10DLC Overview and Registration Instructions

Anna Kubit

Dec 06, 2024

809

What is 10DLC?

10DLC stands for 10-Digit Long Code, and simply refers to a ten digit phone number. As text messaging and the telecommunications industry has evolved, business are now able to use these 10-digit numbers to send and receive text messages with consumers.

Mobile carriers (such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular, ClearSky, and Interop) have implemented new regulations that require all businesses to complete a 10DLC registration to continue sending SMS messages.

All CallHarbor customers who would like to send text messages with their CallHarbor phone numbers will need to complete a 10DLC registration.

How Do I Register for 10DLC?

Step 1: If you have SMS numbers, be on the lookout for an email from CallHarbor support with instructions for registration. If you did not receive an email, please reach out to us at [email protected] with the subject line: 10DLC Registration. We will provide you with your account number and instruct you to fill out our online forms.

Step 2: Fill out our brand registration form. Check out this article for further instructions: 10DLC Brand Registration.

Step 3: Fill out our campaign registration form. Check out this article for further instructions: 10DLC Campaign Registration.

Step 4: CallHarbor will review your form submissions for anything we predict might cause the carriers to reject your application. We will reach out to you asking for updates on specific items, if necessary. Once all edits have been completed, we will submit your registration to the carriers. We will reach out with your approval status when we hear back from The Campaign Registry and the Direct Connect Aggregator (these are the partners the mobile carriers have elected to approve businesses for 10DLC). If your brand and campaign are approved, we will notify you that you are all set to begin sending outbound text messages. If they are denied, we will work with you to re-submit your applications with updated details.

Why is Registration Required?

This isn't a choice we’ve made; it’s a new rule set by the mobile carriers that we must follow. They want to make sure all businesses using SMS for communication are properly registered to prevent spam and ensure messages are delivered reliably.

Do I Need to Register/Can I Register?

If you wish to continue utilizing outbound SMS services you must register your brand and campaign(s) for 10DLC. Some businesses due to new 10DLC regulations may be unable to continue using SMS services.

If your organization provides any services or products in relation to:

High-risk financial services
Third-party lead generation
Debt collection and forgiveness
“Get rich quick” schemes or Multi-level marketing
Illegal substances (including cannabis and CBD even in states where legal)
Gambling
Sex, hate, alcohol*, firearms*, tobacco**, and cannabis (SHAFT-C),

you are forbidden from utilizing SMS services moving forward due to the new 10DLC regulations.

*Alcohol and firearm traffic is allowed on toll-free as well as long code as long as proper age gating procedures are followed.
**Tobacco traffic is prohibited on toll-free however it is allowed on long code messaging as long as proper age gating procedures are followed. Vaping related traffic is prohibited with or without age gating.

If your organization provides any services or products in relation to alcohol, tobacco, or firearms you must have a functioning age-gate in place. The age-gate must prompt the user to enter their birthdate and not just be a simple yes or no question.

Registration Fees

Please refer to the 10DLC Pricing article for a breakdown of the charges associated with 10DLC registration.

Important Deadline

Starting December 1st, 2024, any text messages sent through CallHarbor without 10DLC registration will be rejected by the carriers (10DLC registration times vary and may increase if rejections occur). To make sure your messaging services continue without interruption, please complete your registration as soon as possible.

What If I No Longer Would Like SMS Services?

If you would no longer like to utilize SMS services you may reach out to [email protected] to have your SMS services deactivated. If in the future you wish to turn back on SMS you will be subject to the 10DLC registration requirements.

What If I Only Want to Receive Inbound Messages?

10DLC registration is only required for sending outbound text messages. If you only need to receive inbound text messages, you do not need to register for 10DLC.

Where Can I Find More Information About 10DLC?

Please check out our knowledgebase articles for more information on 10DLC:

If you have more questions regarding 10DLC, please do not hesitate to reach out to CallHarbor support at [email protected].