Skip to content
(940) 400-1097
Compliance • • 5 min read

The 2026 Guide to A2P 10DLC SMS Approval for Local Businesses

How to register your business phone number for carrier compliance, pass The Campaign Registry checks, and prevent automated texts from getting blocked as spam.

MT

Michael Tesi

Founder & Lead Builder, Six20AM

← Back to all playbooks
100%
Filter Rate

Percentage of unregistered automated messages blocked by mobile carriers.

$10,000
Carrier Penalty

Maximum fine per violation for sending non-compliant commercial SMS.

3 Steps
Approval Path

Required stages to achieve verified status on The Campaign Registry.

Executive Briefing (BLUF)

Wireless carriers now block automated text messages sent from unregistered business numbers. Getting approved requires exact IRS entity matching, proper opt-out keywords, and compliant website form disclosures.

  • ✓ AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile will silently drop text messages from unregistered numbers.
  • ✓ Your business name and EIN must match IRS records letter for letter.
  • ✓ Six20AM completes your carrier registration so your customer texts deliver reliably every time.

Why Business Texting Changed

In the past, any local company could connect an app like Twilio or GoHighLevel and start texting leads and customers immediately.

Spam became a major problem. In response, wireless carriers created the A2P 10DLC system (Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code).

Today, if your business sends automated appointment reminders, missed call replies, or review requests without carrier registration, mobile carriers will silently drop your messages. Your customers will never receive them, and you will still be charged for the attempt.

!

The Danger of Unregistered Business Numbers

Carriers do not notify you when messages are filtered. Your automated missed-call texts simply vanish into the carrier spam black hole. You think your system is working, but your prospective customers hear complete silence and call a competitor instead.


The Three Steps to Full Carrier Approval

Getting verified requires passing three specific checks:

Step 01

IRS Match

Your legal entity name and Employer Identification Number (EIN) must match IRS paperwork (Form CP-575) letter for letter. Even a missing comma will cause rejection.

Step 02

Use Case & Opt-Out

Carriers audit sample messages for each automated trigger. Every workflow must explain message frequency and include mandatory keywords like STOP and HELP.

Step 03

Website Privacy

Your website must have an active Privacy Policy stating customer phone numbers will never be sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.


Anatomy of a Compliant Text Message

Here is what an approved missed-call text looks like in real life:

Verified Carrier Template

Hey, this is Michael at Six20AM. I am on a job site right now and missed your call. How can I help you today? Reply STOP to unsubscribe. 100% Carrier Approved • A2P 10DLC Verified

How Six20AM Takes Care of It

You do not need to decipher carrier regulations or spend weeks dealing with The Campaign Registry.

When you launch with Six20AM, we manage the entire registration package on your behalf. We verify your IRS details, configure compliant website disclaimers, and submit your brand campaign for carrier green-lighting.

MT

Built by Six20AM in Wichita Falls, Texas

We help local service businesses stop losing revenue to unanswered calls and slow websites. We build your high-speed Astro website, automate your missed call follow-up, and help you dominate Google Maps.