Short codes are 5- or 6-digit phone numbers used by businesses to send high-volume SMS and MMS messages with maximum throughput. Once you purchase your short code through TextUs, or if you’re migrating your existing short code, you’ll need to register your short code campaign to get carrier approval before you can use your short code.
Registering a short code campaign is required by all US mobile carriers to ensure that short code messaging services are used responsibly and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. TextUs will guide you through this registration process every step of the way and ensure that your application meets all requirements so that you get approved and start using your short code as soon as possible.
Step 1: Gather the required information for your short code registration
Before you start the short code registration process, make sure that you can provide the following information:
Contact information (first name, last name, email, and phone)
Company name, website, and address
Note: You'll need to make sure the company name and address entered match the information on your company tax documents.
Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Alternate business ID type (DUNS, GIIN, LEI, or none)
Business entity type (private profit, public profit, or non-profit)
Company stock market symbol (if public profit)
Contact information for your customer support team (email, phone, or URL)
Links to the privacy policy and terms of service on your website
Description of how your business will use your short code, including message frequency
Three sample messages that match the types of text messages and campaigns your business will be sending
Opt-in consent gathering method (web form, mobile or keyword, point-of-sale or paper form, or phone call)
A compliant mock-up, screenshot, or PDF of the exact method you’ll use to gather opt-in consent (.jpg, .png, or .pdf.)
A sample MMS/image your customer can expect to receive from your future short code
Important note: We recommend viewing the requirements for gathering opt-in consent and your website privacy policy ahead of starting your short code registration process. To view requirements, see Short code requirements for gathering opt-in consent.
Step 2: Start the short code registration form
To help simplify the short code registration process, TextUs customers can complete and submit a short code registration form through TextUs by going to the short code registration link provided by the TextUs team. Use the information listed in Step 1 above to help you complete the registration forms.
If you haven't received a link for your short code registration, reach out to your TextUs representative for assistance.
Step 3: Update the sample text messages to match your short code use case
During the short code registration process, you must submit three sample messages. A sample message is an example of a short code text message that will be sent from your organization. You can use the message example templates provided to help you draft your final sample messages that more closely reflect the kinds of messages your organization will be sending.
Tips for writing your sample messages
Ensure the sample messages you are providing match the types of messages that you will be sending.
Make sure sample messages identify who you are as an organization to your message recipients.
Use variables wrapped in box brackets to indicate portions of your message that might be swapped in later. For example, “Hi [first name], this is [company name] reaching out..”
Include opt-out language on at least two sample messages that clearly provide recipients with instructions on how to unsubscribe and stop receiving further text messages from your business. For example, “Text STOP to opt out.”
Step 4: Select and provide your opt-in consent gathering method
As part of your registration process, you’ll need to describe and provide a mock-up of how you'll obtain opt-in consent from your customers. You will be required to select from one of the following methods:
Web forms opt-ins: Customers can opt-in to receive text messages on a web form or our company website.
Mobile opt-ins: Customers can text a keyword to a specific number to subscribe to SMS and provide their consent.
Point-of-sale opt-ins or paper form opt-in: Customers can opt-in to receive texts at a point of sale (POS) or another onsite location.
Phone call opt-in: Customers can opt-in over the phone using interactive voice response (IVR) technology).
For whichever opt-in method you choose, you will be required to provide a mock-up of what it will look like as part of your registration form. For more information on mock-up requirements, see Mock-up of opt in method.
Step 5: Submit your registration
When you are finished filling out your short code registration form, click Submit. TextUs will submit your registration for approval and let you know as soon as your short code campaign gets approved or if additional information is required. Approval typically takes around 6-8 weeks if no additional information is required.