10-Digit Long Code Provider
A 10DLC number is a local, registered 10-digit phone number that supports compliant A2P texting with high deliverability. With 10DLC messaging, businesses can send SMS/MMS through familiar area codes, offering higher trust, lower costs than a short code, and strong 10DLC compliance. As one of the top long code providers, TextUs helps you launch fast, effective SMS 10DLC communications tailored to your audience.
Benefits of 10-Digit Long Codes
Improved Customer Engagement
10DLC helps businesses offer an improved customer experience through more personalized two-way messaging, while giving customers the ability to initiate a conversation with your business.
Greater Message Flexibility
With 10DLC, businesses can send full-length SMS messages of up to 160 characters per segment, just like short codes, while benefiting from the ability to concatenate multiple segments for longer messages without losing the local, personal feel of a standard phone number. This allows brands to share more details in a single conversation and maintain higher trust and recognition with recipients.
Lower Costs
Short codes typically cost thousands of dollars a month, while 10-digit numbers are affordable for any-sized business. 10DLCs provide a cost-efficient way to reach customers while delivering a higher return on investment.
Better Trust and Recognition
Customers are more likely to open and respond to messages from numbers they recognize as local. With 10DLC, you can select a number with the same area code as your target market, creating instant familiarity and credibility. Brands serving multiple regions can maintain different 10DLC numbers for each key market, ensuring every recipient gets a message from a local-looking sender. This local presence not only increases engagement but also strengthens brand perception as being “in-market” and accessible.
Increased Deliverability
Registered 10DLC numbers get priority routing through carrier-approved A2P channels, which significantly reduces spam filtering. Your TCR (The Campaign Registry) trust score—rated from 0 to 100—directly affects your maximum message throughput and deliverability. A TCR trust score of 75+ can qualify a brand for up to 225 messages per second (MPS), while scores below 50 may be limited to under 30 MPS.
Faster Throughput
Faster messaging keeps your team in sync and your customers happy. From time-sensitive updates to urgent requests, 10DLC ensures that your messages are delivered quickly and efficiently, every time.
Industry Compliant
All 10DLCs must be registered to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. By registering your numbers, 10DLCs also have a reduced risk of getting your messages blocked or flagged as spam.
Scalability and Customization
With 10DLC, businesses can send high volumes of text messages while maintaining compliance with carrier regulations, helping streamline their texting efforts while reaching more customers.
Complete Our Registration Form
You’ll provide us with information about your company, industry, use case, samples of the messages you will be sending, and how you gather opt-in consent.
Submit Your 10DLC Registration
Once the form is completed, we’ll submit your 10DLC registration on your behalf and reach out if more information is needed. We’ll update you on its status and let you know when it gets approved.
Get a New 10DLC or Text-Enable Your Existing Number
Once your 10DLC registration is approved, we’ll get you set up with new virtual numbers or text-enable your existing 10-digit numbers. New virtual numbers will be created with your desired area code.
Once your numbers are set up, your team can begin texting.
Once your numbers are set up, your team can begin texting.
Compare Number Types
10-Digit Long Code | Toll-Free | Short Code | |
|---|---|---|---|
Area Code | Local | 8XX | None |
Digits | 10 | 10 | 5 or 6 |
Throughput | 12 - 225 MPS* | 3 - 150 MPS | 100 - 300 MPS |
Daily Campaign Volume Limits | Yes | No | No |
Cost | $ | $$ | $$ |
Use Case | Local recruiting, marketing, sales, and workforce management | National recruiting, marketing, sales, and workforce management | High volume local or national marketing and recruiting |
Benefits | More affordable, faster provisioning, local area code | Consumer trust, portability, 8XX area code | Fastest throughput, highest deliverability, easy to promote |
Provisioning Timeline | A few days to a few weeks | One to three weeks | One to three weeks |
10DLC throughput is determined by an organization’s TCR trust score and shared across all its long codes.
Compliance and Best Practices for 10DLC Messaging
To fully benefit from 10-digit code messaging, businesses must follow essential compliance requirements that protect consumers and ensure reliable delivery. Whether launching a new 10DLC campaign or scaling your SMS marketing efforts, aligning with 10DLC regulations is key to successful business texting.
Industry-Specific Use Cases for 10DLC Messaging
Businesses across industries are turning to 10DLC numbers for secure, localized, and efficient communication. Here’s how different sectors are using long code text messaging to connect with their audiences:
Retail
Retailers use 10-digit codes to send personalized promotions, local store updates, and order confirmations. The familiarity of a local area code increases open rates and drives higher engagement in SMS marketing campaigns.
Healthcare
Healthcare providers rely on compliant texting through 10DLC messaging to send appointment reminders, patient follow-ups, and health alerts. A properly registered 10DLC number helps maintain HIPAA-friendly communication without relying on a short code.
Hospitality
Hotels and travel companies use 10DLC messaging for booking confirmations, check-in instructions, and guest experience surveys. Local texting helps deliver timely, relevant messages directly to a traveler’s phone.
Higher Education
Universities and schools use SMS updates to notify students and parents about campus events, emergency alerts, and registration deadlines. A 10DLC number with a known local area code makes educational messaging more effective.
Real Estate & Financial Services
Banks, lenders, and insurance companies use long code messaging to send real-time transaction alerts, fraud warnings, and account updates. Unlike a shared short code, a dedicated 10-digit code builds trust and improves message recognition.
Staffing & Recruiting
Staffing agencies and recruiters benefit greatly from business texting. From outreach and interview scheduling to onboarding and shift coordination, a registered 10DLC number enables personalized, high-volume messaging while staying within compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 10DLC?
A 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is a local, registered phone number that businesses use to send Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS messages. Unlike personal numbers, it routes through carrier-approved channels for better deliverability and compliance.
What’s the purpose of 10DLC?
10DLC messaging provides a reliable, high-volume, and secure communication method between businesses and their customers. It also helps reduce spam by requiring registration and verification of senders.
Who is impacted by 10DLC?
Any business that sends A2P SMS/MMS messages using a long code number must comply with 10DLC regulations. This includes companies across industries using texting to engage with contacts and clients.
Why do I need to register my 10DLC campaign?
Registration is required to meet mobile carrier compliance standards and to ensure message delivery. It also provides transparency into your messaging use case and improves your 10DLC trust score.
How long does it take for a 10DLC registration to be approved?
Most standard use case campaigns are approved in a few days. More complex or specialized 10DLC numbers may require additional review, which can take longer.
Can I use my existing number?
Yes, landlines and VoIP numbers can be registered and used as a 10DLC number. This allows you to text-enable a number your contacts already know.
Can I send MMS messages with 10DLC?
Yes, you can send both SMS and MMS messages using a 10DLC number. This makes it easy to send images, videos, and other multimedia content along with your texts.
How is 10DLC different than short codes?
10DLC numbers are local and support two-way messaging at a lower cost, while short codes are 5–6 digits and better suited for high-speed, one-way campaigns. Both are valid A2P messaging options depending on your goals and scale.
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