Sole Proprietor Not Supported

Why This Rejection Happens

Your SMS service provider (CSP) or the specific carrier route you are trying to use does not accept Sole Proprietor registrations. This is a platform-level limitation, not a content error. You are trying to register a "Sole Prop" brand type on a system that requires a formal business entity (LLC/Corp).

• Using a platform that only supports "Standard" brands.
• Trying to register a Sole Prop brand for a High Volume campaign.
• Having no Tax ID (EIN) available.

Root Cause Analysis

Primary Triggers

• Platform Limitation: Some enterprise-grade SMS platforms disable Sole Prop registration to maintain high quality scores. You physically cannot register without an EIN on these platforms.

Step-by-Step Remediation

Get an EIN (Recommended)

The fastest long-term fix is to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. It is free and instant online. This allows you to register as a "Standard Brand" (Low Volume or Mixed), which IS supported by all providers.

Register as Standard Brand

Once you have your EIN (wait 2-4 weeks for it to propagate to TCR databases), delete your Sole Prop submission and create a new "Standard Brand" registration.

Pre-Resubmission Checklist

• I have obtained an EIN from the IRS.
• I am registering a "Standard" brand (Low Volume Standard).

Need an Entity?

Sole Props are being phased out. Upgrade today.

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What reviewers check for code 802

Code 802 is reported as "Sole Proprietor Not Supported". 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 802 comes from

Code 802 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 802 (Sole Proprietor Not Supported) 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 Lakeview Residential:

Lakeview Residential corrected the deficiency reported as code 802 (Sole Proprietor Not Supported). 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 802 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 801: Sole Proprietor Criteria Unmet
• 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 802

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 802 indicates a limitation of your messaging provider, not necessarily a regulatory failure. Upgrading to a Standard Brand (EIN required) is the industry best practice.

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