Guide to 10DLC Registration: Boost Your Messaging Capabilities
With increasing regulations around SMS messaging, businesses must register for 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) to maintain high deliverability, avoid penalties, and ensure compliance with carrier policies. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the registration process, how to improve your vetting score, and the exact information needed for campaign approval.
1. Understanding 10DLC and Its Importance
What is 10DLC?
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is a messaging channel designed for businesses to send application-to-person (A2P) messages using local phone numbers. Unlike traditional long codes, 10DLC offers better throughput and ensures compliance with carrier regulations to prevent message filtering.
Why Your Business Needs 10DLC
- Regulatory Compliance: Avoid penalties for unregistered A2P messaging.
- Higher Deliverability: Carriers prioritize 10DLC messages over unregistered SMS traffic.
- Scalability: Increased messaging limits based on business credibility.
2. Vetting Score and Initial Limits
Upon registering, businesses receive an initial vetting score that determines their daily and hourly messaging limits.
Initial Messaging Limits
- New registrants typically start with 2,000 messages/day (varies by carrier).
- Hourly caps: AT&T may limit to 200 messages/hour, while other carriers have different rules.
How the Vetting Score Impacts Limits
Your vetting score (0-100) affects your messaging quota:
- Higher scores (80+): Unlock greater throughput.
- Lower scores (below 50): Restrict daily and hourly message counts.
3. Vetting Process: What to Expect
The Campaign Registry (TCR) evaluates your business credibility before approving your 10DLC registration.
Required Business Information
- Legal Business Name
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Website URL
- Operational history details
Scoring Criteria
- Business history: Established businesses receive higher scores.
- Online presence: A professional website, SSL security, and clear branding matter.
- Public records: Ensure your business details are verifiable in government databases.
- DUNS number: Helps validate legitimacy (optional but recommended).
4. Steps to Prepare for 10DLC Registration
Strengthening Your Online Presence
- Website updates: Ensure terms of service and privacy policies are visible.
- Consistent branding: Use professional domain-based email addresses.
- Active social media: Establish credibility through LinkedIn, Google My Business, etc.
Business Verification Steps
- Obtain a DUNS Number: Register at Dun & Bradstreet.
- Ensure public registration data is correct: Verify business licenses and legal filings.
- Consider Enhanced Vetting: ($80 fee, takes 2-3 months, increases score potential).
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Registering for 10DLC
Step 1: Gather Required Information
- Business EIN, website URL, business address, and registration details.
Step 2: Register in the Voice360 Portal
- Navigate to Settings > 10DLC
- Fill out all fields accurately.
Step 3: Submit and Monitor Your Score
- If the initial score is low, improve online presence and consider re-vetting.
6. Creating a 10DLC Campaign: Required Details
1. Consent Method (Opt-In Confirmation)
Carriers require proof of how users consent to receive messages. Choose one of the following methods:
- Online Form Submission: Provide the URL to your sign-up form (e.g.,
https://yourwebsite.com/signup).- Example text: “By submitting this form, you agree to receive SMS notifications. Reply STOP to opt out.”
- Verbal Consent: Document the consent script and ensure calls are recorded.
- Example script: “Would you like to receive updates via text? Reply YES to confirm.”
- Paper Forms: Maintain signed documentation as proof.
2. Terms & Conditions URL
Your Terms of Service should outline the use of SMS messaging and compliance with regulations.
- Example URL:
https://itp360.com/legal/
3. Privacy Policy URL
Clearly state how customer data is collected, stored, and used.
- Example URL:
https://caesarengroba.com/privacy-policy/
4. Sample Messages
Provide at least three sample messages that reflect your intended use case.
Example 1 (Promotional):
- “Get 10% off your next purchase! Reply YES to claim. Opt-out anytime by replying STOP.”
Example 2 (Appointment Reminder):
- “Reminder: Your appointment with Dr. Smith is on Feb 10 at 3 PM. Reply YES to confirm, STOP to opt out.”
Example 3 (Transactional):
- “Your order #12345 has been shipped. Track your package here: [URL]. Reply STOP to opt out.”
5. Opt-In Keywords
The default keywords are START, YES (no changes needed).
6. Sending Phone Numbers in Messages
Confirm whether messages will include phone numbers.
7. Opt-Out Keywords
The system auto-fills STOP (no action required).
8. Help Keywords
The system auto-fills HELP (no action required).
9. Help Message
The system provides a default help message (no action required).
10. URLs in Messages
Confirm whether you will be sending URLs in your SMS content.
11. Opt-Out Message
A sample opt-out message is already provided (no action required).
12. Loan & Direct Lending Confirmation
Carriers prohibit direct lending or loan arrangement services through 10DLC. Confirm that your business does not engage in these activities.
13. Affiliate Marketing Restriction
Confirm that you will not use affiliate marketing for this campaign, as it is restricted.
7. Post-Registration: Maintaining Compliance and Improving Score
- Regularly update business details (e.g., website, contact info, branding).
- Monitor messaging performance to ensure high delivery rates.
- Avoid spam-like behavior (e.g., excessive promotions, lack of opt-in verification).
- Re-vet your business if score improvements are needed.
Conclusion
Following these steps will ensure your 10DLC registration is successful and that your campaigns meet carrier requirements. Proactively improving your vetting score and maintaining compliance will help unlock higher messaging limits and better throughput over time.elines, your business can build a solid reputation and make the most of 10DLC’s benefits.
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