Getting Started with A2P 10DLC

If you send business text messages from a US 10-digit local phone number, you will need to complete the A2P 10DLC registration to keep messaging active and deliverable. Use the links throughout this article to access step-by-step setup instructions, best practices and troubleshooting resources!

What is A2

P 10DLC? A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-digit long code) is the US carrier registration that is required for a business to send text messages to customers using standard 10-digit local numbers. Registration ties your messaging activity to a verified Brand (your business identity) and one or more Campaigns (how you plan to message), which helps carriers evaluate trust and reduce spam.

While you submit the details through Accommador, the actual review and approval process is handled by the US phone carriers and their registration partners. Carriers decide whether a Brand or Campaign meet the requirements and if the registration is accepted or rejected.

• Helpful Starting References: What is A2P 10 DLC: Brand and Campaign RegistrationMessage throughput (MPS) and Trust Scores for A2P 10DLC in the USKey Benefits of A2P 10DLC RegistrationImproved Deliverability: Registration helps carriers identify legitimate business messaging and reduce message blocking.
• Higher Trust with Carriers: Verified Brand details and Campaign intent support better carrier confidence.
• More Consistent Sending Performance: Approved registrations can unlock more stable throughput based on trust scoring.
• Reduced Compliance Risk: Following opt-in and content rules lowers the chance of filtering and enforcement.
• Better Customer Experience: Proper consent flows (HELP/STOP expectations and clear disclosures) create fewer complaints.

A2P 10DLC Registration OverviewA2P 10DLC registration is built around two required pieces: Brands and Campaigns. Your Brand verifies who the business is, and your Campaign explains what type of messages that business will send. Carriers generally require both an approved Brand and an approved Campaign before messaging from a US 10-digit local number can be fully supported.

BrandsA Brand is the verified business identity behind your messaging. Carriers use Brand details to confirm that a real, legitimate business is responsible for the messages being sent. For more information on brand registration, see: A2P 10DLC Brand Approval Best PracticesTypes of Brands (Standard vs Sole Proprietor)A2P 10DLC registration has different Brand registration paths depending on your business type.

Selecting the correct path upfront helps avoid delays and rejections. In most cases, you’ll register as one of these two options: Standard Brand: Used for registered businesses who have an EIN (for example, LLC, corporation, or other formally registered entities). To learn more, see: A2P - Standard Brand Registration for 10DLCSole Proprietor Brand: Used when the business is not formally registered as a separate legal entity.

To learn more, see: A2P - Sole Proprietor Brand Registration for 10DLCCampaignsCampaign registration connects your approved Brand to a specific messaging purpose. Carriers review the Campaign details to understand what type of messages you plan to send (for example, appointment reminders, account notifications, or marketing) and whether your opt-in language and sample messages align with that purpose.

For more information on campaign registration, see: A2P Campaign Registration: Step by Step Guide and FAQsA2P Opt-In Form - Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions GuidelinesA2P 10DLC Campaign Approval Best PracticesA2P 10DLC Campaign Vetting FAQCampaign Use CasesUse cases describe the type of messaging a Campaign will send. Selecting the correct use case matters because carriers approve (or reject) Campaigns based on whether your messaging content, opt-in flow, and stated intent match the use case requirements.

Carriers and messaging providers restrict certain content categories, even if your Brand and Campaign are approved. Avoiding forbidden content reduces the risk of filtering, account enforcement, and deliverability problems. For more information on campaign use cases, see: A2P 10DLC Campaign Use CasesForbidden message categories for SMS and MMS in the US and CanadaFees and CostsA2P 10DLC includes fees for registration and for sending messages.

Planning for both the submission fees and ongoing carrier-related charges helps avoid surprises once your numbers in use.

• Registration Fees: Brand and Campaign submissions include fees during the application process.
• No Resubmission Fee: If a Brand or Campaign is rejected and you need to correct and resubmit, there is not an additional resubmission fee.

For more information on pricing, see: A2P 10DLC Messaging Fees: Registration, Monthly, and Carrier CostsFrequently Asked QuestionsQ: Do Toll-free numbers require A2P 10DLC registration? A2P 10DLC registration is required for standard 10-digit local phone numbers. Toll-free numbers (like 1-800) do not require A2P 10DLC registration. Q: Does Accommador approve or reject my Brand/Campaign?

No. You submit through Accommador, but US carriers and their registration partners review and make the approval decision. Q: Is there a fee to resubmit after a rejection? No.

If you need to resubmit a Brand or Campaign after a rejection, there is not an additional resubmission fee. Q: What’s the difference between a Brand and a Campaign? A Brand identifies the business sending messages. A Campaign describes the purpose and content type of the messages the Brand will send.