Why A2P 10DLC Registration is Required — and How to Do It Easily
If you’ve been sending text messages to your customers through a platform or software, chances are you’ve heard the term A2P 10DLC registration. If it sounds technical or intimidating, don’t worry — we’re going to break it all down in plain English.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
What A2P 10DLC actually means
Why registration is required (and who enforces it)
How it benefits you and your business
How to register in a few simple steps
Where to get help if you’re stuck
Let’s dive in.
🚀 What is A2P 10DLC?
A2P stands for "Application-to-Person." It means text messages sent from a business software (like a CRM, marketing tool, or texting app) to a real person’s mobile phone. Think appointment reminders, order updates, or promotional campaigns.
10DLC refers to a 10-digit long code — basically a regular local phone number — used by businesses to send those A2P messages.
Until recently, companies could send mass texts using any number. But that led to spam, fraud, and unhappy customers. So, the major U.S. mobile carriers (like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) teamed up to create rules around A2P 10DLC usage.
To put it simply: If your business sends messages using a local number, you now need to register that number for A2P 10DLC compliance.
👉 Learn more from The Campaign Registry, the central hub for A2P 10DLC registration.
😕 Why is A2P 10DLC Registration Required?
Here’s an analogy:
Imagine you're at a neighborhood block party. Everyone knows each other, and when someone knocks on your door, you answer. Now imagine a stranger shows up knocking on every door — no name, no invitation, just noise. That’s how spam texts feel to consumers.
To stop spam and keep trust intact, wireless carriers now require businesses to verify:
Who they are
What types of messages they send
Who receives those messages
This process helps carriers deliver legitimate, trusted business messages and block the bad ones.
And here’s the kicker: Unregistered numbers are getting throttled (delayed) or blocked altogether. You may even face higher per-message fees if you're not registered.
✅ Benefits of A2P 10DLC Registration
While it might sound like a hassle, A2P 10DLC registration actually works in your favor.
1. Better Deliverability
Registered messages are prioritized. That means your texts are more likely to reach your customers without delays.
2. Higher Throughput
You can send more messages per second. This is essential for time-sensitive notifications or high-volume campaigns.
3. Improved Trust
Your number gets a reputation score. A good score = better deliverability and carrier support.
4. Lower Spam Risk
Registration tells carriers you’re a real, verified sender — not a shady scammer.
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Register for A2P 10DLC
It’s easier than it sounds. Most registration processes are managed through your messaging provider (like Twilio, Telnyx, or Bandwidth).
Here’s a general process:
Step 1: Gather Your Business Info
You'll need:
Legal business name
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Business type (LLC, corporation, etc.)
Business address
Website URL (optional, but helpful)
Step 2: Choose Your Messaging Use Case
This is your campaign type. Options include:
Customer Care
Marketing
Notifications
2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
Choose honestly — campaigns that are misclassified might get flagged.
📌 Tip: If you’re not sure, your messaging provider can help you select the right type.
Step 3: Register with The Campaign Registry
You or your messaging provider will create a brand profile and submit your campaign for approval through The Campaign Registry.
This involves:
Verifying your brand (aka your business identity)
Assigning campaign types
Linking your phone numbers to the campaign
Step 4: Wait for Approval (Usually 24-72 Hours)
Once approved, your campaign is active! You can now send A2P 10DLC-compliant messages with improved delivery and speed.
🔥 Real-World Story: Why This Matters
Meet Sarah. She runs a pet grooming business in Austin. For years, she sent appointment reminders using a free texting app and her local number.
One day, her clients started missing appointments. Turns out, her texts were being blocked by mobile carriers because she wasn’t registered under A2P 10DLC.
After registering her number through her software provider, her delivery rate went up by 97%. No more missed dogs, no more angry pet parents.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
🤔 Do I need to register if I send fewer than 1,000 messages a day?
Yes. Even low-volume senders must register. It's about message type, not quantity.
📞 What if I use a toll-free or shortcode number?
Then A2P 10DLC doesn’t apply. But toll-free numbers and shortcodes have their own registration rules.
💰 Is there a cost?
Yes, small fees apply — typically:
One-time brand registration ($4–$20)
Campaign registration ($10–$30/month depending on use case)
However, these fees are minor compared to the cost of poor deliverability or blocked messages.
📈 Ready to Register? Do It With Confidence
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a large business, A2P 10DLC registration is now essential for reliable communication. It’s not just a regulation — it’s a way to build trust with your customers and get more from every message you send.
Choose a reliable messaging provider like:
Let them handle the technical stuff while you focus on growing your business.
💬 Final Thoughts
Texting remains one of the most powerful tools for business communication. But just like email had to evolve with spam filters and verified domains, texting is maturing too.
A2P 10DLC registration is a smart, future-proof move. Not only does it help your messages get delivered — it shows your customers that you’re legit.
