A2P 10DLC FAQ and Troubleshooting
Answers to the questions practices ask most about A2P 10DLC registration and texting through your Dewy account.
What is A2P 10DLC, in plain English?
It is the registration U.S. carriers require before a business can text consumers from a regular 10-digit phone number. It verifies who you are and what you plan to send. Without it, carriers filter or block your messages.
Who needs to register?
Every practice that sends texts to U.S. phone numbers, whether you have one provider or twenty locations.
When does it happen?
During onboarding, before your first text goes out. Your account is not charged until registration is approved.
What information is required?
1. Business information
- Legal business name
- Physical business address
- Business type (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, and so on)
- Tax ID or EIN
This must match your official registration records exactly. A mismatch is the most common reason for rejection.
2. Account owner or point of contact
- Name
- Job title
- Phone number
- Email address
Carriers may use this contact if they have compliance questions.
3. Two example text messages
These show carriers how you plan to use texting. Use realistic examples in the format Dewy sends:
- Bright Dermatology: Your consult with Dr. Patel is tomorrow at 2:00 PM. Reply STOP to opt out
- Bright Dermatology: This month only, save $100 on your first laser treatment. Book here: [link] Reply STOP to opt out
Do I need to register more than once?
No. One registration covers your practice. If you add a second legal entity, that entity registers separately.
Will I receive a dedicated texting number?
Yes. Once approved, your account is assigned a dedicated 10-digit number. That is the number patients see and can reply to.
How long does approval take?
Typically 5 to 7 business days after submission. Rejections add another cycle, which is why getting your website language right first matters. See An Overview of SMS Verification Requirements.
My registration was rejected. Now what?
The rejection reason appears under SMS, then Registration, in your Dewy account. Nearly every rejection comes down to one of these:
- Business name or address does not match your official registration records
- Privacy policy is missing the required SMS language
- Terms page is missing an SMS Communications section
- Forms collect phone numbers without opt-in language
Fix the underlying issue, then resubmit from the same screen. If the reason is unclear, send a screenshot of the rejection through the help bubble in your account.
Are there penalties for breaking SMS rules?
Yes. Carriers can fine senders up to $10,000 per violation and permanently block the number. The practical protection is simple: only text people who opted in to texts, identify your practice in every message, and honor STOP instantly. Dewy handles the last two automatically.
Key terms
10DLC (10-Digit Long Code): a standard local phone number used by businesses to send texts, for example 415-555-1234.
A2P (Application-to-Person): any text sent from a business or software platform to a consumer.
Brand: the business sending the texts. Your practice.
Campaign use case: the purpose of your texts (appointments, promotions, reminders).
The Campaign Registry (TCR): the system U.S. carriers use to review and approve A2P registrations.
EIN (Employer Identification Number): the federal tax ID that identifies your business.
TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act): the U.S. law that regulates business calls and texts to consumers.