A2P 10DLC stands for “Application-to-Person messaging using 10-digit long codes.”
It’s a system that helps carriers know who is sending texts and what kind of messages they’re sending.
Registering your business builds trust and reduces the chance of your messages being blocked or filtered.
Cellular communication operates on a peer-to-peer (P2P) model, where messages and calls are exchanged directly between individual users. These interactions are typically initiated manually and are not automated or mass-distributed, which exempts them from the regulatory frameworks that govern business messaging systems. In contrast, business messaging—especially over VoIP or 10DLC—often involves automated, high-volume, or programmatic communication, which falls under stricter compliance requirements such as the TCPA and carrier-specific guidelines. The distinction lies in the intent, scale, and automation of the communication, not just the technology used.
Register Your Business You’ll need to provide basic info like your business name, type, website, and tax ID.
Describe Your Messaging Use Let Audian know what types of messages you’ll send (e.g., reminders, alerts, promotions).
Get Customer Consent You must have permission from people before texting them. Examples: They opt in on your website, check a box during signup, or text a keyword.
Allow Customers to Opt Out Every message should include a way to stop receiving texts (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”).
Provide Sample Messages Share a few examples of the texts you’ll send, including your business name and opt-out instructions.
FCC & TCPA Laws: These are federal rules that protect consumers from unwanted texts. Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
Carrier Policies: Mobile carriers have stricter rules than federal law. Even if something is legal, it may still be blocked if it doesn’t follow carrier guidelines.
CTIA Guidelines: This industry group sets best practices for texting. They require clear opt-in and opt-out processes. CTIA Guidelines
State-Specific Regulations: Certain states have their own rules concerning SMS marketing in addition to federal ones. To guarantee legal compliance, firms must be aware of and abide by these state-level requirements below.
California - California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
Florida - Florida Telephone Solicitation Act (FTSA)
New York - General Business Law (GBL)
Washington - Washington Privacy Act (WPA)
Texas - Texas Business and Commerce Code
Illinois - Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)
Nevada - Nevada Privacy Law
Massachusetts - Massachusetts Data Privacy Law
Virginia - Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA)
Your messages may be filtered or blocked by carriers.
Your phone number could be flagged or suspended.
You could face fines or legal issues if you text people without permission.
If you need help setting up your registration or writing compliant messages, Audian is here to support you every step of the way.
Migrated from Confluence on 2026-02-03
Original Confluence Article