Sole Proprietor Criteria Unmet

Why This Rejection Happens

You attempted to register as a "Sole Proprietor" Brand (without an EIN) but failed to meet the specific verification requirements for this low-volume brand type. Sole Prop brands are heavily restricted and require OTP (One-Time PIN) verification of the business owner's mobile number.

• Failed the OTP verification sent to the owner's cell phone.
• Provided a VoIP number or Landline for the owner's contact (must be a mobile number).
• Address provided does not match personal records.
• Trying to register a Sole Prop brand with a generic email (e.g., test@gmail.com) without a valid physical address.

Root Cause Analysis

Primary Triggers

• The VoIP Block: TCR sends a text code to verify the human owner. If you put your Google Voice or business landline number in the "Mobile Number" field, you will never get the code, and the brand fails.
• Address mismatch: For Sole Props, the address usually needs to match your personal home address (where your credit history lives) rather than a virtual office or PO Box.

Sole Prop Requirements

Step-by-Step Remediation

Check Your Contact Number

Ensure the phone number you entered for the "Authorized Representative" is a real cell phone in your hand. It cannot be the 10DLC number you are trying to register.

Resend OTP

In your CSP portal, there is usually a button to "Resend OTP" or "Verify Brand". Click it, watch your phone, and reply YES or enter the code immediately. The window expires quickly.

Pre-Resubmission Checklist

• I have a physical cell phone ready to receive the text.
• I am entering a physical street address (not PO Box).
• I am not using an EIN (Sole Props use personal info).

Better Option?

Sole Prop has strict limits (low throughput). Consider an LLC.

Need Identity Verification Help?

Sole Prop registration is finicky. We can guide you through the OTP process.

What reviewers check for code 801

Code 801 is reported as "Sole Proprietor Criteria Unmet". The Sole Proprietor brand type is for individuals without an EIN. It allows one campaign and one phone number, requires one-time passcode verification on the owner's mobile, and cannot be used by companies that have an EIN, by resellers, or for restricted use cases. Reviewers reject registrations that do not meet these criteria or that do not match the owner's details.

Where code 801 comes from

Code 801 is a vetting rejection reason applied during brand or campaign review and passed back to you by your CSP. It identifies the specific deficiency the reviewer found, so fixing exactly that item is the fastest route to approval. It has a documented fix that usually needs one targeted correction and a resubmission.

Fix and verify before resubmitting

1. If the business has an EIN, register as a standard brand instead of a sole proprietor.
2. Use the owner's legal first and last name and a mobile number that can receive the verification OTP.
3. Complete OTP verification promptly; unverified sole proprietor brands expire.
4. Keep the campaign to a single permitted use case and a single number.
5. Confirm your CSP supports sole proprietor registration for your account type.
6. Resubmit with a note that references code 801 (Sole Proprietor Criteria Unmet) and lists each change made.

Sample resubmission note

Many CSPs let you add a note for the reviewer when you resubmit. A short, specific note shows what changed and speeds up the second review. Example for Saltbox Kitchen:

Saltbox Kitchen corrected the deficiency reported as code 801 (Sole Proprietor Criteria Unmet). Changes made: if the business has an EIN, register as a standard brand instead of a sole proprietor; use the owner's legal first and last name and a mobile number that can receive the verification OTP; complete OTP verification promptly; unverified sole proprietor brands expire. All URLs, keywords and auto-replies were re-tested from an external network before this resubmission, and the campaign text now matches the live opt-in exactly.

Common mistakes that keep code 801 coming back

• Choosing sole proprietor to avoid EIN verification when an EIN exists.
• Using an office landline for OTP verification.
• Registering multiple sole proprietor brands for the same person.

Related rejection codes

• Code 6100: Sole Proprietor Not Supported
• Code 30903: Sole Proprietor Mismatch
• Code 802: Sole Proprietor Not Supported
• Code 2131: Verbal Script Missing STOP Instructions
• Code 2128: Opt-in Form Missing HELP Instructions
• Code 2127: Verbal Script Missing STOP Instructions

Frequently asked questions about code 801

Our CSP says sole proprietor is not supported. What now?

Some CSPs and account types (including ISVs registering for clients) do not offer sole proprietor registration. Obtain an EIN and register a standard brand, or move to a CSP that supports it.

Can a sole proprietor send marketing messages?

Yes, within the single campaign, if the opt-in, disclosures and content meet the same rules as any other campaign.

Legal Disclaimer: Code 801 relates to personal identity verification for sole proprietors. Ensure you have the authority to register the brand on behalf of yourself.

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