A2P 10DLC Registration in 2025

A2P 10DLC Registration in 2025

What You Need to Know About A2P 10DLC Registration in 2025

A2P 10DLC might sound like technical jargon, but in 2025, it’s an essential piece of doing business if you’re using text messages to reach your audience in the U.S.

It’s no longer enough to just “have a number” and send messages. U.S. carriers require that your phone number, your business, and even your messaging intent are registered, reviewed, and approved. This shift is designed to reduce spam, improve deliverability, and make business messaging more secure for everyone.

What This Article Covers

  • A2P 10DLC is mandatory for all business-related texts sent to U.S. phone numbers.

  • Carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile now block all unregistered traffic.

  • Your business must undergo brand and campaign vetting before approval.

  • Fees apply for brand registration, campaign vetting, and carrier delivery.

  • The process includes opt-in verification, message examples, and more.

  • Sole proprietors now need to submit a selfie and government-issued ID.

What is A2P 10DLC

Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code (A2P 10DLC) is a special type of phone number setup designed for businesses that want to send SMS or MMS to U.S.-based customers.

Unlike personal-to-person (P2P) texting, A2P 10DLC is regulated. It offers:

  • Improved message throughput

  • Better deliverability

  • Protection against blacklisting

  • Transparency for carriers and recipients

Before A2P was introduced, businesses often used shared shortcodes or unregistered numbers, both of which became notorious for spam. A2P 10DLC addresses this issue by requiring registration and approval from the Campaign Registry (TCR).

Why A2P 10DLC is Required in 2025

Carrier spam filters are stricter than ever in 2025. The rise of scams, phishing texts, and political spam led to a unified response from U.S. telecoms: no registration, no delivery.

With the new system:

  • Spam is blocked at the carrier level

  • Businesses are identified before sending

  • Consumers feel safer with trusted senders

This system also ensures legal compliance with regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and CAN-SPAM laws for SMS.

Who Needs to Register for A2P 10DLC

If your business uses a U.S. phone number to:

  • Send marketing campaigns

  • Share appointment reminders

  • Confirm orders or payments

  • Offer support via SMS

  • Collect feedback or reviews

…then you need A2P 10DLC.

This applies to:

  • Coaches and consultants

  • Digital marketers and agencies

  • Health clinics and salons

  • SaaS platforms

  • Event organizers

  • Real estate agents

Whether you’re sending 10 or 10,000 messages per month, registration is required.

Understanding Brand and Campaign Vetting

Before you’re approved to send messages, two key things must happen:

1. Brand Vetting

This validates your business identity using EIN (Employer Identification Number) or a government ID. It checks for:

  • Valid U.S. business registration

  • Matching legal name and address

  • Business website for legitimacy

2. Campaign Vetting

Campaigns are not just “types of messages.” They are detailed declarations of what kind of messages you’ll send and how recipients opt in. This includes:

  • Use case: marketing, appointment, 2FA, etc.

  • Opt-in process: how people consent to receive messages

  • Opt-out language: e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”

  • Sample messages

If your campaign doesn’t match your real use, it will be rejected.

How to Choose the Right Registration Path

Sole Proprietor

Best for: freelancers, solopreneurs

  • No EIN required

  • One phone number only

  • 3,000 messages/day

  • Requires ID + selfie verification

  • Great for one-person businesses

Low-Volume Standard

Best for: small businesses with EIN

  • One or more numbers

  • Up to 6,000 messages/day

  • Includes brand and campaign vetting

  • Ideal for appointment reminders, alerts

High-Volume Standard

Best for: agencies, SaaS, and franchises

  • Supports 600,000+ messages/day

  • Multiple phone numbers and campaigns

  • Requires detailed campaign documentation

  • Higher vetting standards

  • Built for scaling outreach

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Here’s how to register from start to finish:

Step 1 Gather Your Documents

  • EIN or government-issued ID

  • Business name and address

  • Website and contact info

  • Message use case

  • Opt-in examples and links

Step 2 Register Your Brand

Submit your brand for verification through your SMS platform (e.g., GoHighLevel). This step ensures your business is legitimate and eligible to send messages.

Step 3 Submit Your Campaign

Define your use case and share:

  • Message samples (include STOP/HELP)

  • How recipients opt in

  • Terms and privacy policy URLs

Step 4 Assign Phone Numbers

Once approved, attach one or more 10DLC phone numbers to your campaign. These numbers are now authorized for messaging.

New in 2025 Selfie ID Verification for Compliance

Sole Proprietors are now required to go through identity verification, which includes:

  • Uploading a photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)

  • Taking a selfie to confirm facial match

This helps prevent fraudulent registrations and increases trust for carriers and customers.

Breakdown of A2P 10DLC Tiers and Limits

TierDaily LimitUse Case Examples
Sole Prop3,000 msgs/dayPersonal coaching, single-shop owners
Low-Volume Standard5,000–6,000/dayClinics, salons, local businesses
High-Volume Standard600,000+/dayE-commerce, enterprise, agencies

If you’re scaling, it’s recommended to start with Low-Volume and upgrade as needed.

Updated Carrier Fees and Charges

These are per-message carrier fees as of 2025:

CarrierSMS FeeMMS Fee
AT&T$0.002$0.01
T-Mobile$0.003$0.01
Verizon$0.0025$0.01

Also:

  • $15 vetting fee per campaign

  • $3 optional fast-track vetting

  • $23.95–$68.05 total for brand + campaign setup

How to Fast-Track Your Campaign Approval

Need your campaign approved quickly? Use the $3 fast-track option. This gets you vetted in 1–3 business days, compared to 3–4 weeks with regular processing.

Recommended for:

  • Launches and holiday promotions

  • Agencies onboarding new clients

  • Urgent SMS marketing efforts

Tips for Writing a Successful A2P Campaign Application

  • Keep your campaign purpose clear

  • Use actual SMS templates with opt-out language

  • Ensure your website and opt-in forms are live

  • Avoid vague answers like “SMS marketing”

  • Include your company name in your messages

Avoiding Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

  • Missing STOP/HELP in message samples
  • Generic opt-in process descriptions
  • Mismatch between brand and URL
  • No privacy policy or unclear consent flow

Examples of Use Cases That Need A2P 10DLC

Use CaseExamples
MarketingPromotions, sales, coupons, flash deals
AppointmentConfirmations, reschedules, reminders
2FA/OTPLogin codes, password resets
Customer SupportReply tracking, ticket updates
AlertsService outages, time-sensitive notices

Choosing the Right Messaging Strategy for Your Business

Start small, test what works, and scale thoughtfully. Use A/B testing for message timing and format. Always offer value—don’t just promote, engage.

Match your campaign type to your audience behavior:

  • Appointment-heavy industries → transactional messaging

  • Product-based → promotional sequences

  • Coaches → weekly value-driven tips

 

What Happens If You Don’t Register in 2025

  • All messages blocked by carriers

  • Increased risk of being labeled spam

  • Higher SMS costs

  • Lost revenue and credibility

  • Possible legal issues under U.S. texting laws

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same number across campaigns?

No. Each number must be tied to one campaign only.

Can I use the same number across campaigns?

Yes, but A2P rules apply only to SMS/MMS via 10-digit U.S. numbers.

What’s the turnaround time?

1–3 days for fast-track; up to 30 days otherwise.

Is there an alternative?

You can consider Toll-Free SMS, but it comes with other limits like slower delivery and no MMS.

Conclusion

If your business relies on SMS, then A2P 10DLC isn’t a technical option—it’s a legal necessity. The good news? Once you’re registered, you’re set up for long-term success with higher trust, fewer delivery issues, and scalable communication.

Platforms like GoHighLevel streamline the entire process—guiding you through brand registration, vetting, and ongoing compliance.

Don’t wait until your messages get blocked. Start your registration today and future-proof your business communication.

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