clean sending reputation and adhering to best practices will help you achieve a high vetting score.

2. Campaign Registration

This step registers the specific use cases for your messaging campaigns. You'll need to provide:

Campaign Description: A clear and concise explanation of the purpose of your campaign.
Use Case: Select the appropriate standard use case from the list provided by TCR (see below).
Sample Messages: Examples of the messages you'll be sending.
Opt-in Method: How you obtain consent from recipients to receive messages. This is crucial for compliance.

Critical Compliance Note: You must be able to demonstrate proof of opt-in for all recipients. Clearly documented opt-in methods are essential for campaign approval and avoiding carrier penalties.

Vetting Process: Similar to brand vetting, campaigns also undergo a vetting process. DCAs play a role in this process, reviewing your campaign details and opt-in methods. The outcome can be:

Vetting Score (0-100): A higher score indicates a lower risk of spam and unlocks better messaging throughput.
Unscored (Manual Review): If automated vetting fails, your campaign may be subject to manual review, which can take longer.

Pro Tip: Provide comprehensive and accurate information during campaign registration to avoid manual review and delays.

Standard Use Cases

TCR provides a list of standard use cases to categorize your messaging campaigns. Choosing the correct use case is essential for proper vetting and compliance. Common use cases include:

2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
Account Notifications
Customer Care
Delivery Notifications
Marketing
Low Volume Mixed
Mixed Use (2-5 Standard Use Cases)
Polling and Voting (Non-Political)
Public Service Announcements

MNO Class Assignment

Each MNO assigns a class or tier to your brand based on your vetting score and other factors. This determines your messaging throughput and other limitations. For example:

AT&T: Classes range from A (highest throughput) to F (lowest throughput).
T-Mobile: Tiers range from TOP (highest throughput) to LOW (lowest throughput).

Authentication+ (Enhanced Security)

As of October 17, 2025, TCR requires Authentication+ for public, for-profit brands. This involves verifying the identity of a brand representative using a business email address and two-factor authentication. This enhances security and prevents brand impersonation.

TCPA Compliance

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) governs A2P messaging. You must obtain prior express written consent from recipients before sending marketing messages. Ensure your opt-in methods comply with TCPA regulations.

Best Practices for 10DLC Success

Maintain Accurate Records: Keep detailed records of your brand and campaign registrations, opt-in methods, and messaging activity.
Monitor Performance: Track your delivery rates, opt-out rates, and carrier feedback to identify and address any issues.
Stay Updated: 10DLC regulations are subject to change. Stay informed about updates from your CSP and TCR.
Consult with Experts: If you have complex messaging needs or require assistance with registration, consider consulting with a 10DLC expert.

By following this comprehensive guide and adhering to best practices, you can ensure your 10DLC SMS campaigns are compliant, effective, and contribute to a positive customer experience.