Understanding 10DLC
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) refers to standard 10-digit US phone numbers for Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS within the United States. They are ordinary-looking phone numbers (like +1 212 555 0123) that can send and receive SMS, MMS, and voice calls, following the E.164 international format and indistinguishable from regular consumer phone numbers.
They are the most common and affordable number type for SMS messaging.
10DLC characteristics
- Format: +1 NPA-NXX-XXXX (for example, +1 212 555 0123)
- Total length: 10 digits + country code
- Channels: SMS, MMS, Voice
- Ownership: Always dedicated (never shared)
- Cost: Low
- Setup time: 1 to 2 days
- Approval: Requires brand and campaign registration with The Campaign Registry (TCR)
When to use 10DLC
| Scenario | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Get started with USA SMS messaging | 10DLC |
| General SMS campaigns, transactional messages, or notifications | 10DLC |
| Two-way messaging (customer replies, acknowledgments) | 10DLC |
| Long code (virtual mobile number) for P2P messages | 10DLC |
| Short code shared across multiple use cases | 10DLC |
| Moderate volume (up to approximately 50 to 100 messages per second per number) | 10DLC |
| Ultra-high volume messaging | Short code |
| Time-sensitive rapid messaging where throughput is critical | Short code |
10DLC registration process
Get a 10DLC number
Purchase through web interface or API. See Get started with 10DLC > Stage 1 for detailed steps.
Create and register a brand
See Understanding brands for complete details.
Vet your brand (optional)
Improve throughput with brand vetting. See Brand vetting.
Create a campaign
See Get started with 10DLC > Stage 3 for detailed steps.
Compliance review and TCR submission
Infobip reviews your campaign and submits to TCR.
Go live
Begin sending messages.
Total timeline: 1 to 2 weeks
Brand and campaign registration for 10DLC [#brand-and-campaign-registration-for-10dlc-10dlc-registration-process]
Brand registration
For complete brand guidance, see Understanding brands.
For 10DLC, brand registration is available through web interface or API and requires verification before campaign submission. Optional vetting improves throughput and delivery (optional for US brands, mandatory for non-US brands). See Brand vetting for details.
Campaign registration
For complete campaign guidance, see:
- Understanding campaigns: What campaigns are, requirements, fields, and general process
- Get started with 10DLC: Step-by-step instructions (Stage 3: Create and register campaigns)
10DLC campaign specifics:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration method | Web interface or API (USA Number Registration API) |
| Approval process | Infobip compliance review → TCR submission → Carrier approval |
| Timeline | 1 to 2 weeks typical (2 to 3 days Infobip review + 3 to 5 days carrier approval through TCR) |
| Campaign scope | Each campaign maps to specific use cases and message types; TCR treats them as separate entities |
| Multi-number campaigns | One campaign can be assigned to multiple 10DLC numbers |
| One-way messaging | Optimized for one-way messaging (marketing, alerts, OTP); keywords are configured during campaign registration, not separately |
10DLC campaign statuses
10DLC campaigns move through these specific statuses:
| Status | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Draft | Campaign is still being drafted and not ready for review. | Complete all required campaign fields and submit for review |
| Submitted for review | Campaign brief is ready for the Infobip review process. The Infobip Compliance team reviews the campaign and provides feedback. | Wait for Infobip compliance review |
| Appealed | You have appealed your campaign and it is awaiting re-review by the Infobip Compliance team. | Wait for re-review decision |
| Paused | Campaign has an issue preventing it from moving forward. Typically occurs when a campaign has no numbers assigned. | Attach a number to the campaign to continue registration |
| Approved by internal reviewer | Campaign has been approved by the Infobip Compliance team. | Attach a number to the campaign so registration can continue |
| Approved for submission | Infobip Compliance team confirms the campaign is fully compliant with CTIA guidelines and operator-specific requirements. | Await automatic submission to TCR and operators |
| Submitted | Campaign has been submitted to TCR and the operators. | Wait for carrier approval |
| Registered | Campaign has been approved by all carriers and is ready for launch. | Begin sending SMS messages immediately |
| Rejected | Campaign is not compliant with CTIA guidelines and has been rejected by the Infobip Compliance team. | Review rejection reason, address the issue, create new campaign, or appeal if eligible |
Handling rejections [#handling-rejections-10dlc-campaign-statuses]
If your campaign is Rejected:
- Log in to your Infobip account
- Go to Channels and Numbers > Tools & Compliance > US Sender Registration > Campaigns
- Select the rejected campaign
- Review the rejection reason provided
- Determine the root cause:
- Brand not verified > Complete brand vetting before resubmitting
- Use case mismatch > Clarify use case in campaign description and provide additional context
- Message content issues > Update sample messages to clearly demonstrate compliance
- Missing STOP/HELP > Ensure STOP and HELP keyword responses are configured
- Create a new campaign or resubmit with fixes
- Address all feedback before resubmitting to avoid repeated rejections
- If you believe the rejection was incorrect, appeal the decision through Infobip support
10DLC best practices
Before submitting campaign [#before-submitting-campaign-10dlc-best-practices]
- Ensure brand is already approved
- Have 10DLC number purchased and ready
- Prepare actual message samples (not examples)
- Test STOP and HELP keywords in your system
- Ensure opt-in/opt-out flow is live and working
- Verify all submitted information is accurate
After approval [#after-approval-10dlc-best-practices]
- Messages must match samples submitted
- STOP and HELP must continue to work
- Monitor delivery rates and complaints
Get started with 10DLC
Complete step-by-step walkthrough from number purchase to first message.
10DLC throughput and carrier limits
AT&T message classes, T-Mobile daily volumes, and message throttling.
Migrating 10DLC numbers
Import existing 10DLC numbers from another provider.
USA SMS compliance requirements
CTIA standards, consent model, and carrier compliance rules.