10DLC for Small Business: Common Questions and Terms Explained

As a business owner, you may already use short code or long code numbers to text message customers, but things have changed: 10DLC is the new system. Consumers might miss the industry-wide changes, but the process for incorporating 10DLC impacts how U.S. businesses will contact their customers via text messaging and SMS campaigns.

This article will discuss the new 10DLC system and how it changes the way companies approach SMS marketing and texting.

What Is 10DLC?

10DLC stands for 10-digit long code, which are local long-code phone numbers for business texting campaigns. To use the new system, companies must register a 10DLC local number with The Campaign Registry, the central campaign database, and have a mobile network operator (MNO) approve their messages.¹

In addition to registering, every U.S. wireless carrier has different requirements regarding price and volume limits for 10DLC texting. However, the 10DLC system is beneficial: The numbers can support large-scale texting campaigns. Plus, it allows businesses to connect with each customer more reliably—text messages have a 98% open rate, much higher than email.²

What Is A2P 10DLC?

A2P stands for Application-to-Person, a method that businesses use to text-message customers directly. A2P 10DLC is the new U.S.-wide system and standard for companies to communicate with customers via SMS or MMS messages.

Carriers now require businesses to register their messaging traffic as A2P, even if they’re sending messages from local long-code numbers. If your business hasn’t been registered yet, your messages may be filtered or blocked altogether.

What Is 10DLC Messaging?

10DLC messaging is a mandatory change affecting businesses using SMS messaging to communicate with customers. The system requires companies to use 10-digit long code text messaging. In the past, using local long-code texting was discouraged. Instead, companies used shared short codes, which are very expensive.

The new 10DLC number change will make the business text messaging experience better for customers, as it protects them from receiving spam or unwanted messages. In addition, the switch to 10DLC allows for higher messaging throughput than traditional long-code numbers and improves deliverability.³

Who Is 10DLC Applicable To?

10DLC is mandatory for certain businesses.⁶ If your company sends long-code A2P messaging, you must switch to 10DLC messaging.   Each brand will need individual registration, which means businesses may not group together similar campaigns in one registration.⁷

In addition to businesses that send A2P messaging, Independent Service Vendors and resellers with end-users who are separate business entities must comply with the new 10DLC system.¹⁰

Do I Need to Register My Business for 10DLC?

Yes. Businesses using text messaging for customer communication must register their 10DLC numbers. The registration process ensures that your messages comply with carrier regulations and are delivered reliably.⁹

If you’re a Weave customer, you can complete your registration directly through the Weave interface. We handle the process for you, making it easy to stay compliant without interacting with The Campaign Registry (TCR).

If you’re not a Weave customer, you’ll need to have your campaign service provider (CSP) register your business and campaigns through TCR directly to ensure your text messages are delivered without issue. 

What Happens If I Don’t Register?

Right now, unregistered messaging is subject to heavy filtering.10 Soon, carriers will block unregistered messages entirely.

To ensure your texts reach your customers, it’s critical to register your business number and use case through Weave’s registration process.

10DLC Regulations and 10DLC Compliance

Your business must follow regulations to remain compliant with the 10DLC system. The FCC and mobile carriers phased out the old method for texting consumers in 2021, so most businesses have already migrated to the new long-code text messaging system.¹¹

While short codes are still in use, particularly for large-scale SMS campaigns by major brands, they are more limited and costly to maintain.

The rules around 10DLC are continuously evolving as carriers aim to protect consumers from spam and ensure a better messaging experience.

To stay compliant:

• Register your business number and use case through the Weave interface.
• Follow carrier guidelines for message content. Avoid spammy language and include opt-out instructions when appropriate.
• Keep your use case up to date. If you change how you use text messaging, update your registration accordingly.

A quick briefing on 10DLC Registration

Your business must first complete the registration process with The Campaign Registry to send A2P SMS messages. Your campaign service provider (CSP) is responsible for registering each business as a seperate entity in The Campaign Registry (TCR). Once registration is completed, you can officially message your customer base using the new 10DLC system.

You may be subject to penalties if you don’t register and then continue texting your customer base, including higher filtering and spam flagging.¹² Plus, your carrier may levy additional fines for unregistered 10DLC message traffic, which can add up quickly if you send messages in large-scale volume.¹³

How much does 10DLC registration cost?

Fees are determined by the MNOs and their partners. Weave includes a Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee on your service charges to defray and recover certain direct and indirect costs associated with 10DLC messaging, and other regulatory programs such as E911, STIR/SHAKEN, local number portability, among other items.

Conclusion

As carriers tighten their regulations, registration requirements will likely continue to evolve. Staying compliant is essential to ensure your business text messages are delivered without issues.

Weave is committed to keeping you informed and helping you navigate these changes. By following the simple steps in your Weave interface, you can keep your business messaging compliant and effective.

Ready to Get Started?

If you haven’t registered your 10DLC number yet as a Weave customer, head to your Weave interface to complete the process. If you need assistance, our support team is always here to help.

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This article was last updated January 15, 2025.