10DLC Registration: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Getting your business registered for 10DLC messaging doesn't have to be complicated. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the 10DLC registration process, from brand registration to sending your first compliant message.
What You'll Learn
By the end of this guide, you'll understand exactly how to register your business for 10DLC, avoid common pitfalls that delay approval, and start sending compliant messages within days—not weeks.
Before You Begin: What You'll Need
Required Information:
- • Business legal name and DBA (if different)
- • EIN or Tax ID number
- • Business website URL
- • Physical business address
- • Contact information for authorized representative
- • Description of your messaging use cases
Time Investment
30-45 minutes for initial registration, 1-3 business days for approval
Cost
Varies by provider and message volume (typically $5-50 for brand registration)
Documents
Basic business information and proof of business registration
Step 1: Choose Your 10DLC Provider
Critical Decision: Your provider must be a Campaign Service Provider (CSP) registered with The Campaign Registry (TCR). Not all messaging companies qualify.
What to Look For:
- ✅ Direct CSP certification with TCR
- ✅ Integrated software platform (no third-party handoffs)
- ✅ Industry experience with your business type
- ✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- ✅ Same-day support for compliance questions
Red Flags:
- ❌ Promises instant approval (legitimate process takes 1-3 days)
- ❌ Unusually low prices (often indicates poor compliance support)
- ❌ No direct TCR relationship
- ❌ Generic templates for all industries
Step 2: Brand Registration with TCR
Your brand represents your business entity in The Campaign Registry system.
2.1 Access TCR Through Your Provider
Direct Method: Your CSP will provide access to their TCR portal or handle registration on your behalf.
Information Required:
- • Business Legal Name: Exactly as it appears on tax documents
- • DBA/Trade Names: Any names you do business under
- • Business Type: Corporation, LLC, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship
- • Tax ID: EIN or SSN for sole proprietors
- • Industry: Select the most specific category available
- • Website: Must be active and represent your business
2.2 Business Verification
TCR uses automated and manual verification processes:
Automatic Verification:
- • Cross-references business databases
- • Validates website ownership
- • Checks tax ID authenticity
Manual Review Triggers:
- • New businesses (less than 2 years old)
- • High-risk industries (financial services, debt collection)
- • Discrepancies in provided information
- • Websites under construction or unavailable
2.3 Brand Trust Score
Your brand receives a trust score affecting message throughput:
Standard Trust (Most Common):
- • 1 message per second per phone number
- • Suitable for most business communications
- • No additional vetting required
Higher Trust (Enhanced Verification):
- • Up to 10+ messages per second
- • Requires additional documentation
- • Background checks on business principals
- • Higher registration fees ($50-200)
Step 3: Campaign Registration
Each messaging use case requires a separate campaign registration.
3.1 Campaign Types and Use Cases
Marketing Campaigns:
- • Promotional offers and sales
- • Event invitations
- • New product announcements
Requires explicit opt-in consent
Mixed Marketing:
- • Combination of marketing and informational content
- • Account updates with promotional elements
Most common for small businesses
Transactional/Informational:
- • Order confirmations
- • Appointment reminders
- • Account alerts
- • Password resets
Conversational:
- • Two-way customer support
- • FAQ responses
- • Interactive communications
3.2 Campaign Registration Details
Campaign Information:
- • Campaign Name: Internal reference (e.g., "ABC Corp - Appointment Reminders")
- • Use Case: Select from approved TCR categories
- • Content Description: Detailed explanation of message types
- • Sample Messages: 3-5 examples of actual content you'll send
- • Opt-in Process: How customers consent to receive messages
- • Opt-out Process: How customers can unsubscribe
Good Example (Specific):
"Hi [Name], your appointment with Dr. Smith is confirmed for tomorrow at 2 PM. Reply STOP to opt out."
Bad Example (Vague):
"Reminder about your upcoming appointment."
3.3 Content Guidelines
Approved Content:
- • Clear business purpose
- • Specific call-to-actions
- • Professional language
- • Branded messaging
Prohibited Content (SHAFT):
- • Sex/Adult content
- • Hate speech
- • Alcohol (unless licensed)
- • Firearms
- • Tobacco
Additional Restrictions:
- • Cryptocurrency promotions
- • Get-rich-quick schemes
- • Debt consolidation offers
- • Political campaign messages
Step 4: Phone Number Assignment
4.1 Number Selection
Local Numbers (Recommended):
- • Builds trust with local area codes
- • Better engagement rates
- • Lower cost than toll-free
Toll-Free Numbers:
- • Good for national businesses
- • Professional appearance
- • Can handle voice and text
Considerations:
- • Avoid recently disconnected numbers
- • Check number history for spam complaints
- • Consider geographic relevance to your business
4.2 Number Registration
Your CSP will:
- Assign the number to your registered brand
- Link it to your approved campaigns
- Configure carrier routing for optimal delivery
Step 5: Compliance Setup
5.1 Opt-in Management
Required Elements:
- • Clear description of message types
- • Frequency expectations
- • Standard opt-out instructions
- • Your business identification
Opt-in Example:
"By providing your phone number, you agree to receive appointment reminders and important updates from ABC Dental via text message. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out. Message and data rates may apply."
5.2 Message Templates
Create pre-approved templates for common communications:
Appointment Reminder:
"Hi [Name], this is ABC Dental reminding you of your appointment tomorrow at [Time]. Reply CONFIRM or call us at (555) 123-4567. Reply STOP to opt out."
Order Confirmation:
"Thank you for your order #[OrderNum]! We're processing your items and will send tracking info soon. Questions? Reply to this message or visit [Website]. Text STOP to opt out."
5.3 Link Management
Approved Link Shorteners:
- • Use branded domains (e.g., go.yourbusiness.com)
- • Avoid generic shorteners (bit.ly, tinyurl)
- • Implement link tracking for analytics
Link Best Practices:
- • Always include your business name in URLs
- • Use HTTPS for security
- • Test links before campaign launch
- • Monitor click-through rates
Step 6: Testing and Launch
6.1 Pre-Launch Testing
Test Messages To:
- • Your own phone numbers
- • Staff phones across different carriers
- • Different phone models and messaging apps
Verify:
- • Message delivery speed
- • Content formatting
- • Link functionality
- • Opt-out responses
6.2 Gradual Rollout
Week 1:
Send to small test group (25-50 contacts)
Week 2:
Expand to 25% of subscriber list
Week 3:
Full deployment if metrics look good
Monitor Key Metrics:
- • Delivery rate (should be 95%+ for registered campaigns)
- • Response rate
- • Opt-out rate (under 2% is healthy)
- • Complaint rate (under 0.1%)
Step 7: Ongoing Compliance
7.1 Regular Monitoring
Weekly Reviews:
- • Message delivery rates
- • Opt-out requests processed
- • Complaint reports from carriers
- • Campaign performance metrics
Monthly Audits:
- • Content compliance check
- • Opt-in process validation
- • Contact list hygiene
- • Link performance review
7.2 Campaign Updates
When Updates Are Required:
- • Significant changes to message content
- • New types of communications
- • Changes in business operations
- • Carrier compliance notifications
Update Process:
- • Submit changes through your CSP
- • Wait for approval before implementation
- • Document all changes for compliance records
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Business Information Errors
Mistake: Using inconsistent business names across registration
Fix: Ensure exact match with legal documents and website
Vague Campaign Descriptions
Mistake: "We'll send various business messages"
Fix: "Appointment confirmations, reminder texts 24 hours before scheduled service, and payment due notifications"
Poor Sample Messages
Mistake: Generic templates without personalization
Fix: Realistic examples showing actual customer names, specific services, and clear next steps
Inadequate Opt-in Process
Mistake: Assuming existing email subscribers can receive texts
Fix: Implement separate, explicit consent for text messaging
Link Shortener Issues
Mistake: Using bit.ly or other flagged shorteners
Fix: Set up branded short domain or use provider-approved options
Expected Timeline and Costs
Registration Timeline
Cost Breakdown
Volume-Based Pricing
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"Brand Registration Pending"
Cause: Manual review triggered by new business or industry
Solution: Provide additional documentation requested by TCR
Timeline: 3-7 additional business days
"Campaign Needs Revision"
Cause: Vague content description or prohibited messaging
Solution: Resubmit with specific, compliant content examples
Timeline: 1-2 business days after resubmission
Low Message Delivery Rates
Cause: Content triggering spam filters despite registration
Solution: Review message content for compliance, adjust language
Timeline: Immediate improvement with content changes
High Opt-out Rates
Cause: Messages not matching subscriber expectations
Solution: Review opt-in process and message frequency
Timeline: Monitor for 2-4 weeks after adjustments
Next Steps: Choosing the Right Provider
The success of your 10DLC implementation largely depends on your provider's expertise and platform capabilities. Look for providers who:
- Handle the entire process from registration to ongoing compliance
- Offer integrated software so you're not juggling multiple platforms
- Provide industry-specific guidance rather than generic advice
- Include compliance monitoring in their service offering
- Offer transparent pricing with no surprise fees
Ready to Get Started with 10DLC Registration?
Our team specializes in fast, compliant setups for businesses of all sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my existing business phone number for 10DLC?
A: Yes, if it's not currently used for messaging. However, we recommend a dedicated number for better tracking and compliance.
Q: How long does 10DLC registration really take?
A: With complete information and a qualified CSP, most registrations complete within 2-3 business days. Manual reviews can extend this to 5-7 days.
Q: What happens if my registration is rejected?
A: Your CSP will receive specific feedback from TCR. Most rejections are due to incomplete information and can be resolved quickly with corrections.
Q: Do I need separate registrations for different business locations?
A: No, one brand registration covers all locations. However, you may need separate campaigns for different types of messaging.
Q: Can I change my campaign after approval?
A: Yes, but significant changes require resubmission and approval. Minor updates can often be made without full re-registration.
This guide is updated regularly to reflect the latest 10DLC requirements and best practices. For personalized assistance with your registration, contact our compliance team.
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