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10DLC Registration Guide

10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) registration is required for all businesses sending A2P (Application-to-Person) SMS messages in the United States. This guide walks you through the complete registration process with The Campaign Registry (TCR) and carrier approval.

What is 10DLC?

10DLC uses standard 10-digit phone numbers for business messaging with higher throughput than regular numbers but at a lower cost than short codes. Registration is mandatory for compliance and deliverability.

Before You Begin: Required Information​

Gather all necessary information before starting your 10DLC registration:

Contact Information​

  • ✅ First name and last name
  • ✅ Email address (must be able to receive verification emails)
  • ✅ Phone number
  • ✅ Job title

Company Information​

  • ✅ Company name (must match tax documents exactly)
  • ✅ Company website URL
  • ✅ Company address (must match tax documents)
  • ✅ Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax ID Number (TIN)
  • ✅ Alternate business ID type (DUNS, GIIN, LEI, or none)
  • ✅ Business entity type:
    • Private profit
    • Public profit
    • Non-profit
  • ✅ Business industry (select closest match)

Messaging Information​

  • ✅ Description of SMS use case
  • ✅ Opt-in consent gathering method
  • ✅ Auto-reply messages for keywords
  • ✅ Privacy policy link (must be active)
  • ✅ Terms of service link (must be active)
  • ✅ Five sample messages
Important

Ensure your privacy policy and terms of service are published and accessible before starting registration. See our SMS Opt-in Requirements guide for compliance details.

Step 1: Start the Registration Form​

  1. Use the unique 10DLC registration link provided by SendSquared
  2. Contact support@sendsquared.com if you haven't received your link
  3. Have all required information ready before starting

Initial Setup​

  • Enter your contact information
  • Verify your email address
  • Set up authentication if required

Step 2: Enter Business Information​

Company Details​

  1. Legal Business Name

    • Enter exactly as it appears on tax documents
    • Include any legal designations (Inc., LLC, etc.)
    • Avoid abbreviations unless they're in your legal name

  2. Business Address

    • Provide complete street address
    • Must match tax document address
    • Include suite/unit numbers if applicable

  3. Website URL

    • Must be active and accessible
    • Should display your business name
    • Include privacy policy and terms links

Tax Information​

  1. EIN/TIN Entry

    • Enter without dashes or spaces
    • Double-check for accuracy
    • Must match IRS records

  2. Alternate Business IDs

    • DUNS Number (if available)
    • GIIN (for financial institutions)
    • LEI (for legal entities)
    • Select "None" if not applicable

  3. Business Entity Type

    • Private Profit: Most businesses
    • Public Profit: Publicly traded companies
    • Non-Profit: 501(c) organizations

Industry Selection​

  • Choose the closest matching industry
  • If no exact match, select the most similar option
  • Use "Other" only as last resort (requires detailed description)

Step 3: Describe Your Use Case​

Provide a clear, detailed description of how you'll use SMS:

Good Description Example:​

"We send transactional messages for vacation rental bookings including booking confirmations, check-in instructions, and checkout reminders. We also send promotional messages about special offers and last-minute availability to guests who have explicitly opted in to marketing communications."

Poor Description Example:​

"We send text messages to customers."

Step 4: Configure Auto-Reply Messages​

Each auto-reply MUST include your brand/program name:

START/Opt-in Response​

You have successfully opted in to receive messages from [Your Brand Name]. 
Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. 
Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for assistance.

STOP/Opt-out Response​

You have been unsubscribed from [Your Brand Name] SMS messages. 
No further messages will be sent. 
Reply START to resubscribe.

HELP Response​

[Your Brand Name] SMS Help: For support, call [phone] or email [email]. 
Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. 
Reply STOP to cancel.

Step 5: Create Sample Messages​

Provide five sample messages that accurately represent your use case:

Tips for Writing Sample Messages​

  1. Match Your Actual Use Case

    • Don't use generic templates
    • Reflect real messages you'll send
    • Include variety of message types

  2. Use Variables Correctly

    Format: [variable_name]
    Examples: [first_name], [appointment_date], [order_number]

  3. Include Required Elements

    • Brand identification in each message
    • Opt-out instructions in at least 2 samples
    • Clear, professional language

Sample Messages for Hospitality Industry​

Vacation Rental/Property Management​

Sample 1 (Booking Confirmation):
[Your Brand]: Booking confirmed for [property_name] from [check_in] to [check_out]. 
Check-in instructions will be sent 24hrs before arrival. Questions? Reply or call [phone].

Sample 2 (Check-in Reminder):
Hi [first_name], your check-in at [property_name] is tomorrow at [time]. 
Door code: [code]. WiFi: [network]/[password]. Text STOP to opt out.

Sample 3 (During Stay):
[Your Brand]: How's your stay at [property_name]? Need anything? 
Our team is here to help. Reply with requests or call [phone].

Sample 4 (Checkout Reminder):
Reminder: Checkout from [property_name] is tomorrow at [time]. 
Please leave keys [location]. Thanks for staying with [Your Brand]! 
Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Sample 5 (Marketing):
[Your Brand] Special: Save [discount]% on [location] properties for [dates]. 
Book at [website] with code [promo_code]. Limited availability. Text STOP to opt out.

Hotel​

Sample 1 (Reservation Confirmation):
[Your Brand] Hotel: Reservation confirmed for [check_in] to [check_out]. 
Confirmation #[number]. Check-in after [time]. Reply or call [phone] for assistance.

Sample 2 (Pre-Arrival):
Welcome [first_name]! Your room at [Your Brand] Hotel is being prepared for tomorrow's arrival. 
Check-in: [time]. Parking info at [link]. Text STOP to opt out.

Sample 3 (Welcome Message):
[Your Brand]: Welcome! Your room [room_number] is ready. WiFi: [network]/[password]. 
Dial 0 for front desk. Spa bookings: [phone]. Enjoy your stay!

Sample 4 (Checkout Reminder):
[Your Brand] Hotel: Checkout is tomorrow at [time]. Express checkout available via TV or app. 
Thank you for staying with us! Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Sample 5 (Loyalty Program):
[Your Brand] Rewards: You've earned [points] points! Book your next stay by [date] 
for double points. Reserve at [website] or call [phone]. Text STOP to opt out.

Waterpark/Resort​

Sample 1 (Ticket Confirmation):
[Your Brand] Waterpark: Tickets confirmed for [date]! [quantity] passes. 
Order #[number]. Gates open [time]. Show this text for entry. Reply STOP to opt out.

Sample 2 (Visit Reminder):
Hi [first_name]! See you tomorrow at [Your Brand] Waterpark! Arrive early for parking. 
Weather looks great! Cabana rentals still available: [link]. Text STOP to unsubscribe.

Sample 3 (Park Updates):
[Your Brand]: Welcome! Download our app for wait times and mobile food ordering. 
Locker rental at Guest Services. Today's events at [link]. Have a splashing day!

Sample 4 (Weather/Operations):
[Your Brand] Alert: Due to weather, [attraction] is temporarily closed. 
All other attractions open. Rain checks available at Guest Services. Updates: [website].

Sample 5 (Season Pass Offer):
[Your Brand]: Thanks for visiting! Upgrade to a Season Pass today and save [discount]%! 
Valid rest of season. Purchase by [date] at [link]. Text STOP to opt out.

Step 6: Submit Your Registration​

Final Review Checklist​

  • Company name matches tax documents exactly
  • Address matches tax documents
  • EIN/TIN is correct
  • Website is active and accessible
  • Privacy policy is published and linked
  • Terms of service is published and linked
  • Sample messages reflect actual use case
  • Auto-replies include brand name
  • Opt-out instructions are included

Submission Process​

  1. Click Submit button
  2. Note your registration ID for reference
  3. Check email for any verification requests

Email Verification​

For Public Companies

Public profit entities require email verification. Check your inbox for a verification email that's valid for 10 days.

Post-Submission Process​

Approval Timeline​

  • Standard approval: 2-7 business days
  • Complex use cases: Up to 2 weeks
  • With information requests: Add 2-3 days per round

Status Monitoring​

  1. Check dashboard for updates
  2. Respond promptly to information requests
  3. Keep documentation ready

Common Follow-up Requests​

  • Additional sample messages
  • Use case clarification
  • Updated privacy policy
  • Business verification documents
  • Website updates

After Approval​

  1. Campaign ID Issued: Save for your records
  2. Phone Numbers Provisioned: Numbers activated for messaging
  3. Test Messaging: Send test messages to verify
  4. Gradual Rollout: Start with small volume, then scale

Troubleshooting Registration Issues​

Common Rejection Reasons​

Business Verification Issues​

  • Problem: Company name doesn't match records
  • Solution: Use exact legal name from tax documents

Invalid Website​

  • Problem: Website not accessible or missing information
  • Solution: Ensure site is live with company info visible

Insufficient Use Case Description​

  • Problem: Description too vague
  • Solution: Provide specific, detailed explanation

Non-Compliant Sample Messages​

  • Problem: Messages don't match use case
  • Solution: Create realistic samples that reflect actual usage

Resubmission Process​

  1. Review rejection feedback carefully
  2. Address all identified issues
  3. Update registration information
  4. Add clarification notes
  5. Resubmit with changes documented

Best Practices for Approval​

Do's ✅​

  • Use your legal business name exactly
  • Provide working website with business info
  • Write detailed use case descriptions
  • Create realistic sample messages
  • Include opt-out in sample messages
  • Respond to requests quickly

Don'ts ❌​

  • Don't use abbreviations unless legal
  • Don't submit with broken website links
  • Don't use generic sample messages
  • Don't skip required fields
  • Don't ignore follow-up requests
  • Don't change use case after approval

Frequently Asked Questions​

Q: How long does 10DLC registration take? A: Typically 2-7 business days for standard cases, up to 2 weeks for complex use cases.

Q: Can I edit my registration after submission? A: Yes, but it may reset the review process. Contact support for guidance.

Q: What if my business doesn't have an EIN? A: Sole proprietors can use SSN, but EIN is strongly recommended for privacy.

Q: Can I register multiple brands? A: Yes, each legal entity needs separate registration.

Q: What happens if my registration is rejected? A: You'll receive specific feedback and can resubmit after addressing issues.

Q: Do I need separate registration for different use cases? A: Yes, each distinct use case requires its own campaign registration.

Q: Can I start sending immediately after approval? A: Yes, but start with low volume and gradually increase.

Getting Help​

For assistance with your 10DLC registration:

  • Email: support@sendsquared.com
  • Include your registration ID if available
  • Provide screenshots of any errors
  • Share your use case details for guidance