> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.messagedesk.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Carrier Registration Overview

> Understand A2P 10DLC and toll-free carrier registration in MessageDesk. Why it's required, who must register, what it costs, and how to get approved fast.

# Carrier registration overview (A2P 10DLC) for MessageDesk

Get your business verified so your texts reach your contacts reliably. This guide covers what carrier registration 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**, which improves deliverability and reduces filtering. If you text from **toll-free numbers**, you'll complete **Toll-Free Verification** (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.

<Warning>
  **Sole proprietorships aren't supported.** MessageDesk doesn't currently register sole proprietorships for business texting. To register, your business needs to be a registered legal entity (LLC, Inc, Corp, non-profit, government, and so on) with an **EIN**. If you operate as a sole proprietor, form an LLC or other entity (LegalZoom and similar services make this fast) and re-apply once you have your EIN. Contact [support](/contact-us) with questions about your specific situation.
</Warning>

<Note>
  Businesses or organizations texting only within Canada (never sending to U.S.-based numbers) are currently **exempt** from carrier registration.
</Note>

### How long does carrier registration take?

* **Business with an EIN:** typically **5–7 business days**.
* **Toll-Free Verification:** typically **2–3 weeks**.

<Note>
  Timelines vary if information can't be verified on the first pass.
</Note>

***

## Choose your carrier registration path

### 1. Business/Organization (I have an EIN)

* **Requirements:** legal business name, **EIN** (can be provided via email), business address, 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:** \~2–3 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).
* **Three sample SMS messages** (include **"Reply STOP to opt out"** at the end of all messages).
* **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 1-on-1 to bring your website and opt-in methods into compliance for carrier registration.

**Common rejection reasons & quick fixes**

* **Business info mismatch.** Match 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/use case.** Be specific and brand-consistent. Include an opt-out line.
* **Missing consent/opt-out.** Explain your opt-in flow and include **"Reply STOP to opt out."**
* **New EIN.** If brand-new, wait \~30 days and resubmit.

***

## After approval

Our support team will let you know once your carrier registration is approved. From there, we'll work with you to configure your phone line(s) with your MessageDesk workspace.

<Note>
  Keep your **privacy policy/live site** consistent with what you registered.
</Note>

***

## 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.

Have a unique situation? Reach out to [support](/contact-us) and we'll help you figure out the next step.

***

## FAQs

### Does registration cost money?

MessageDesk doesn't charge extra for registration. **Carrier/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 **2–3 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**."

### How do I stay compliant after I'm approved?

Get consent, include opt-out language when appropriate, avoid prohibited content (SHAFT), and keep your content aligned with your registered use case.

### What if I switch from sole proprietor to a business?

Once you have an **EIN** under a registered legal entity (LLC, Inc, Corp), register under the **Business (EIN)** path so all local numbers in your workspace are covered.