A2P 10DLC Registration in 2025

A2P 10DLC might sound like technical jargon, but in 2025, it’s an essential piece of doing business if you’re using text messages to reach your audience in the U.S.

It’s no longer enough to just “have a number” and send messages. U.S. carriers require that your phone number, your business, and even your messaging intent are registered, reviewed, and approved. This shift is designed to reduce spam, improve deliverability, and make business messaging more secure for everyone.

What This Article Covers

A2P 10DLC is mandatory for all business-related texts sent to U.S. phone numbers.
Carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile now block all unregistered traffic.
Your business must undergo brand and campaign vetting before approval.
Fees apply for brand registration, campaign vetting, and carrier delivery.
The process includes opt-in verification, message examples, and more.
Sole proprietors now need to submit a selfie and government-issued ID.

What is A2P 10DLC

Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code (A2P 10DLC) is a special type of phone number setup designed for businesses that want to send SMS or MMS to U.S.-based customers.

Unlike personal-to-person (P2P) texting, A2P 10DLC is regulated. It offers:

Improved message throughput
Better deliverability
Protection against blacklisting
Transparency for carriers and recipients

Before A2P was introduced, businesses often used shared shortcodes or unregistered numbers, both of which became notorious for spam. A2P 10DLC addresses this issue by requiring registration and approval from the Campaign Registry (TCR).

Why A2P 10DLC is Required in 2025

Carrier spam filters are stricter than ever in 2025. The rise of scams, phishing texts, and political spam led to a unified response from U.S. telecoms: no registration, no delivery.

With the new system:

Spam is blocked at the carrier level
Businesses are identified before sending
Consumers feel safer with trusted senders

This system also ensures legal compliance with regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and CAN-SPAM laws for SMS.

Who Needs to Register for A2P 10DLC

If your business uses a U.S. phone number to:

Send marketing campaigns
Share appointment reminders
Confirm orders or payments
Offer support via SMS
Collect feedback or reviews
…then you need A2P 10DLC.
This applies to:
Coaches and consultants
Digital marketers and agencies
Health clinics and salons
SaaS platforms
Event organizers
Real estate agents

Whether you’re sending 10 or 10,000 messages per month, registration is required.

Understanding Brand and Campaign Vetting

Before you’re approved to send messages, two key things must happen:

1. Brand Vetting

This validates your business identity using EIN (Employer Identification Number) or a government ID. It checks for:

Valid U.S. business registration
Matching legal name and address
Business website for legitimacy

2. Campaign Vetting

Campaigns are not just “types of messages.” They are detailed declarations of what kind of messages you’ll send and how recipients opt in. This includes:

Use case: marketing, appointment, 2FA, etc.
Opt-in process: how people consent to receive messages
Opt-out language: e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”
Sample messages

If your campaign doesn’t match your real use, it will be rejected.

How to Choose the Right Registration Path

Sole Proprietor

Best for: freelancers, solopreneurs

No EIN required
One phone number only
3,000 messages/day
Requires ID + selfie verification
Great for one-person businesses

Low-Volume Standard

Best for: small businesses with EIN

One or more numbers
Up to 6,000 messages/day
Includes brand and campaign vetting
Ideal for appointment reminders, alerts

High-Volume Standard

Best for: agencies, SaaS, and franchises

Supports 600,000+ messages/day
Multiple phone numbers and campaigns
Requires detailed campaign documentation
Higher vetting standards
Built for scaling outreach

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Go to Trust Center

In your GoHighLevel account, navigate to:
Settings → Phone Numbers → Trust Center

2. Start Registration

Click “Start Registering Now”
Select “No, the business does not have an EIN”

3. Enter Business Info

Use your name or business name (no “LLC,” “Inc,” etc.)
Enter a U.S. or Canada physical address (P.O. Box OK)
Add a personal mobile number (not a VoIP or Twilio number)

4. Describe Use Case

Briefly explain how you’ll use texting (e.g., “appointment reminders”)
Acknowledge the message limits and fees

5. Add Campaign Details

Choose “Sole Proprietor” campaign type
Enter 2 sample messages with opt-out language like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”

6. Confirm Opt-In Method

Explain how contacts give permission to receive texts
Include a sample opt-in confirmation message

7. Verify Identity

You’ll receive an OTP to your personal number
Submit a live selfie and a valid government ID

8. Wait for Approval

Campaigns are typically reviewed within 1–3 business days

New in 2025 Selfie ID Verification for Compliance

Sole Proprietors are now required to go through identity verification, which includes:

Uploading a photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
Taking a selfie to confirm facial match

This helps prevent fraudulent registrations and increases trust for carriers and customers.

Breakdown of A2P 10DLC Tiers and Limits

Tier	Daily Limit	Use Case Examples
Sole Prop	3,000 msgs/day	Personal coaching, single-shop owners
Low-Volume Standard	5,000–6,000/day	Clinics, salons, local businesses
High-Volume Standard	600,000+/day	E-commerce, enterprise, agencies

If you’re scaling, it’s recommended to start with Low-Volume and upgrade as needed.

Updated Carrier Fees and Charges

These are per-message carrier fees as of 2025:

Carrier	SMS Fee	MMS Fee
AT&T	$0.002	$0.01
T-Mobile	$0.003	$0.01
Verizon	$0.0025	$0.01

Also:

$15 vetting fee per campaign
$3 optional fast-track vetting
$23.95–$68.05 total for brand + campaign setup

How to Fast-Track Your Campaign Approval

Need your campaign approved quickly? Use the $3 fast-track option. This gets you vetted in 1–3 business days, compared to 3–4 weeks with regular processing.

Recommended for:

Launches and holiday promotions
Agencies onboarding new clients
Urgent SMS marketing efforts

Start your A2P 10DLC registration today and protect your business texts from getting blocked. Don’t wait—secure your messaging and build trust with every message you send.

Tips for Writing a Successful A2P Campaign Application

Keep your campaign purpose clear
Use actual SMS templates with opt-out language
Ensure your website and opt-in forms are live
Avoid vague answers like “SMS marketing”
Include your company name in your messages

Avoiding Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

Missing STOP/HELP in message samples
Generic opt-in process descriptions
Mismatch between brand and URL
No privacy policy or unclear consent flow

Examples of Use Cases That Need A2P 10DLC

Use Case	Examples
Marketing	Promotions, sales, coupons, flash deals
Appointment	Confirmations, reschedules, reminders
2FA/OTP	Login codes, password resets
Customer Support	Reply tracking, ticket updates
Alerts	Service outages, time-sensitive notices

Choosing the Right Messaging Strategy for Your Business

Start small, test what works, and scale thoughtfully. Use A/B testing for message timing and format. Always offer value—don’t just promote, engage.

Match your campaign type to your audience behavior:

Appointment-heavy industries → transactional messaging
Product-based → promotional sequences
Coaches → weekly value-driven tips

What Happens If You Don’t Register in 2025

All messages blocked by carriers
Increased risk of being labeled spam
Higher SMS costs
Lost revenue and credibility
Possible legal issues under U.S. texting laws

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same number across campaigns?

No. Each number must be tied to one campaign only.

Can I use the same number across campaigns?

Yes, but A2P rules apply only to SMS/MMS via 10-digit U.S. numbers.

What’s the turnaround time?

1–3 days for fast-track; up to 30 days otherwise.

Is there an alternative?

You can consider Toll-Free SMS, but it comes with other limits like slower delivery and no MMS.

Can I assign one assistant to multiple phone numbers?

Yes, assistants can be linked with multiple numbers. This is useful if you want the same voice/agent to handle different campaigns or business lines.

Conclusion

If your business relies on SMS, then A2P 10DLC isn’t a technical option—it’s a legal necessity. The good news? Once you’re registered, you’re set up for long-term success with higher trust, fewer delivery issues, and scalable communication.

Platforms like GoHighLevel streamline the entire process—guiding you through brand registration, vetting, and ongoing compliance.

Don’t wait until your messages get blocked. Start your registration today and future-proof your business communication.

🚀CLAIM YOUR 14-DAY GHL FREE TRIAL

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