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Get an SMS Number and Register (10DLC / Toll-Free)

Before you can send a single text, US carriers require that your sending number be provisioned and registered. This is a compliance step, not a formality: unregistered traffic is heavily throttled or blocked outright. This page walks you through choosing a number type, submitting registration, and confirming approval so your first Broadcast can reach subscribers.

Before you begin​

  • Confirm SMS is enabled on your account and that you have permission to manage sending numbers. (Confirm the exact steps in your account.)
  • Gather your organization's legal business details: legal name, address, EIN/tax ID, website, and a support contact.
  • Decide on a number type: a 10DLC long code (best for ongoing marketing and application-to-person messaging at volume) or a toll-free number (faster to stand up, good for lower volume or transactional alerts).
  • Prepare 1-3 example messages and describe your use case (opt-in method, message frequency, and content). Carriers review these.

Steps​

  1. Open the SMS numbers area of your account and start a new number request. (Confirm the exact steps in your account.)
  2. Choose your number type: 10DLC or toll-free.
  3. For 10DLC, register your brand (your business identity) first, then create a campaign (your use case, sample messages, and opt-in details). For toll-free, submit the verification form with the same use-case and opt-in information.
  4. Provide accurate opt-in evidence — a screenshot or description of your signup form or keyword flow. Vague or missing opt-in is the top cause of rejection.
  5. Submit and note the reference or status shown. Registration review is handled by carriers and can take from hours (toll-free) to a couple of weeks (10DLC).

Result​

Your number shows an approved / verified / registered status and becomes selectable as the sending number when you build an SMS Broadcast. If it is rejected, the status will note the reason (often opt-in wording or business details) — correct it and resubmit.

Canonical terms: Author, Edition, Folder (Project Folder), Broadcast. See the Glossary.