If your business is looking to use texting to better connect with customers, you’ve likely come across the term 10DLC — and maybe a few questions along with it.
What is 10DLC? What’s The Campaign Registry (TCR)? And why does getting approval matter so much before you can start texting?
Here’s everything you need to know — including why the approval process is important, what it involves, and how Captivated can help you move through it smoothly.
What is 10DLC?
10DLC stands for “10-Digit Long Code.“
It refers to standard 10-digit phone numbers (like a typical local business number) that have been registered and approved for business-to-consumer (B2C) texting.
Before 10DLC regulations, businesses often sent texts from regular local numbers without much oversight. However, as business texting became more popular — and unfortunately, as spam rates increased — mobile carriers decided to create a better system to protect consumers and preserve trust in texting.
10DLC allows businesses to send text messages using regular 10-digit numbers with better delivery rates, higher message throughput, and carrier trust — but only if they are properly registered and approved.
Since 2021, carrier networks like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have required that any business sending texts over their networks must go through the 10DLC registration and approval process. (The Campaign Registry)
What is The Campaign Registry (TCR)?
The Campaign Registry (TCR) is the third-party organization that carriers have designated to manage business texting registration.
Think of it as a central “clearinghouse” where your business information and texting use cases are reviewed, vetted, and approved before you can start sending messages.
When you apply through TCR, your business must submit:
- Your legal company name
- Tax ID / EIN verification
- A description of your texting use case (why you are messaging customers)
- Opt-in language and privacy policy details
- Sample messages you intend to send
Once your business is registered, TCR assigns a Campaign ID that tells carriers you are authorized to send texts to customers.
Important:
Registering your 10DLC Campaign is required by carriers, no matter who your texting provider is. Whether you use Captivated, Twilio, or any other platform, you must be approved to legally and reliably send business text messages (Carrier Messaging Guidelines).
What TCR Reviews for 10DLC Approval
The approval process isn’t just a formality — it’s a thorough review to ensure businesses:
- Collect clear consent from recipients before messaging
- Offer opt-out instructions in all communications
- Have a valid privacy policy explaining how customer information is handled
- Send legitimate, non-spammy messages aligned with their stated purpose
TCR also reviews your sample message content to ensure it matches your stated use case. If your campaign involves sensitive industries like financial services, healthcare, or sweepstakes promotions, even stricter rules may apply.
Because carriers and TCR take these checks seriously, it’s crucial to have your documentation ready — and to be prepared for some back-and-forth if changes are needed.
How Long Does 10DLC Approval Take?
Approval times can vary widely depending on your industry, documentation quality, and any required revisions. At Captivated, once everything is set up and submitted, we typically see initial TCR responses coming back to indicate approval within 2 to 5 business days.
Some straightforward applications (like appointment reminders or basic customer service messaging) may clear quickly. Others may require additional clarifications, adjustments to opt-in language, or updates to privacy policies, which can extend the timeline.
The good news:
Our dedicated Captivated Support team walks you through the entire process. We help gather the right documentation, submit your campaign properly, and work with you on any necessary edits to move your approval along as quickly as possible.
Is the Wait Worth It?
Absolutely.
Once your 10DLC registration is approved:
- Your business texting gets priority delivery across all major U.S. carriers.
- You enjoy higher message throughput (faster sending rates) than unregistered senders.
- Your brand is seen as legitimate and trusted, improving customer engagement.
- You stay compliant with carrier regulations, avoiding fines, message blocks, or service disruptions.
Ultimately, 10DLC approval allows you to deliver the best customer experience possible — providing clear, timely, personal communication, without risking your message deliverability or your company’s reputation.
At Captivated, we believe in doing things the right way from day one. Compliance isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about building lasting customer trust — and we’re ready to help you hit the ground running once you’re approved.
Ready to start your 10DLC approval journey?
Talk to our team today — and let’s get your business set up for texting success.
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