We break down all of the steps you need to complete in order to comply with 10DLC, and how Telnyx can help. See Telnyx guidance and requirements.
How to Register for 10DLC and Start Sending Messages
All businesses using Telnyx to send application-to-person (A2P) messages using 10-digit long code (10DLC) numbers in the US must comply with carrier-led rules by registering their traffic for 10DLC.
Telnyx offers a set of tools to make registering for 10DLC simple. Here is an overview of the steps required to keep your business compliant with mobile carriers rules, and avoid penalties and fines.
Note: These steps assume you already have a 10-digit long code phone number that you are using to send A2P messages in the US. If you do not already have a number, you can get started by purchasing one or porting one to Telnyx.
Step 1: Create a Brand
Your Brand is your business identity registered with The Campaign Registry (TCR). It associates your business (via your EIN) with the messages you send.
What you will need:
- Legal company name
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Business website URL
- Business address and phone number
- Entity type (Private, Public, Non-Profit, Government)
How to do it: Follow our detailed guide — How to Create a 10DLC Brand
Cost: $4 one-time brand registration fee (pass-through from TCR)
Sole Proprietor? If you do not have an EIN, you can register as a Sole Proprietor. See our Sole Proprietor Registration Guide.
Want to test first? You can create a mock brand at no cost to test the workflow. See 10DLC Mock Brands and Campaigns.
Step 2: Create a Campaign
Your Campaign describes the type of messages you will send (e.g., 2FA, marketing, alerts, customer care). Each campaign is associated with a brand and a specific use case.
What you will need:
- Use case selection (e.g., 2FA, Marketing, Account Notifications, Customer Care)
- Campaign description (Describe the use case for the campaign and the relation it has to the brand)
- Sample messages (at least 1 per use case; 2 for Marketing)
- Message flow description (how users opt in)
- Opt-in, opt-out, and help keywords and messages
- Terms & Conditions URL and Privacy Policy URL
How to do it: Follow our detailed guide — How to Create a 10DLC Campaign
Cost: Monthly campaign fee varies by use case (typically $10/month for standard, $2/month for Sole Proprietor). See 10DLC Fees and Charges for full breakdown.
Best practices: See 10DLC Campaign Approval Best Practices to ensure your campaign is approved on the first try.
Step 3: Assign Numbers to Your Campaign
Once you see that the campaign is approved (MNO Approved), you need to assign your 10DLC phone numbers to it. Messages sent from numbers not assigned to an approved campaign may be filtered or blocked by carriers.
How to do it: Follow our detailed guide — How to Assign a Number to a Campaign
Timeline: Assignment typically takes about 2 hours but can take up to a few days. Check your assignment status using the 10DLC Number Assignment Status guide.
Important: Keep at least one active number assigned to your campaign at all times. Inactive campaigns (no numbers assigned for 15+ days) may be suspended to avoid T-Mobile dormancy fines. See 10DLC Campaign Suspended.
Step 4: Start Sending Messages
After your numbers show an ASSIGNED status, you are ready to send 10DLC-compliant A2P messages.
Tips for success:
- Monitor your campaign for dormancy to avoid suspension
- Ensure your messages match the use case and sample messages you registered
- Follow CTIA guidelines for consumer consent
- Review 10DLC Campaign Compliance Requirements regularly
- Check 10DLC Carrier Error Codes if you encounter delivery issues
Fee Summary
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
| Brand Registration | $4 | One-time |
| Campaign Vetting | $15 | Per submission |
| Campaign Monthly Recurring Cost | $2-$30 | Monthly (varies by use case) |
| Carrier messaging fees | $0.003-$0.005/SMS | Per message |
See 10DLC Fees and Charges for the complete fee schedule.