What is 10DLC and why is it required?

10DLC is the U.S. carrier-approved system for business SMS over 10-digit numbers. It improves trust, deliverability, and reduces spam. Unregistered traffic is often blocked or filtered.

What happens if I send SMS without 10DLC registration?

Unregistered SMS may be blocked, filtered, or incur higher fees. Carriers can also lower your sender reputation, reducing future deliverability.

What do AT&T and T-Mobile require for 10DLC?

AT&T enforces a Code of Conduct, while T-Mobile requires all business SMS to use sanctioned routes. Both carriers require registration, opt-in/opt-out compliance, and content rules.

What do I need to register for 10DLC?

You must provide your business name, EIN/Tax ID, website, campaign details, sample messages, and opt-in/opt-out policies. The Campaign Registry vets all submissions.

How long does 10DLC registration take?

Most registrations finish in a few days, but delays can occur if information is missing or mismatched.

How do throughput limits and trust work?

Carriers assign message throughput based on your campaign use case and trust score. Higher trust means higher send rates, while violations may reduce or block delivery.

10DLC Message Compliance Checker

Use this free online 10DLC compliance checker to test your SMS campaigns before sending.

Our validator scans for restricted categories, SHAFT content, phishing risks and other 10DLC compliance issues that may trigger carrier filtering. Quickly validate your text messages, avoid penalties and ensure your campaigns reach customers without being blocked.

Enter your SMS message to check for 10DLC compliance:

Tip: Identify your brand early and include a clear opt-out when appropriate.

Verification:

5 + 3 =

Solve to verify you're human

Analyzing message...

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

✅ Compliant Promo (Cautious)

ExampleCo: Weekend offer — save 15% with SAVE15 through Sunday. Details: exampleco.example/sale. Reply STOP to opt out.

Clear brand + soft CTA + opt-out.

✅ Appointment Reminder

ExampleCo Dental: Reminder for 10/04 at 2:30 PM with Dr. Lin. Reply C to confirm or R to reschedule. STOP to opt out.

Utility content with concise actions.

✅ Order Update

ExampleCo: Order #48217 shipped! Track: https://exampleco.example/track/48217. Questions? Reply HELP. STOP to opt out.

Transactional message with help/opt-out.

✅ 2FA / OTP

ExampleCo: Your code is 593814. Don’t share this code. If you didn’t request it, reply STOP.

Security-focused and minimal.

❌ Risky Copy (Avoid)

ACT NOW!!! Get RICH quick 💰 click here for FREE MONEY → bit.ly/xyz

Aggressive claims & link shorteners will be filtered.

❌ Risky Copy (Sensitive Info)

ExampleCo: Please send your SSN and bank account details to verify your prize claim.

Never request personal identifiers (SSN, bank details, passwords) by SMS — violates 10DLC & privacy rules.

Real-Time Examples & Templates

New Subscriber Welcome

ExampleCo: Thanks for subscribing! Expect 1–2 msgs/week about product tips & offers. STOP to end, HELP for help.

Event Reminder

ExampleCo: Your webinar “SMS Deliverability 101” starts in 1 hour. Join: exampleco.example/join. Reply STOP to opt out.

Service Notice

ExampleCo Support: We’ve updated your ticket #7342. View: exampleco.example/t/7342. Reply HELP for assistance. STOP to opt out.

Copy any block above and paste it into the checker to test and tailor for your use case.

🔍 10DLC Compliance Guidelines

Consent basis: Message only opted-in recipients; keep records (CTIA).
Branding: Identify your business early in the message.
Opt-out: Provide a clear opt-out path when requested (e.g., “Reply STOP”).
Content matching: Align content with what users consented to receive.
Professional tone: Avoid profanity or pushy sales copy.
Anti-abuse: Avoid snowshoeing, spoofing, and number rotation.

🚫 Restricted Content Categories

High-risk Financial: Payday loans, crypto, debt collection.
Get Rich Quick: Work-from-home schemes, MLM, gambling, sweepstakes.
Third-party Services: Services not directly provided by your brand.
Controlled Substances: Tobacco, vaping, cannabis/CBD, illegal drugs.
SHAFT Content: Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, Profanity.
Scams & Misleading Claims: Phishing, “verify account,” “risk-free,” “expires today.”