An Overview of SMS Verification Requirements
Before your practice can text U.S. phone numbers, carriers require A2P 10DLC registration. As part of that review, carriers look at your website, your opt-in forms, your privacy policy, and your terms page to confirm you collect proper consent.
If these requirements are not met, carriers reject the registration. Every rejection adds another 5 to 7 business day cycle, so get this right before submitting.
1. SMS opt-in language on forms
Any form that collects a phone number for texting must say so clearly. This applies to website contact forms, appointment request forms, lead forms, landing pages, and paper intake forms.
Required elements
- Clear disclosure that the person is agreeing to receive text messages
- The types of messages they may receive
- A statement that message and data rates may apply
- A reference to your privacy policy and terms
Example opt-in language
By submitting this form, you agree to receive text messages from [Practice Name] regarding appointments, services, and promotions. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out. View our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Place this directly next to the phone number field or the submit button. Carriers reject registrations when opt-in language is missing or buried.
2. Privacy policy requirements
Your website must have a public privacy policy page explaining how you collect, use, and protect patient data, including phone numbers.
Required SMS language
The policy must state that phone numbers may be used for texting. Example:
We may use your contact information, including your phone number, to send you transactional messages, appointment reminders, and promotional communications via SMS. Message and data rates may apply.
Data protection statement
Carriers also require a statement that mobile data is not shared for marketing. Example:
Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
Missing either statement is an automatic rejection.
3. Terms and conditions requirements
Your website must also have a Terms and Conditions (or Terms of Service) page with a section describing your texting program.
Required SMS terms
- Description of SMS communications
- Message frequency disclosure
- Message and data rates disclaimer
- Opt-out instructions
- How to get help
Example SMS Communications section
By opting in to receive SMS messages from [Practice Name], you agree to receive appointment reminders, service updates, and promotional messages. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. For assistance, reply HELP or call our office.
A terms page without this section is an automatic rejection.
4. Your website must match your registration
Carriers compare your website against what you submitted. The site must show:
- Your business name, exactly as registered
- A physical location or contact information
- A clear description of your services
A site that looks incomplete, is under construction, or does not match the registered business name gets rejected.
5. The most common rejection reasons
- Opt-in language missing from forms
- No privacy policy page
- No terms and conditions page
- Privacy policy missing the SMS usage statement
- Privacy policy missing the data sharing statement
- Business name on the site does not match the registration
Want a second set of eyes?
Before you submit, send your website URL through the help bubble in the bottom right corner of your Dewy account. We will check your forms, privacy policy, and terms against this list and tell you what to change.