The Campaign Registry (TCR) Explained: Your Complete Guide to 10DLC Registration
The Campaign Registry (TCR) is the backbone of 10DLC compliance—but for most business owners, it's a mysterious system that somehow controls whether their text messages get delivered or blocked.
Understanding TCR isn't optional anymore. With carriers enforcing strict 10DLC requirements and issuing significant penalties for non-compliance, knowing how TCR works, what it requires, and how to navigate it successfully is critical for any business using text messaging.
What Is The Campaign Registry (TCR)?
The Official Definition
The Campaign Registry is the centralized database and registration system for all 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) messaging campaigns in the United States. It serves as the authoritative source for carrier approval and messaging compliance.
Think of TCR as:
The DMV for business text messaging. Just as you need to register your car with the state to drive legally, you need to register your business and messaging campaigns with TCR to send compliant business texts.
Why TCR Was Created
The Problem TCR Solves
- • Massive increase in spam and robocalls/texts (300% growth 2015-2019)
- • No centralized way for carriers to verify legitimate businesses
- • Inconsistent compliance standards across different carriers
- • Difficulty for businesses to achieve reliable message delivery
The Solution
- • Single registration system for all major US carriers
- • Verified business identity and messaging use cases
- • Standardized compliance framework
- • Transparent approval process for legitimate businesses
TCR's Role in the Ecosystem
TCR Connects:
- Businesses who want to send compliant messages
- Campaign Service Providers (CSPs) who help businesses register
- Mobile Carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) who deliver messages
- Regulatory Authorities who oversee compliance
How TCR Works: The Complete Process
The Two-Step Registration
Step 1: Brand Registration
Your business entity is registered and verified as a legitimate organization.
Step 2: Campaign Registration
Your specific messaging use cases are registered and approved for each brand.
Brand Registration Deep Dive
What Gets Registered:
- Legal business name and structure
- Tax identification number (EIN or SSN)
- Business website and contact information
- Industry classification and business description
- Authorized representative information
Verification Process:
- Automated database checks against business registries
- Website validation and ownership verification
- Tax ID validation with IRS systems
- Manual review for high-risk or complex cases
Campaign Registration Deep Dive
Required Information:
- Campaign name and description
- Specific use case category (appointment reminders, marketing, etc.)
- Sample message content (3-5 examples)
- Opt-in process description
- Expected message volume and frequency
- Content and compliance policies
TCR Brand Registration Categories
Standard Brand Registration
For established businesses with clear identity and standard industries.
- • 1-3 day approval
- • 1 message/second throughput
- • $4-50 cost
Enhanced Brand Verification
For higher volume needs or regulated industries.
- • 10+ messages/second
- • Priority routing
- • $50-200+ cost
Special Vertical Verification
For financial, healthcare, political, or cannabis businesses.
- • Industry-specific requirements
- • Enhanced documentation
- • Specialized compliance
Campaign Types and Classifications
Transactional/Informational Campaigns
Appointment confirmations, order updates, account alerts, password resets, customer service communications.
Characteristics: Direct relationship required, informational content, higher trust score, lower compliance scrutiny.
Marketing Campaigns
Promotional offers, new product launches, event invitations, general business promotions.
Requirements: Explicit opt-in consent, clear promotional intent, higher compliance standards, more restrictive limits.
Mixed Marketing Campaigns
Customer communications with occasional promotions, account updates with marketing elements.
Characteristics: Combination of transactional and promotional content, careful balance required, moderate compliance.
Trust Scores and Throughput
Trust Score Impact:
Basic (10-20): 1 message per second, standard filtering
Enhanced (21-50): 5-10 messages per second, reduced filtering
Premium (51-75): 10+ messages per second, minimal filtering
Verified (76-100): Maximum throughput, priority routing
TCR Registration Process Step-by-Step
Phase 1: Pre-Registration Preparation
Gather required information and prepare supporting documentation.
- • Legal business name and structure
- • EIN or SSN for verification
- • Active business website
- • Industry licenses (if applicable)
Phase 2: Choose Your CSP Partner
Select a qualified Campaign Service Provider with direct TCR partnership.
- • Direct TCR registration capability
- • Industry experience
- • Transparent pricing
- • Ongoing compliance support
Phase 3: Brand Registration Submission
Submit complete and accurate business information for verification.
- • Ensure website is active and representative
- • Match business names exactly
- • Provide detailed business descriptions
- • Include all required contact information
Phase 4: Campaign Registration
Register specific messaging use cases with detailed content examples.
- • Define specific use cases
- • Prepare realistic sample messages
- • Document opt-in processes
- • Estimate message volumes
Phase 5: Approval and Launch
Verify registration details and begin with small volume testing.
- • Test message delivery across carriers
- • Implement consent management
- • Begin with small volume
- • Monitor delivery rates and feedback
Common TCR Registration Challenges
Business Verification Issues
Problem: Manual review triggered despite complete information
Solutions: Provide additional documentation proactively, work with experienced CSP, allow extra time for manual review.
Website and Online Presence Problems
Problem: Website verification failures
Solutions: Ensure website is fully functional, remove domain privacy protection, update to match registration information.
Campaign Content Rejections
Problem: Campaign registration rejected for content issues
Solutions: Use specific, realistic sample messages, ensure content matches campaign type, include all required elements.
TCR Compliance and Monitoring
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
- • Content monitoring and audits
- • Consent management and opt-out processing
- • Performance monitoring and optimization
- • Trust score maintenance
Violation Consequences
- • Minor: Warnings and temporary filtering
- • Major: Campaign suspension and fines
- • Persistent: Complete messaging shutoff
- • Legal: Regulatory investigation
Best Practices for TCR Success
Registration Optimization
Before You Start:
- • Audit business information
- • Ensure professional website
- • Prepare detailed descriptions
- • Choose experienced CSP
During Registration:
- • Provide complete information
- • Use specific language
- • Submit realistic samples
- • Respond promptly to requests
After Approval:
- • Monitor performance metrics
- • Maintain accurate information
- • Process opt-outs immediately
- • Keep content compliant
Getting Started with TCR
Week 1: Preparation and Planning
- • Audit current messaging practices
- • Gather business documentation
- • Ensure website is complete
- • Research qualified CSP partners
Week 2: Registration Process
- • Submit brand registration
- • Prepare campaign descriptions
- • Submit campaign registrations
- • Begin integration planning
Week 3: Testing and Optimization
- • Conduct initial testing
- • Monitor delivery rates
- • Optimize content and processes
- • Train staff on compliance
Week 4+: Full Deployment
- • Launch full-scale campaigns
- • Monitor performance benchmarks
- • Continuously optimize
- • Plan for growth and expansion
Download TCR Registration Checklist
Get our step-by-step checklist for successful brand and campaign registration
Need Help with TCR Registration?
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