---
title: "What is 10DLC and do I need it?"
description: "10DLC is the US registration scheme for business texts sent from 10-digit local numbers. Who needs it, how brand and campaign registration works and lead time."
canonical: "https://omnichannels.ai/answers/what-is-10dlc/"
language: "en"
updated: "2026-11-06"
publisher: "BroadNet Technologies"
brand: "OmniChannels.ai"
---

# What is 10DLC and do I need it?

Canonical: https://omnichannels.ai/answers/what-is-10dlc/
Language: en
Publisher: OmniChannels.ai by BroadNet Technologies

**Short answer:** 10DLC is the US registration process for application-to-person texts sent from standard 10-digit local numbers. You need it if you send business SMS to US recipients from such numbers. You register your business as a brand with The Campaign Registry, then register each campaign with its use case, samples and opt-in flow. Unregistered traffic risks filtering or blocking.

## Who does what?

| Party | Role |
|---|---|
| You | Provide accurate details, campaign description, samples and opt-in proof |
| Campaign Service Provider | Registers brand and campaign, relays rejection reasons |
| The Campaign Registry | Stores data and verifies brand identity |
| Mobile network operators | Review special use cases and set traffic limits |

## What are the registration steps?

Our regulation data lists a typical lead time of 7 to 14 business days. Approval and throughput are decided by carriers, so never promise a launch date.

1. Register the brand with your legal name, tax ID and website.
2. Optionally have the brand vetted, which can affect throughput.
3. Register the campaign with its use case, description, sample messages and opt-in flow.
4. Attach your 10-digit numbers to the approved campaign.

## What alternatives exist?

- Toll-free numbers, which need text enablement and a provider verification step.
- Short codes, which are leased and approved by carriers for high volume.
- The US does not accept alphanumeric sender IDs for business SMS.

## Official sources

- [The Campaign Registry: resources and CSP guide](https://www.campaignregistry.com/resources/)
- [CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices (May 2023)](https://api.ctia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230523-CTIA-Messaging-Principles-and-Best-Practices-FINAL.pdf)
- [47 CFR 64.1200, Delivery restrictions (TCPA rules), eCFR](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-64/subpart-L/section-64.1200)

## Related questions

- https://omnichannels.ai/answers/short-code-vs-long-code/
- https://omnichannels.ai/answers/alphanumeric-sender-id-usa/
- https://omnichannels.ai/answers/sms-opt-out-requirements/
- https://omnichannels.ai/answers/transactional-vs-promotional-sms/

Updated: 2026-11-06