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

# US Number Compliance

> 10DLC and toll-free registration requirements for US phone numbers — what to prepare, how to register, and what happens without it.

<Warning>
  US carriers **silently block** outbound SMS from unregistered numbers. You must complete registration before going live.
</Warning>

<Tip>
  For setup steps, see [Connect SMS](/sms/connect-sms). For troubleshooting, see [Troubleshooting](/sms/troubleshooting).
</Tip>

## Which Numbers Need Registration?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="US Local Numbers" icon="flag">
    Any US **+1** number that is **not** toll-free. Requires <Tooltip tip="10-Digit Long Code — a US carrier requirement for businesses sending application-to-person (A2P) SMS on local numbers.">**10DLC registration**</Tooltip> before outbound messages can be delivered.
  </Card>

  <Card title="US Toll-Free Numbers" icon="phone">
    Prefixes **+1800, +1833, +1844, +1855, +1866, +1877, +1888**. Exempt from 10DLC but requires separate <Tooltip tip="A carrier-required verification process for toll-free numbers that confirms your business identity and messaging use case.">**toll-free verification**</Tooltip>.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Required Data

Gather the following before starting registration.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Brand registration (business identity) — 10DLC" icon="building">
    | Field                      | Detail                                                                                                                       |
    | -------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Legal business name**    | Exact name as registered with your EIN. Must match your IRS CP 575 confirmation letter.                                      |
    | **EIN**                    | 9-digit Employer Identification Number (format: XX-XXXXXXX). Canadian businesses use their Canadian Business Number instead. |
    | **Business address**       | Registered address on file with your tax agency.                                                                             |
    | **Business type**          | Industry category (e.g. Technology, Professional Services, Retail).                                                          |
    | **Business contact email** | Used for identity verification (2FA).                                                                                        |
    | **Website**                | Your company website URL.                                                                                                    |

    <Note>Sole proprietors without an EIN register as a **Sole Proprietor Brand** using first/last name instead. Sole proprietors with an EIN must register as a Standard or Low-Volume Brand.</Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Campaign registration (messaging use case) — 10DLC" icon="bullhorn">
    | Field                      | Detail                                                                                       |
    | -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Use case**               | What you send texts for (e.g. customer support, order notifications, appointment reminders). |
    | **Description**            | A short summary of your messaging program.                                                   |
    | **Sample messages**        | 2–5 example messages your customers would receive.                                           |
    | **Opt-in flow**            | How customers agree to receive texts (e.g. checkbox on your website, keyword opt-in).        |
    | **Privacy policy URL**     | Public link to your privacy policy. **Required for all new campaigns.**                      |
    | **Terms & conditions URL** | Public link to your terms of service. **Required for all new campaigns.**                    |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Toll-free verification" icon="phone">
    | Field                        | Detail                                                                                                                |
    | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Business name**            | Your legal business name.                                                                                             |
    | **EIN**                      | 9-digit Employer Identification Number (format: XX-XXXXXXX). Required for all business types except sole proprietors. |
    | **Business type**            | One of: Private Profit, Public Profit, Non-Profit, Government, or Sole Proprietor.                                    |
    | **Website**                  | Your company website URL.                                                                                             |
    | **Use case category**        | Why you send texts (e.g. customer care, account notifications).                                                       |
    | **Use case summary**         | A short description of your messaging program.                                                                        |
    | **Sample message**           | An example outbound message.                                                                                          |
    | **Opt-in type**              | How customers consent (e.g. verbal, web form, keyword).                                                               |
    | **Estimated message volume** | Monthly volume estimate.                                                                                              |
    | **Privacy policy URL**       | Public link to your privacy policy.                                                                                   |
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Registration Steps

Registration is handled by the OpenCX team on your behalf. Gather the required data above, then follow the steps below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="10DLC">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Buy Or Verify Your Number">
        Go to **[Settings → Phone Numbers](https://platform.open.cx/settings/phone-numbers)**. Buy a US local number from inventory or verify a number you already own.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Prepare Your Brand And Campaign Data">
        Collect the fields listed in the **Brand registration** and **Campaign registration** sections above. You will need your EIN, legal business name, use case, sample messages, and policy URLs.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Contact The OpenCX Team">
        Reach out to your account team or contact support from your [OpenCX dashboard](https://platform.open.cx). Provide the brand and campaign data. The team submits your registration to US carriers.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Wait For Approval">
        Brand review typically takes a few business days. Campaign review takes **10–15 business days**. You will be notified when approved.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enable SMS">
        Once approved, go to **[Channels → SMS](https://platform.open.cx/channels/sms)**, select your registered number, and enable the channel.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Warning>
      The [SMS channel page](https://platform.open.cx/channels/sms) shows a blocking warning when a US local number is selected without 10DLC registration. Outbound texts will not be delivered until registration is complete.
    </Warning>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Toll-free verification">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Buy Or Verify Your Toll-Free Number">
        Go to **[Settings → Phone Numbers](https://platform.open.cx/settings/phone-numbers)**. Buy a US toll-free number (+1800, +1833, +1844, +1855, +1866, +1877, or +1888) or verify one you already own.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Prepare Your Verification Data">
        Collect the fields listed in the **Toll-free verification** section above. You will need your business name, EIN, use case, sample messages, opt-in proof, and privacy policy URL.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Contact The OpenCX Team">
        Reach out to your account team or contact support from your [OpenCX dashboard](https://platform.open.cx). Provide the verification data. The team submits your request.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Wait For Review">
        Verification is typically reviewed within **3 business days**. Your number may have reduced sending limits while pending.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Enable SMS">
        Once verified, go to **[Channels → SMS](https://platform.open.cx/channels/sms)**, select your toll-free number, and enable the channel.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Warning>
      Unverified toll-free numbers are **blocked** from sending. Numbers pending review have reduced daily limits.
    </Warning>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## What Happens Without Registration?

| Scenario                          | Result                                                                                                                    |
| --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **US local number, no 10DLC**     | Outbound texts are **silently blocked** by carriers. Inbound texts still arrive.                                          |
| **US toll-free, no verification** | Outbound texts are **blocked**. Numbers pending review have reduced sending limits.                                       |
| **Non-US numbers**                | 10DLC does not apply. Check your country's regulations under **[Channels → SMS](https://platform.open.cx/channels/sms)**. |

***

## Related Documentation

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connect SMS" icon="plug" href="/sms/connect-sms">
    Go live after registration is approved.
  </Card>

  <Card title="SMS Flow" icon="route" href="/sms/message-routing">
    Session matching, delivery path, and outbound format.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting" icon="wrench" href="/sms/troubleshooting">
    Carrier still blocking? Diagnose delivery failures.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Human Handoff" icon="user-group" href="/handoff/introduction">
    AI to human escalation — applies to SMS sessions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>