Short answer
No, the UK has no formal sender ID registry today, and alphanumeric IDs of up to 11 characters are accepted. That is changing: under Ofcom's July 2026 statement, providers must verify business sender IDs under rules that apply to business messaging from 15 July 2027. Expect know-your-customer checks, and a letter of authorisation if your name is protected in the MEF registry.
What are the UK sender ID rules today?
No regulator-run registration is required before sending. Three layers still apply: PECR and the UK GDPR for marketing consent (ICO), Ofcom conditions on providers, and operator policy.
- Alphanumeric sender IDs of up to 11 characters are supported, and numeric long codes too.
- Marketing texts need consent under PECR regulation 22, or the soft opt-in for your own similar products.
- Keep OTPs and alerts on a separate sender from promotions.
What is changing with Ofcom's 2026 rules?
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Business-to-person messaging | Rules apply from 15 July 2027 |
| Person-to-person messaging | Rules apply from 18 January 2027 |
| What providers must do | Verify business sender IDs and keep a policy on protected and generic names |
| What it means for you | More checks: KYC information, proof you may use the name, traffic monitoring |
What is the MEF SenderID Protection Registry?
It is an industry scheme run by the Mobile Ecosystem Forum that checks whether the sender using an ID is authorised by the brand, to reduce impersonation. If your name is protected, your provider will need a letter of authorisation. OmniChannels.ai can prepare and file sender ID paperwork with you; decisions stay with the registry and operators.