A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code) is the U.S. carrier messaging framework for businesses and applications that send SMS or MMS to U.S. phone numbers using standard 10-digit local phone numbers. 10DLC is only required for texting in the US, not for calling.
It helps mobile carriers identify legitimate business messaging, reduce spam and unwanted messages, and ensure that recipients have consented to receive messages.
A2P 10DLC combines two concepts:
A2P (Application-to-Person) refers to messages sent from a business application or software to an individual. These include marketing messages, appointment reminders, order updates, customer notifications, account alerts, support messages, and other automated communications sent individually or in bulk.
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) refers to standard U.S. 10-digit local phone numbers, such as (212) 555-0123, used for messaging.
Together, A2P 10DLC describes business messaging sent from applications using standard 10-digit local phone numbers.
With 10DLC registration:
Carriers verify your messages
Message deliverability improves
Businesses can send SMS campaigns at scale
You remain compliant with US carrier regulations
Who does A2P 10DLC apply to?
A2P 10DLC applies to businesses and organizations that send application-generated SMS or MMS to U.S. recipients using U.S. 10-digit local phone numbers.
This can include:
Small businesses
Agencies
Enterprises
Nonprofits
Sole proprietors
Businesses sending marketing messages
Businesses sending transactional or informational messages
Businesses sending individual or bulk messages through software
The requirement is based on how the messages are sent and the type of phone number used, not simply on the volume of messages.