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A2P 10DLC is the US carrier standard for business software that sends texts from regular 10-digit phone numbers. A2P means application-to-person, and 10DLC means 10-digit long code. If your AI front desk texts customers from a local number, this standard likely applies to you.
This article is part of our AI Front Desk guide. Twilio is the worked example because its documentation is public, and other providers have their own process and fees. Everything below was checked against the linked pages on 9 November 2026.
Key Takeaways
- A2P 10DLC is how US carriers verify business text traffic sent from regular local numbers.
- Twilio says anyone sending application texts over a 10DLC number to the US must register.
- You register through a messaging provider, because The Campaign Registry does not accept direct registration from brands.
- Registration has two parts: a Brand that says who you are and a Campaign that says what you send.
- Twilio's two published fee pages list different amounts, so confirm the current fees when you register.
What the term means
Twilio's A2P 10DLC documentation calls it the standard US carriers put in place so long code texts to US users are verified and consensual. "Application-to-person" means software is sending the text, not a person typing on a phone.
The standard covers texts and picture messages sent over 10-digit numbers. Twilio says toll-free numbers and short codes are not part of A2P 10DLC, and they can also message US users.
Who has to register
Twilio's rule is broad. Its documentation says: "Anyone sending SMS/MMS messages over a 10DLC number from an application to the US must register for A2P 10DLC."
The same page says this includes individuals and hobbyists. An AI receptionist that texts a caller from a local number is software sending the message, so plan on registering.
Twilio also explains the consequence. It says customers who send from a Twilio 10DLC number without registering will receive additional carrier fees. It also says registering results in lower message filtering and higher messaging throughput.
Who runs the registry
The Campaign Registry, known as TCR, is the registry for 10DLC brands and campaigns. TCR's website says: "Currently, direct registration with TCR is not available for Brands."
That means you go through a campaign service provider, or CSP. That can be the texting platform you already use, or a provider it works with. TCR says brands and CSPs are verified before they can send messages.
The two parts of registration
Twilio splits registration into two parts:
- Brand. Information about who is sending the messages, so carriers can verify you.
- Campaign. A description of your use case and how people opt in, opt out and get help.
Our A2P 10DLC registration checklist lists what to prepare for each part.
Brand types and their limits
Twilio offers three main registration types. A segment is a unit of message volume, and these limits are per day.
| Type | Tax ID | Campaigns | Daily limit to T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietor | No Tax ID | One | Up to 1,000 segments, about 3,000 across US carriers |
| Low-Volume Standard | US EIN or similar required | Up to five | Up to 2,000 segments, about 6,000 across US carriers |
| Standard | US EIN or similar required | Up to five | From 2,000 segments up to unlimited, depending on your Trust Score |
These limits have exceptions. Twilio says Russell 3000 companies registering as Low-Volume Standard can send 200,000 segments a day to T-Mobile. A brand can also ask for more than five campaigns with a valid business reason.
Sole Proprietor registration is for US and Canadian senders without a Tax ID. Twilio's Sole Proprietor overview says: "Sole Proprietor Campaigns can only have one 10DLC phone number attached to them."
What it costs on Twilio
Twilio's pages disagree, and this matters for your budget. The figures below were read on 9 November 2026.
| Item | Twilio brand docs (updated 25 Sep 2026) | Twilio 10DLC marketing page |
|---|---|---|
| Standard brand | $4.50 TCR fee plus $41.50 vetting | $44 one-time |
| Low-Volume Standard brand | $4.50 TCR fee | $4 one-time |
| Sole Proprietor brand | $4.50 TCR fee | $4 one-time |
| Campaign vetting | Not a brand fee | $15 per campaign, one-time |
| Campaign monthly fee | Not a brand fee | $1.50 to $10 per campaign, or $2 for Sole Proprietor |
The brand docs page also lists an $11 appeal for Standard Brand vetting rejections. Authentication Plus is $12.50 per request and applies only to public, for-profit brands. Confirm the fees shown at signup, because those are the ones you will pay.
Registration does not replace consent
Registering tells carriers who you are. It doesn't give you permission to text anyone.
Twilio's Messaging Policy, last updated 13 April 2026, requires prior express consent for informational messages. It requires prior express written consent for promotional ones. If someone texts you first, you may reply in that exchange, but that doesn't cover ongoing recurring messages.
A phone call is not the same as a text, so a missed-call text-back needs its own consent review. Federal consent-revocation rules are also changing, as covered in our article on the November 2026 TCPA revocation rule. This article is general information, not legal advice.
How long it takes
Twilio's registration quickstart gives these timelines:
- "TCR typically approves brands within a few minutes of submission."
- "Campaign reviews take up to 5 business days for standard use cases."
- "If your campaign is still in progress after 10 days, reach out to Support."
The marketing page adds that there isn't an exact timeline, since approval involves carriers, Twilio and outside vetting partners. Build that uncertainty into your launch date.
What to do next
Find out whether your AI front desk sends texts, and from what kind of number. Then ask your provider who registers the Brand and Campaign, and who holds the opt-in records.
If you would like help working through a texting setup, contact our team.
Frequently asked questions
Is A2P 10DLC required?
Twilio says anyone sending application texts over a 10DLC number to the US must register. Toll-free numbers and short codes are separate channels with their own processes. Check your own provider's terms if you don't use Twilio.
What happens if I don't register?
On Twilio, unregistered senders receive additional carrier fees. Twilio also says registered traffic gets lower message filtering and higher throughput. Other providers may handle unregistered traffic differently.
Can I register directly with The Campaign Registry?
No. TCR says direct registration is not available for brands. You register through a campaign service provider, which can be your texting platform.
Do sole proprietors need to register?
Yes, on Twilio's rules. Sole Proprietor registration exists for senders in the US and Canada who have no business Tax ID. It is limited to one campaign and one phone number.
Does registration mean my texts are legal?
No. Registration verifies you with carriers. Consent, opt-out and state rules are separate, and an attorney can review those for your business.
