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

# 10DLC Overview

> Learn about 10DLC registration requirements for sending SMS in the United States

# 10DLC Compliance

10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is the industry standard for Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging in the United States. All businesses sending SMS to US phone numbers must register their brand and messaging campaigns.

<Warning>
  Starting February 2025, unregistered traffic will be blocked by carriers. Complete your 10DLC registration to ensure uninterrupted SMS delivery.
</Warning>

## Why 10DLC?

US carriers (AT\&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) require 10DLC registration to:

* **Reduce spam** - Verify legitimate business senders
* **Improve deliverability** - Registered traffic gets priority routing
* **Increase throughput** - Higher message limits for trusted senders
* **Ensure compliance** - Meet TCPA and carrier requirements

## Registration Process

10DLC registration consists of two steps:

```
┌─────────────────┐    ┌─────────────────┐    ┌─────────────────┐
│  1. Register    │ →  │  2. Register    │ →  │  3. Assign      │
│     Brand       │    │     Campaign    │    │     Numbers     │
└─────────────────┘    └─────────────────┘    └─────────────────┘
   $35 USD total          Included             Ready to send!
  (charged upfront)      1-7 days
     1-3 days
```

<Info>
  The $35 registration fee covers both brand ($15) and campaign (\~\$20) registration. It is charged upfront when you register your brand.
</Info>

### Step 1: Brand Registration

Your **Brand** represents your business entity. You provide company information like legal name, EIN/Tax ID, address, and website. This is reviewed by The Campaign Registry (TCR).

### Step 2: Campaign Registration

A **Campaign** describes your messaging use case. You specify the type of messages (2FA, marketing, notifications), provide sample messages, and confirm compliance settings.

### Step 3: Phone Number Assignment

Once your campaign is approved, assign your US phone numbers to it. Messages sent from these numbers will be delivered as registered A2P traffic.

## Costs

| Item                  | Cost         | Type                                             |
| --------------------- | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Brand Registration    | \$15         | One-time (charged upfront as part of \$35 total) |
| Campaign Registration | \~\$20       | One-time (included in \$35 upfront fee)          |
| Campaign Monthly Fee  | \$2-15/month | Recurring                                        |

<Tip>
  Costs vary by campaign use case. Marketing campaigns have higher fees than transactional ones like 2FA.
</Tip>

## Throughput Limits

Your messaging throughput depends on your **Trust Score**, assigned by TCR based on your brand vetting:

| Trust Score | Daily Limit | Messages/Second |
| ----------- | ----------- | --------------- |
| Low         | 2,000       | 0.2             |
| Medium      | 10,000      | 1               |
| High        | 200,000     | 10+             |

<Note>
  Most small businesses receive a Medium trust score. Large enterprises with established brands typically receive High scores.
</Note>

## Prerequisites

Before starting 10DLC registration, you need:

1. **Completed KYC verification** - Identity verification for your account
2. **US phone number** - At least one number to assign to your campaign
3. **Business information** - Legal name, EIN, address, website

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Register Your Brand" icon="building" href="/guides/10dlc/brand-registration">
    Start with brand registration
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create a Campaign" icon="megaphone" href="/guides/10dlc/campaigns">
    Set up your messaging campaign
  </Card>
</CardGroup>