10DLC Overview

10DLC (10‑digit long code) is the system U.S. wireless carriers use to register organizations and their messaging so legitimate texts get delivered and spam is filtered. This guide explains what 10DLC is, who’s involved, and exactly what you need to do in GetThru to send texts successfully.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Why 10DLC Matters

10DLC protects SMS/MMS channels and improves message deliverability. Registering your organization (“Brand”) and your messaging purpose (“Use Case”) ensures carriers recognize your traffic as verified and legitimate, which reduces filtering.


What 10DLC Means

10DLC stands for 10‑digit long code—the type of phone numbers used to send one‑to‑one, personalized texts. U.S. carriers use the 10DLC program to register organizations and the types of messages they send. When you complete registration, carriers can verify who you are and approve your messaging so it reaches recipients reliably.


Who’s Involved: The Carriers, TCR, and Campaign Verify

  • U.S. Carriers: The carriers refers to the Mobile Network Operators; AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, US Cellular, ClearSky, Interop. They created the CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association) which established common standards for A2P 10DLC messaging. This is the group that is making 10DLC rules.
  • The Campaign Registry (TCR): The industry hub where Brands and Use Cases are registered for A2P (application‑to‑person) messaging. This is the organization that is administering 10DLC. 
  • Campaign Verify (CV): The political vetting partner. U.S. 527 organizations (political campaigns, PACs, and political parties) obtain a CV token to prove their identity for the Political use case. Learn more about Campaign Verify in this guide. 


How GetThru Handles 10DLC

GetThru is a registered Campaign Service Provider with TCR. In the GetThru Admin, Account Owners enter your Brand and Use Case details once; GetThru submits that information to TCR and manages related registration fees. Our goal is to make compliance as simple as possible so you can start texting as soon as possible. 


What You Need To Do

Follow these steps in order. The process mirrors the left‑to‑right flow you’ll see in ThruText.


Step 1: Complete Brand Registration

An Account Owner is responsible for 10DLC compliance. Open ThruText Tools → Brand & Use Case Registration and submit your organization’s legal information (e.g., legal name, EIN). After submission, you can track status and, if needed, respond to failures or resubmit. Review guide Brand Registration for detailed steps. 


Step 2: (If Applicable) Add a Campaign Verify Token

If you are a 527 organization (political campaign, PAC, or party), register with Campaign Verify to get a CV token. Add the token on the Brand & Use Case Registration page before applying for the Political use case. Our guide Campaign Verify has more information on this process. 


Step 3: Register a Use Case

Choose the Use Case that best describes your texting (e.g., Charity, Higher Education, Political). Submit your Use Case application. Any admin can complete this form. Our guide Use Case Registration has more information on this step. 


Before you submit, prepare the items carriers check during Manual Vetting:

  • Sample messages that match your intended texting
  • HELP/STOP reply behavior
  • Website opt‑in mechanism that clearly states users agree to receive texts
  • Privacy Policy that explains that you do not sell or share text opt-in data or consent with third parties or affiliates for their marketing, and shares instructions on how users can opt out of receiving text messages.
  • Terms & Conditions that include text messaging terms (Msg & data rates may apply, HELP/STOP instructions)


Website Requirement Guides:


Step 4: Manual Vetting

After submitting your Use Case, our messaging provider and a third‑party team will perform Manual Vetting of your website. They confirm your submission and that your website meets carrier standards. Typical review time is 3–12 business days. It is important to build this time into your launch plan.


Step 5: Apply the Use Case to Your Campaigns

When you create a ThruText campaign (or when using a dedicated number), select the Use Case.


Related guides:


Common Questions

Do I need opt‑in to text in ThruText?

Carriers require an opt‑in mechanism on your website for Use Case approval. ThruText does not require opt‑in to send, but we strongly recommend following our opt‑in guidance for best results. 


What if I send very high volumes?

If you plan to send 250,000+ messages in a single day, contact support@getthru.io to review carrier rate limits.


Is there anything different for organizations outside the U.S.?

Yes. If your organization needs to send to a United States phone number, you'll need a separate account from your Canada or UK account and will need to use your Canadian Business Number or UK Companies House Registration Number. Please contact support@getthru.io if you need to register for 10DLC with this information.