Text messaging from brands (whether for-profit companies or political campaigns/advocacy organizations/nonprofits) has increased dramatically in recent years. In response to this increase in texting activity, cell phone carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc. have introduced new regulations to reduce spam texting traffic. These regulations are sometimes referred to as “10DLC.” (The acronym “10DLC” technically refers to the “10 digit long-code” phone number that is used to send text messages, if you were wondering.)
Essentially, cell phone carriers now require brand registration for any entity that sends out text messages. Every vendor who offers texting is affected by these 10DLC registration requirements.
To use either Peer-to-Peer Texting or Broadcast Texting on ActBlue Field Tools, texting registration (10DLC registration) is mandatory. You will not be able to send any texts until your registration is approved - therefore, texting registration should be one of your first setup steps upon gaining access to Field Tools, so we can get your submission approved and get you on your way to texting ASAP. Registration currently takes between 1-3 weeks; unfortunately, there is no way to expedite this timeline, as it is managed by third-party vetting agencies.
Submitting the 10DLC Registration Form
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Visit the "10DLC" tab under Campaign Settings in your admin dashboard:
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Follow the instructions there to select the type of organization you're registering as, and fill out the required information. You can fill out the form partially, save it, and return later to submit it if needed. Pay careful attention to give the proper information (as registered with the IRS), without typos or other mistakes; errors will delay your registration approval. Here's the information you'll need to submit:
Visit the "10DLC" tab under Campaign Settings in your admin dashboard:
Follow the instructions there to select the type of organization you're registering as, and fill out the required information. You can fill out the form partially, save it, and return later to submit it if needed. Pay careful attention to give the proper information (as registered with the IRS), without typos or other mistakes; errors will delay your registration approval. Here's the information you'll need to submit:
3. After triple-checking that all information entered is 100% correct (remember that errors will cause your registration to be delayed), submit the form.
That’s it! From here, Field Tools will automatically send your registration to relevant third-party vetting agencies. The timeline for registration approval can vary depending on the time of year and other factors outside of Field Tool's control, but our clients typically receive approval in anywhere from 1-3 weeks.
Once you’re approved, you'll receive emails (one email confirming approval for each of Peer-to-Peer and Broadcast Texting), and you'll see in the 10DLC tab of Campaign Settings, and on your Peer-to-Peer Texting and Broadcast Texting pages, that your registration is approved:
For any assistance with your registration or questions about this process, feel free to contact us here.