What is 10DLC registration? Everything you need to know for 2026

What is 10DLC registration?

10DLC stands for "10-digit long code," a standard local phone number used by businesses to send A2P (Application-to-Person) text messages.

10DLC registration is the mandatory process that associates your business and its messaging use case with carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to ensure compliance and message deliverability.

Current Status: 100% Enforcement Since February 2025

Since February 1, 2025, all major U.S. carriers block 100% of unregistered 10DLC traffic entirely—not throttling, blocking. If your business sends messages from an unregistered number, those messages will not reach recipients.

This represents a major shift from previous years when unregistered traffic was merely throttled or filtered. Carriers enforce their own penalty structures for non-compliant traffic, with T-Mobile charging $10,000 per content violation.

The Critical Importance of 10DLC in 2026

The A2P messaging landscape has fundamentally changed. According to Transparency Market Research, the global A2P SMS market is expected to reach $105.4 billion by 2031. With this explosive growth comes increased scrutiny and regulation.

Beyond carrier blocking, businesses face severe legal and financial consequences for non-compliance:

• TCPA Liability: $500 per unsolicited text, rising to $1,500 per message for willful violations
• Class Action Risk: Kaiser Permanente settled for $10.5 million, SiriusXM for $28 million, and Zales Jewelers for $7.5 million in 2025-2026 alone
• Carrier Penalties: Fines up to $10,000 per violation for non-compliance
• Operational Impact: Complete message blocking and business disruption

Understanding the jargon

Let's start by breaking down the acronyms used by the telecommunication carriers:

• Carriers: Telecommunication companies such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
• 10DLC or long code: Ten-digit long code. A standard phone number, such as 1-555-123-4567 vs a short-code. Typically costs $1/month to lease.
• Toll-free long code: numbers that begin with an 8 and are available for both voice and text messaging, such as 1-888-123-4567. Typically costs $2-3/month to lease and requires a registration/approval process.
• Short-code: a 5-6 digit phone number used exclusively for SMS marketing, such as 12345. Typically costs $500+/month to lease. Requires an application and carrier approval to lease.
• A2P: Application-to-Person (A2P) is a type of text message sent from an application, such as DailyStory, to a person, such as you, sent over a 10DLC.
• Registered numbers: long codes, toll-free codes, or short-codes that are registered with the carriers.
• Unregistered numbers: Long codes that are unregistered with the carriers.
• The Campaign Registry (TCR): The industry organization that manages 10DLC registration and assigns Trust Scores.
• Trust Score: A 0-100 rating that determines your messaging throughput and carrier treatment.

The majority of SMS marketing is performed using 10DLC vs. short-codes or toll-free numbers.

Long codes versus short codes and toll-free numbers

Each type of number supports different business needs and desired outcomes.

• 10DLC best supports a localized, smaller customer base, with typical uses including chat, event-based interactions, service updates, appointment reminders, and more. While traditional local long codes send at a rate of 1 message per second and only support sending of a few hundred messages per day, 10DLCs should be capable of sending around 100,000 text messages per month with a send rate of between five and 15 text messages per second. Keep in mind that support for 10DLCs is exclusive to the United States and Canada.
• Short codes support an enterprise-level, large-scale customer base, with typical uses including marketing blasts, one-time passwords, fraud alerts, transactional, and more. While short codes are appealing, their lease rates are the most expensive and can range from $500 to $1,000 per month or more. Short codes feature unlimited throughput and volume. For example, you can use them to send millions of text messages per day and at rates of up to 500 per second.
• Toll-free long codes support either enterprise-level or localized messaging volumes, with typical uses including customer service chat, customer feedback, notifications, and more. Its volume capabilities can be more limited, though. Toll-free long codes can only send at a rate of 3 messages per second, though, with the capability of sending a few thousand texts per day.

Why was 10DLC introduced?

Before 10DLC, many businesses used standard long codes to send SMS—originally designed for personal messaging. This led to an increase in unwanted messages, phishing, SMiShing, and abuse, like snowshoeing (sending from dozens of numbers to avoid filtering). In response, carriers introduced 10DLC in 2021 to:

• Reduce abuse and spam
• Improve message deliverability
• Support higher throughput for A2P messaging
• Enforce content compliance (especially SHAFT restrictions: Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco)

10-digit Long Codes were not intended for A2P traffic

Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging was originally designed for semi-exclusive use by short codes. Providers such as Twilio began allows A2P traffic over long code, also known as local codes.

Messages sent through DailyStory are considered A2P messaging.

Registration eliminates abuse and enforces compliance

The carriers introduced the registration process to help eliminate this abuse, but also enable sending messages at a higher volume with less filtering. And, supposedly, this results in fewer carrier violations and a higher deliverability rate.

Short codes do not have voice capabilities, while 10DLC and toll-free do. But 10DLC does not include delivery-receipt capabilities, while short code and toll-free do.

Registrations are managed by an industry organization called the Campaign Registry, and your company only needs to register once.

By enforcing the registration, the carriers also help to ensure that senders follow rules around text messaging compliance.

Compliance reduces carrier violations

Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) have begun to further restrict SMS marketing by rejecting messages as "carrier violations".

The telecommunication carriers state they are "updating their systems to deliver better quality and lower filtering" for certain businesses that use 10DLC A2P.

And, just like any message sent through DailyStory, the message cannot contain any S.H.A.F.T. (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms or Tobacco) content.

SHAFT content is not allowed by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA).

Complete History of 10DLC (2021-2026)

10DLC is an evolving process with continuous regulatory changes. Understanding this timeline helps explain current requirements:

• May 2021: 10DLC was first introduced by carriers
• June 2022: Carriers prohibited sharing short codes between businesses
• October 2022: Carriers began enforcing registration requirements
• November 2022: Carriers removed support for the "Starter" registration type
• March 2023: Carriers began enforcing stricter requirements for registrations
• August 2023: AT&T began charging an additional $0.01/message for unregistered numbers
• January 2024: Enhanced trust score algorithms implemented
• June 2024: Carrier AI-based filtering systems deployed
• October 2024: Campaign re-verification requirements introduced
• February 1, 2025: Complete blocking of unregistered traffic implemented
• April 2025: New FCC consent revocation rules took effect
• September 2025: Texas SB 140 expanded TCPA-style violations
• October 2025: Terms of Service and Privacy Policy URLs required on opt-in forms
• January 1, 2026: Virginia SB 1339 requires 10-year opt-out retention

Trust Scores: The Foundation of 10DLC Success

Trust Score is a numerical rating (0–100) assigned to a registered Brand during the A2P 10DLC registration process with The Campaign Registry (TCR). This score is arguably the most critical factor determining your messaging success.

How Trust Scores Are Calculated

TCR utilizes third-party vetting partners—primarily Aegis Mobile and WMC Global—to cross-reference the data you submit against public records, state registries, and IRS databases. The algorithm evaluates:

• Business Verification: EIN accuracy, legal name matching, address verification
• Online Presence: Website quality, domain age, social media presence
• Industry Risk: Business type and historical compliance issues
• Documentation Quality: Completeness and accuracy of registration materials

Trust Score Impact on Performance

A Trust Score of 90 and above is excellent and may result in faster message delivery and lower costs. A Trust Score above 70 is considered good, while a score of 50 or lower is considered poor.

Throughput Limits by Trust Score

When you exceed your limit, your messages will be slowed down or not delivered at all, greatly affecting customer experience.

Improving Your Trust Score

While trust scores are challenging to change once assigned, these factors can help:

• Exact Data Matching: Ensure EIN, business name, and address exactly match IRS records
• Professional Website: Maintain a legitimate business website with proper SSL
• Industry Standing: Avoid high-risk industries or obtain special vetting
• Campaign Compliance: Maintain clean messaging practices and handle opt-outs properly

You can appeal TCR's decision by submitting a request for additional review. This appeal entails a one-time fee of $40 USD. However, there is no guarantee that your Trust Score will increase.

2026 Compliance Requirements and Legal Framework

The regulatory environment has become significantly more complex with federal and state-level changes.

Federal Requirements

FCC Consent Revocation Rules

The FCC's updated TCPA consent revocation rules, which took effect in April 2025, introduced important changes. Patients can now revoke consent through any reasonable method, including replying STOP, calling the provider, or submitting a written request. Organizations must process revocation requests within no more than 10 business days.

AI Voice Classification

In February 2024, the FCC classified AI-generated voices as "artificial or prerecorded" under TCPA. Every AI voice campaign now carries full exposure.

One-to-One Consent Rule Reversal

In January 2025, the Eleventh Circuit vacated the FCC's one-to-one consent requirement in Insurance Marketing Coalition Limited v. FCC, finding the FCC exceeded its statutory authority. The court also struck down the "logically and topically associated" restriction.

State-Level Mini-TCPA Laws

States are increasingly enacting their own SMS regulations that exceed federal requirements:

Texas SB 140 (Effective September 2025)

Texas SB 140 expands "telephone solicitation" to include texts and ties violations to the Texas DTPA (treble damages possible). This creates additional liability beyond federal TCPA requirements.

Virginia SB 1339 (Effective January 2026)

Virginia requires businesses to honor text opt-outs for a full decade. If you're running outbound campaigns that touch multiple states, you're dealing with a patchwork that gets stricter every legislative session.

Why use 10-digit long codes for your SMS marketing?

Using a long code for your SMS marketing is substantially more affordable than using a short code.

Low-cost option

When compared to short codes, 10DLCs are far more affordable for small businesses. They typically cost only a few dollars per month. Granted, if you have the budget to use both short codes and 10DLCs, definitely do, since they both serve different purposes and have different benefits.

Local phone number recognition

10DLC enables businesses to reach customers individually or in mass with a local phone number. This vastly improves user experience and customer engagement as a result. Think about your own experience as a consumer. Are you more trusting of a local number being used by a nearby restaurant?

Both text and voice-enabled

10DLCs support voice, which means customers can send and receive text messages on the same number they call you on. Again, this contributes to a better, less confusing, and more seamless user experience. The better the experience, the better your results.

Higher messaging volume (but not the highest)

10DLC numbers feature a higher messaging volume than traditional long codes and toll-free numbers for about the same cost. They can't compare to the volume that short codes feature, but depending on your SMS text messaging goals, that might not matter to your business.

Complete 2026 Registration Guide

DailyStory makes the 10DLC registration process easy and guided within your account. You only need to register once, and we handle carrier coordination for you.

Step 1: Prepare your business information

Before starting your application, gather the following:

• EIN or Corporation Number (must match legal business name)
• Company address and contact info
• Website URL (must not contain restricted content)
• Privacy Policy URL (required as of October 2025)
• SMS Terms of Service URL (required as of October 2025)
• Professional email address (no Gmail, Yahoo, or free domains)
• Sample messages (up to 4 examples)
• Opt-in consent documentation

Navigate to Account Settings > Important URLs to add your Terms of Service and Privacy Policy links.

Critical Data Accuracy Requirements

Discrepancies in the data you provided during your A2P registration, such as an address that differs from the one associated with your official business registration number (e.g., EIN), can significantly impact your trust score.

Step 2: Submit your 10DLC application in DailyStory

Go to Account Settings > SMS Marketing 10DLC and complete all required form fields.

2026 Fee Structure

• Brand Registration: $4 one-time fee
• Campaign Vetting: $100 one-time fee
• Monthly Campaign Fee: $20/month ongoing
• Trust Score Appeal: $40 (if needed)

Please keep in mind that brand registration fees vary and apply to every application, even if your submission is rejected.

Step 3: Sample text messages

You'll need to provide up to 4 sample SMS messages. Carriers now use AI to match your live messages against registered samples in real-time. Even compliant campaigns can be filtered if traffic patterns raise flags.

Use clean, general examples with placeholders for URLs or names. Avoid real links or sensitive content.

Example:

Advanced Sample Message Guidelines

Format sample text messages to automatically clear carrier audits by correctly implementing brand identification and mandatory STOP instructions.

• Include your brand name in every sample
• Add "Reply STOP to opt out" language
• Use [LINK] or [URL] as placeholders, never real URLs
• Avoid promotional language that might trigger SHAFT filters
• Keep messages under 160 characters when possible

Step 4: Website terms and consent language

You must include SMS marketing opt-in consent on your site. Example language:

"By opting into our SMS campaign, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages at the phone number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Message and data rates may apply."

Include this on your Contact Us page or any form that collects mobile numbers.

Enhanced 2026 Consent Requirements

Beyond basic opt-in language, your website must now demonstrate:

• Clear consent mechanism (checkboxes, not pre-checked)
• Privacy policy link on consent forms
• Terms of service accessible from opt-in pages
• Multi-channel opt-out instructions
• Frequency expectations (e.g., "up to 4 messages per month")

Campaign Types and Use Cases

Your campaign type selection significantly impacts approval speed and throughput. Generic descriptions like "notifications" or "customer updates" still get rejected.

Standard Campaign Types

Special Use Cases

For certain industries, like cannabis, firearms, and payday loans, affiliate marketing cannot be registered. These require special vetting:

• Political Messaging: Requires Campaign Verify vetting token
• Cannabis/CBD: Must use age-gated MMS delivery
• Financial Services: Enhanced documentation required
• Healthcare: HIPAA considerations for patient communications

Registration Statuses and Troubleshooting

After you apply:

• Unverified: Registration failed (usually EIN mismatch or restricted content)
• Verified: Approved—you're cleared to send registered SMS

Campaign vetting by TCR currently takes up to 10 business days, and rejected applications require resubmission with corrected information.

Common Rejection Reasons

Based on 2026 industry data, these are the primary causes of registration failures:

Re-verification Requirements

Campaigns registered in 2023-2024 may need re-verification. Carrier requirements have evolved, and outdated registrations can trigger filtering or rejection.

• Review campaign descriptions for specificity
• Update opt-in collection methods
• Verify website compliance with current standards
• Check sample messages against current AI filtering

Advanced Compliance and Monitoring

Successful 10DLC management requires ongoing attention beyond initial registration.

Message Content Monitoring

Carriers now use AI to match your live messages against registered samples in real-time. Even compliant campaigns can be filtered if traffic patterns raise flags.

Real-Time Compliance Monitoring

• Content Alignment: Ensure live messages match registered samples in tone and purpose
• Volume Pattern Analysis: Monitor sending patterns for consistency
• Opt-out Response Times: Process STOP requests within required timeframes
• Cross-Channel Coordination: Align SMS with email and voice campaigns

Deliverability Optimization

Beyond compliance, focus on metrics that indicate carrier trust:

Sending restricted SMS with DailyStory

If your brand falls under a restricted category (like CBD, alcohol, etc.), DailyStory supports compliant sending. Messages are delivered via MMS with age-gated content access.

Recipients must validate their birthdate before viewing content. This ensures compliance with CTIA and carrier guidelines.

Each message includes your account's logo and requires 4 credits per MMS (about $0.05/message).

Integration with Marketing Automation

DailyStory's 10DLC integration extends beyond basic messaging to support sophisticated marketing automation workflows.

Workflow Integration

• Lead Scoring Integration: Trigger SMS based on lead scores and behaviors
• Multi-Channel Campaigns: Coordinate SMS with email and voice outreach
• Segmentation Support: Send targeted messages to specific customer segments
• A/B Testing: Test message content while maintaining compliance

Analytics and Reporting

DailyStory provides comprehensive 10DLC analytics to help you optimize performance:

• Delivery rates by carrier and time of day
• Trust score impact on message throughput
• Opt-out patterns and reasons
• Compliance alerts and recommendations
• ROI tracking and campaign attribution

Industry Best Practices and Case Studies

Learning from successful 10DLC implementations can accelerate your own success.

High-Performance Campaign Strategies

E-commerce Success Pattern

A DailyStory customer in retail achieved 98% delivery rates and 45% engagement through:

• Segmented messaging based on purchase history
• Personalized product recommendations
• Abandoned cart recovery sequences
• Post-purchase satisfaction surveys

Service Business Model

A healthcare practice using DailyStory's 10DLC achieved exceptional results with:

• Appointment reminders with 24-hour advance notice
• Prescription refill notifications
• Health screening reminders
• Emergency communication protocols

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about 10DLC registration.

2026 Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you're ready for 2026:

• ☐ Verify your brand registration is current and matches IRS records
• ☐ Review and update campaign use-case descriptions (be specific)
• ☐ Ensure opt-in flows have live, accessible URLs
• ☐ Update consent collection mechanisms
• ☐ Audit message content against registered samples
• ☐ Set up 10-year opt-out retention (Virginia requirement)
• ☐ Monitor deliverability and opt-out rates weekly
• ☐ Review state-specific requirements (TX, VA, others)
• ☐ Implement cross-channel opt-out processing
• ☐ Document all consent collection methods

Future Outlook: What's Coming Next

The 10DLC landscape continues evolving rapidly. Key developments to watch:

Anticipated Regulatory Changes

• Enhanced AI Filtering: Carriers expanding real-time content analysis
• Cross-Border Requirements: International messaging compliance frameworks
• Industry-Specific Rules: Specialized requirements for healthcare, finance
• Increased Penalties: Higher fines for repeat violators

Technology Evolution

• RCS integration with 10DLC frameworks
• Enhanced analytics and monitoring tools
• Automated compliance verification
• AI-powered message optimization

Conclusion

10DLC registration is no longer optional—it's the foundation of successful business SMS communication in 2026. It virtually eliminates carrier filtering, protects your organization from devastating TCPA exposure, and guarantees the highest possible throughput for your campaigns.

DailyStory simplifies the complex 10DLC landscape, providing guided registration, ongoing compliance monitoring, and seamless integration with your marketing automation workflows. Our platform handles the technical complexity while you focus on engaging your customers.

The regulatory environment will continue evolving, but businesses that proactively embrace comprehensive compliance will thrive. Start your 10DLC registration today to ensure your SMS marketing remains effective, compliant, and profitable.