10DLC Quick Start

This guide provides a fast, simplified overview of how to set up 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) messaging in Dripcel, from registration to compliance.

Step 1: Understand 10DLC

10DLC is a system for sending A2P (Application-to-Person) SMS messages to US mobile numbers using standard 10-digit phone numbers.
Each 10DLC number must be tied to:

  • A registered brand (company)

  • A registered campaign (use case)

Registration ensures higher deliverability, carrier trust, and legal compliance.

Step 2: Register Your Brand

Go to Dripcel → 10DLC → Brand Registration

✅ Requirements:

  • Legal company name (matches your domain and support email)

  • Valid Tax ID (EIN for US, BN for Canada, VAT for others)

  • Public, working website

  • Active support email and phone number

  • Matching company name and email domain (e.g. @mybrand.com)

Tip: Mismatched domains (e.g. mybrand@gmail.com) often cause rejections for established brands.

Once submitted:

  • Initial quotas: AT&T = 1.25 MPS (75 TPM), T-Mobile = 2,000 msgs/day

  • You can request brand vetting ($40) to raise these limits.

Step 3: Create a Campaign

Go to Dripcel → 10DLC → Campaign Registration

Provide:

  • Campaign name & description – clearly explain purpose and user interaction.

  • Opt-in workflow – show how users give explicit consent.

  • Message samples – realistic messages you plan to send.

  • Links to your Terms, Privacy Policy, and Help contact info.

✅ Message samples must include:

  • Brand name

  • Opt-out instructions (e.g. “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”)

  • Help keyword info (“Reply HELP for support”)

  • Disclosure: “Message and data rates may apply.”

Step 4: Choose the Right Use Case

Pick one campaign type that best describes your purpose:

  • Marketing – promotional messages or offers

  • Customer Care – account or support communications

  • 2FA / OTP – authentication or verification codes

  • Delivery / Notifications / Alerts – status updates or reminders

  • Mixed or Low Volume – multi-use or low-traffic campaigns

Note: Mixed or low-volume campaigns have lower throughput.

Step 5: Review Compliance

Before submission, double-check:

  • Campaign content matches your website and declared use case.

  • Opt-in process is explicit and documented (screenshots if private).

  • No restricted content (cannabis, gambling, hate, SHAFT, etc.).

  • Terms & Privacy Policy are publicly accessible.

Common rejection reasons include mismatched company info, missing message samples, or unclear opt-in process.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

Typical timelines:

Step

US Companies

International

Brand Registration

1–4 hours

Up to 24 hrs

Vetting

1–4 hours

Up to 24 hrs

Campaign Registration

Up to 24 hrs

Up to 72 hrs

Number Assignment

Up to 24 hrs

Up to 72 hrs

Once approved, your campaign will be provisioned and ready for sending.

Step 7: Assign Your 10DLC Number

After campaign approval:

  1. Purchase a 10DLC number in Dripcel.

  2. Link it to your registered campaign.

  3. Start sending messages to verified recipients.

📌 Each number can only belong to one campaign.

Step 8: Maintain Compliance

Keep your registration data accurate. Update and resubmit if:

  • You change your domain, opt-in flow, or message content.

  • Campaign details evolve (different use case, frequency, etc.).

Monitor carrier feedback and Dripcel reports to maintain deliverability.

Step 9: Costs Summary

Item

Fee

Type

Company registration

$4

One-time

Company vetting

$40

Optional one-time

Campaign registration

$50

One-time (T-Mobile)

Campaign monthly fee

$10 (regular) / $2 (low volume)

Recurring

10DLC phone number

$1/month

Recurring

Step 10: Best Practices

✅ Keep message content and campaign purpose aligned
✅ Include clear opt-in and opt-out instructions
✅ Avoid prohibited content or misleading claims
✅ Regularly review and update compliance materials

That’s it!
Once you’ve completed brand and campaign registration, your 10DLC number will be ready for compliant, high-throughput messaging across US carriers.