If your business sends text messages to customers, you've probably heard about 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) registration. But is your business fully compliant with the latest A2P (Application-to-Person) messaging regulations?
Failure to comply with 10DLC registration rules can result in message blocking, reduced delivery rates, carrier fines, or even the complete disruption of your SMS service.
To help you ensure your text messaging campaigns are compliant and running smoothly, we've created a comprehensive checklist. Follow this guide to ensure your SMS campaigns are approved, compliant, and optimized for high performance.
What Is 10DLC Compliance?
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is a carrier-regulated phone number format designed for businesses sending A2P (Application-to-Person) messages. This includes marketing texts, transactional notifications, appointment reminders, and customer support messages.
Previously, businesses used standard long codes (local phone numbers) to send SMS, but carriers now require businesses to register their 10DLC numbers to improve security, reduce spam, and enhance message deliverability.
Why Does 10DLC Compliance Matter?
Higher Message Deliverability – Avoid having your messages blocked or filtered by carriers.
Compliance with Carrier Regulations – Prevent service disruptions.
Improved Customer Trust – Verified numbers increase SMS engagement rates.
Cost-Effective Messaging – Avoid costly charges associated with unregistered messages.
Now, let’s go through the checklist to ensure your business is fully 10DLC compliant!
10DLC Compliance Checklist for SMS Marketers
Step 1: Register Your Business for 10DLC
Before sending A2P SMS, your business needs to be officially registered with mobile carriers.
Provide Basic Business Information – This includes your company name, industry, website, and EIN/Tax ID (for verification).
Register a 10DLC Number – If you don’t already have a 10-digit long code for messaging, you’ll need to get one.
Use an Approved SMS Provider – Choose a 10DLC-supported messaging platform like Falkon SMS to handle compliance and registration.
Carriers use business registration to verify who is sending messages and ensure texts aren’t being used for spam or fraudulent activities.
Step 2: Submit Your 10DLC Registration Form
Once your business is registered, you’ll need to submit a 10DLC registration form that provides details about your SMS campaigns.
Campaign Use Case – Define the type of messages you plan to send (e.g., promotional, transactional, customer service).
Message Content Samples – Carriers require sample SMS messages to verify transparency and compliance.
Opt-in/Opt-out Process – Demonstrate how customers voluntarily opt-in to receive your messages and how they can opt out at any time.
Make sure your campaign use case aligns with carrier-approved categories to avoid delays or rejection.
Step 3: Get Your SMS Campaign Approved
Carriers review each 10DLC registration to approve your SMS campaigns.
Wait for Carrier Approval – This process typically takes a few business days but can be longer for high-volume or special use cases.
Check for Approval Status – If your registration is incomplete or flagged, update any missing details and resubmit.
Avoid Restricted Use Cases – Some categories like SHAFT (sex, hate, alcohol, firearms, tobacco) messaging are prohibited or highly regulated.
To speed up approval, double-check all business and campaign details before submitting!
Step 4: Set Up Your 10DLC-Compliant Phone Number
Once approved, you can assign your 10DLC number and start sending texts.
Confirm Your 10DLC Phone Number – Make sure your SMS provider assigns a registered 10-digit long code to your business.
Link Your Number to Your SMS Campaign – This ensures all messages meet compliance standards before they are sent.
Test Message Delivery – Send a few test texts to confirm smooth delivery and compliance.
Unregistered numbers may still send messages but with higher filtering rates, lower delivery rates, and potential carrier fines. So make sure you're fully set up before launching any SMS campaigns.
Step 5: Follow SMS Compliance Best Practices
Even after registering, your business must adhere to SMS regulations and compliance guidelines to maintain 10DLC approval and high deliverability.
Obtain Customer Consent – Always use opt-in methods like website forms, keyword sign-ups, or explicit customer permission.
Provide an Opt-Out Option – Every message must include a clear way for recipients to unsubscribe (e.g., “Reply STOP to opt-out”).
Respect Sending Frequency – Avoid excessive messaging that could trigger spam filters or annoy customers.
Avoid Prohibited Content – Never send misleading, illegal, or restricted content through your SMS campaigns.
Even after approval, carriers actively monitor messages for compliance. Failing to follow best practices can lead to penalties or suspension.
Struggling with 10DLC registration for your RingCentral or ClerkChat number? We've got you covered! Visit our dedicated pages for a seamless registration process:
What Happens If You’re Not 10DLC Compliant?
If your business sends A2P messages without proper 10DLC registration, you risk:
Messages Will Be Blocked – Carriers actively block unregistered messages from reaching customers.
Limited SMS Reach – Unregistered messages may not be delivered at all to certain carriers.
Reputation Damage – Customers may ignore or report messages from unverified numbers.
Don’t wait until carriers start blocking your messages. Complete your 10DLC registration today!
Final Thoughts: Get 10DLC Compliant Today
If your business relies on SMS marketing, appointment reminders, or customer notifications, 10DLC compliance is essential for reliable messaging and higher engagement rates.
By following this checklist, you can:
Ensure your messages are delivered without disruptions
Build trust and credibility with customers
Maximize your SMS marketing performance
At Falkon SMS, we make 10DLC registration simple, fast, and hassle-free so you can focus on what matters, which is growing your business.