Carrier registration overview (A2P 10DLC) for MessageDesk
Carrier registration verifies your business with U.S. carriers so your texts reach your contacts reliably. This page covers what it is, who needs it, and how to get approved fast.Carrier registration basics
What is carrier registration?
A2P 10DLC is how U.S. carriers verify businesses that text from local 10-digit numbers. Registration tells carriers who you are and what you send. This improves deliverability and reduces filtering. If you text from toll-free numbers, you’ll complete Toll-Free Verification (a separate process).Who needs to register?
- Any business texting U.S. recipients from local (10DLC) numbers in MessageDesk.
- Toll-free numbers require toll-free verification per number.
Businesses or organizations texting only within Canada (never sending to U.S.-based numbers) are currently exempt from carrier registration.
How long does carrier registration take?
- Businesses with an EIN: typically 5 to 7 business days.
- Toll-Free Verification: typically 2 to 3 weeks.
Timelines vary if carriers can’t verify your information on the first pass.
Choose your carrier registration path
1. Business/Organization (I have an EIN)
- Requirements: legal business name, EIN (you can provide this via email), business address, and website or public listing.
- Coverage: all local 10-digit numbers in your workspace.
- Fees: none. We bundle small ongoing carrier fees into your subscription price.
2. Toll-free verification
- Applies to: each toll-free number you use.
- Cost: free.
- Timing: about 2 to 3 weeks.
What you’ll need to submit your carrier registration
- Exact legal business details (match tax records, include LLC/Inc suffix if applicable).
- EIN for your registered legal entity.
- Business address (include suite/apt).
- Website or official listing (Facebook, Yelp) that shows your business name and address.
- Messaging use case description (what types of messages you’ll send).
- 3 to 5 sample SMS messages (include “Reply STOP to opt out” at the end of all messages).
- A compliant SMS privacy policy and terms published on your website.
- Consent method (how you collect opt-in: web form, written, verbal, keyword, and so on).
If you’re rejected
Our support team will work with you one-on-one to bring your website and opt-in methods into compliance for carrier registration. Common rejection reasons and quick fixes- Business info mismatch. Match your legal name (with suffix), EIN, and full address to tax records.
- Broken or mismatched website. Use a working URL that shows your correct business name and address.
- Vague samples or use case. Be specific and brand-consistent. Include an opt-out line.
- Missing consent or opt-out. Explain your opt-in flow and include “Reply STOP to opt out.”
- New EIN. If your EIN is brand-new, wait about 30 days and resubmit.
See Carrier registration errors and how to fix them for the full list of errors, rejection reasons, and what each status means.
After approval
Our support team lets you know once your carrier registration is approved. From there, we’ll work with you to configure your phone lines with your MessageDesk workspace.Keep your privacy policy and live site consistent with what you registered.
I’m a sole proprietor. What are my options?
MessageDesk doesn’t currently register sole proprietorships for business texting, with or without an EIN. To register and text from MessageDesk, you’ll need to operate as a registered legal entity. Options:- Form an LLC, Inc, or Corp (services like LegalZoom can set this up in a few business days), then register under the Business (EIN) path above.
- If your business is already incorporated but you’ve been operating informally as a sole prop, gather your EIN and tax docs and register through the standard Business path.
FAQs
Does registration cost money?
No. MessageDesk doesn’t charge extra for registration. Carrier and campaign fees are included in your MessageDesk subscription.Can I register during a free trial?
Yes. Submit and complete registration during your trial so you’re ready to text as soon as you’re approved.Do toll-free numbers need this, too?
Yes. Toll-free has its own verification per number (free). Timing is typically 2 to 3 weeks.What should my sample messages look like?
Short, specific, brand-consistent, and include opt-out in at least one example.Example: “Hi ContactFirstName, this is BusinessName. Your appointment is set for Date at Time with WorkspaceName. Reply YES to confirm or STOP to opt out.”