What is 10DLC?
Last reviewed by Moderation API
10DLC stands for 10-digit long code: a normal US phone number, such as 415 555 0134, used to send business text messages. US carriers built the 10DLC system so that application-to-person (A2P) traffic on these numbers is registered, vetted and traceable.
How registration works
A business that texts from a 10DLC number is registered twice with The Campaign Registry (TCR). First the brand: the legal entity, its tax ID and its website. Then each campaign: the use case (for example customer care or marketing), a description, sample messages, how people opt in, and whether messages will contain links, phone numbers or age-gated content.
Most businesses do not register themselves. A campaign service provider (CSP), usually the messaging platform they use, submits the brand and campaign for them. A direct connect aggregator (DCA) then reviews the campaign and carries its traffic to the carriers.
Why it matters
Carriers filter or block unregistered traffic on 10DLC numbers. Registered campaigns get better delivery, but approval is not the end. Carriers and DCAs keep checking live traffic against what was registered. Messages that drift from the approved use case, or that carry SHAFT content or phishing, can lead to fines and suspended campaigns.
10DLC, short codes and toll-free numbers
Short codes (5 or 6 digits) suit very high volumes but take longer and cost more to set up. Toll-free numbers have their own verification process. 10DLC is the default for most businesses: local numbers, moderate throughput, and registration through a CSP.
Moderation API’s 10DLC compliance add-on checks every message against the campaign it was sent under.
