TCR REGISTRATION
MASTERY

About This Guide

This comprehensive resource addresses The Campaign Registry (TCR) registration requirements for Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging through 10-Digit Long Code (10DLC) phone numbers. Organizations implementing SMS marketing, transactional notifications, or customer care messaging must complete TCR vetting before carriers deliver messages.

TCR registration operates through a two-phase system: Brand Registration establishes corporate identity; Campaign Registration defines specific messaging programs. Failure rates exceed 40% for first-time submissions, with $40 resubmission fees compounding across rejections. This guide eliminates registration failures through systematic documentation preparation and compliance-first architecture.

SECTION 1: TCR FUNDAMENTALS

Understanding The Campaign Registry

The Campaign Registry serves as the centralized authority managing 10DLC Application-to-Person messaging registration throughout U.S. wireless networks. Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) authorization enables TCR to verify business legitimacy, assign trust scores determining throughput limits, and monitor messaging patterns across carrier infrastructure.

Major wireless carriers implemented TCR requirements following industry-wide spam escalation that degraded subscriber experience and network integrity. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon enforce registration mandates, blocking unregistered traffic as of February 2025. Registration validates sender identity while protecting consumers from fraudulent communications.

TCR examines business credentials through external verification systems, evaluating corporate registration documentation, tax identification records, domain ownership, online reputation signals, and operational history. Trust scores ranging from 0-100 determine daily message throughput, with scores below 50 triggering manual carrier review extending approval timelines by 7-10 business days.

The Two-Step Registration Framework

Phase 1: Brand Registration

Brand Registration establishes corporate identity within the messaging ecosystem, separate from any specific campaign or use case. This foundational step creates the verified business entity profile that all subsequent campaigns reference.

Trust Score Assignment

TCR assigns numerical trust scores (0-100 scale) based on verification results and reputation signals. Scores determine campaign throughput limits and approval speed:

Timeline Expectations:

• Straightforward registrations: 2-4 business days
• External vetting required: 5-10 business days
• Sole proprietors without EIN: Variable, with increased scrutiny
• Recently incorporated entities: Additional verification delays possible

Phase 2: Campaign Registration

Campaign Registration defines specific messaging use cases under the verified brand umbrella. Organizations typically operate multiple campaigns representing different communication types: marketing promotions, appointment reminders, account notifications, two-factor authentication.

Why Registration Matters

Message Deliverability

Unregistered 10DLC traffic faces immediate blocking across all major U.S. carriers effective February 2025. Messages from unregistered senders never reach subscriber devices, eliminating ROI from SMS marketing investments and disrupting critical transactional communications.

Registered campaigns with compliant documentation achieve 95-98% deliverability rates compared to 60-75% for legacy unregistered systems. Carrier filtering algorithms prioritize TCR-verified traffic, reducing spam false positives that plague unregistered senders.

Throughput Optimization

Trust scores directly control message throughput limits per phone number. High-scoring brands achieve 4,500 messages per minute per campaign, enabling large-scale promotional sends and high-volume transactional systems. Low scores restrict throughput to 60 messages per minute, creating operational bottlenecks.

Regulatory Compliance

TCR registration supports Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) compliance by documenting consent collection methodologies and opt-out mechanisms. While registration doesn't guarantee TCPA compliance, it provides audit-ready documentation demonstrating good-faith compliance efforts.

SECTION 2: BRAND REGISTRATION DEEP DIVE

Business Entity Requirements

Entity Type Considerations

Corporations & LLCs receive preferential treatment during TCR vetting, with streamlined verification processes and higher baseline trust scores. State business registrations, Secretary of State filings, and corporate tax IDs provide clear verification pathways that accelerate approval.

Sole Proprietors face additional documentation requirements and increased scrutiny. Operating under personal Social Security Numbers creates verification complications that delay processing and limit trust score potential. Obtaining an EIN before registration substantially improves approval probability.

Documentation Checklist

Core Identity Documents:

• Articles of Incorporation or LLC Operating Agreement
• IRS EIN Assignment Letter (CP 575 or SS-4 confirmation)
• State business registration certificate
• Business license from local jurisdiction
• DBA (Doing Business As) registration if operating under assumed name
• Corporate bylaws or partnership agreements
• Tax identification verification (IRS transcripts or filing confirmations)

Operational Verification:

• Active website with complete business information
• Privacy policy document with SMS-specific disclosures
• Terms of service covering message program participation
• Physical address verification (utility bill, lease agreement, property deed)
• Corporate email using business domain (no free email services)
• Business phone number verification
• Professional email signatures with corporate branding

Enhanced Trust Elements (Optional but Recommended):

• DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet
• Better Business Bureau accreditation
• Industry-specific licenses or certifications
• Professional association memberships
• Customer reviews on Google, Yelp, Trustpilot (4+ star average)
• LinkedIn company page with employee profiles
• Social media presence (Facebook, Twitter business accounts)
• Press mentions or media coverage

Website Compliance Standards

Required Content Elements

TCR vetting systems crawl registered URLs verifying content alignment with stated business model. Websites must demonstrate legitimate business operations through complete information architecture.

SMS-Specific Privacy Language:

Technical Validation Checklist:

• SSL certificate installed (HTTPS encryption)
• Domain matches business registration name
• Mobile-responsive design for all device types
• Fast load times (<3 seconds for homepage)
• Professional design quality (no template placeholders)
• Contact forms functional and monitored
• No broken links or 404 errors
• Business hours and location information current
• Professional email addresses (no Gmail/Yahoo)
• Current copyright year in footer

Trust Score Optimization

Factors Influencing Scores

Business Age & History:

• Domain registration age (6+ months preferred)
• Years in operation under current business structure
• Historical messaging patterns (if any)
• Industry longevity and market presence

Verification Depth:

• DUNS number obtained and linked (+10-15 points)
• External vetting through Aegis Mobile or WMC Global
• Tax ID verification through IRS database matching
• Business address validation via postal service databases

Online Reputation:

• Customer review presence and average ratings
• Better Business Bureau ratings or accreditation
• Industry certifications and professional memberships
• Media mentions and press coverage
• Social proof elements (follower counts, engagement metrics)

SECTION 3: CAMPAIGN REGISTRATION MASTERY

Use Case Selection Strategy

Classification Framework

Customer Care covers support communications, account inquiries, service status updates, and troubleshooting assistance. This use case receives favorable carrier treatment with streamlined approval for established businesses.

Marketing encompasses promotional offers, product announcements, sales events, and brand communications. Highest scrutiny category requiring explicit opt-in consent documentation and complete sample message sets.

Delivery Notifications includes order confirmations, shipping updates, tracking information, and delivery status alerts. Transactional nature enables automated approval for brands with moderate trust scores.

Sample Message Requirements

Mandatory Elements

Every sample must include:

• Brand Name: Legal business name or recognized DBA
• Opt-Out Language: "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" or equivalent
• Message Type Indicator: Transactional vs promotional clarity
• Complete Context: Variables populated with realistic examples
• Character Count: Realistic message length (no truncation)

Examples:

Opt-In Methodology Documentation

Consent Collection Standards

Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) mandates express written consent before sending marketing messages. TCR requires documentation proving consent collection methodology alignment with regulatory standards.

Compliant Consent Language:

Critical Elements:

• Checkbox unchecked by default (no pre-checked boxes)
• Clear statement of what subscriber receives
• Explicit brand identification
• "Not a condition of purchase" disclosure
• Opt-out mechanism explanation
• Cost disclosure (message and data rates)
• Frequency expectation (daily, weekly, promotional)
• Policy links for full terms

Collection Methods

Website Forms: Most common method requiring screenshot evidence showing complete form including consent checkbox, privacy policy link, terms acceptance, and submit button.

Point of Sale: Requires documentation showing customer-facing display, staff training materials, and consent capture mechanism.

SMS Keyword: Subscriber texting JOIN or START to short code or 10DLC number. Requires welcome message template explaining program and confirming opt-in.

Help and Stop Message Templates

Help Response Requirements

HELP keyword triggers must return informational message including:

• Business name and brand identification
• Brief program description
• Support contact information (phone, email, or web)
• Opt-out instructions
• Additional information URL

Stop Processing Standards

STOP keyword and variations (STOP, STOPALL, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, END, QUIT) trigger immediate opt-out processing removing subscriber from all future campaigns.

SECTION 4: REJECTION REMEDIATION FRAMEWORK

Top 5 Documentation Failures

Failure 1: EIN Verification Mismatch

Symptoms: Brand registration rejected with error code indicating EIN cannot be verified or doesn't match business entity.

Root Causes:

• EIN entered incorrectly (transposed digits, formatting errors)
• Business entity type mismatch (sole proprietor using corporate EIN)
• Recently obtained EIN not yet propagated to IRS verification databases
• Business name on application differs from IRS records
• Using SSN instead of EIN for formal business structure

Failure 2: Insufficient Sample Messages

Symptoms: Campaign rejected for inadequate, unclear, or non-representative samples.

Before (Rejected):

After (Approved):

Failure 3: Website Compliance Violations

Symptoms: Brand rejected for website issues including missing privacy policy, incomplete SMS disclosures, or non-functional contact information.

Required Privacy Policy Section:

Failure 4: Use Case Misalignment

Symptoms: Campaign rejected because message samples don't match selected use case category.

Failure 5: Inadequate Consent Documentation

Symptoms: Campaign rejected for insufficient proof of opt-in methodology or consent collection process.

Error Code Reference

Critical Error Codes

9106: MISSING_OPT_OUT

Every sample message must include clear opt-out language. Minimum acceptable: "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" or "Text STOP to opt out."

Remediation: Add "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" to end of every sample message. Include brand name and note about message/data rates. Resubmit with corrected samples.

9607: CONSENT_VERIFICATION_FAILURE

TCR cannot verify consent collection methodology matches claimed process. Documentation insufficient, unclear, or missing required elements.

Remediation: Provide complete screenshot showing entire opt-in form. Include surrounding context demonstrating form purpose and placement. Add consent language verbatim transcript. Show confirmation message template.

9108: PRIVACY_POLICY_NON_COMPLIANT

Website privacy policy lacks SMS-specific disclosures, doesn't address message programs, or contains insufficient opt-out information.

Remediation: Add dedicated SMS program section to privacy policy covering: what messages subscribers receive, message frequency, cost disclosure, opt-out instructions, data retention practices, third-party sharing policies.

VETTING_REQUIRED

Brand trust signals insufficient for automated approval. Requires third-party verification through Aegis Mobile or WMC Global.

Remediation: Obtain DUNS number. Submit additional business documentation (tax returns, bank statements, business licenses). Age domain 6+ months before resubmission. Build online review presence. Consider external vetting service investment ($300-$600).

SECTION 5: CARRIER-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

T-Mobile Standards

Registration Requirements

T-Mobile enforces mandatory 10DLC registration with zero exceptions for commercial messaging. Traffic from unregistered senders faces immediate blocking at network edge servers.

Message Standards

Required Elements:

• Brand name in every message (no abbreviations unless registered)
• Clear opt-out instructions in initial message
• No deceptive subject lines or misleading content
• URLs must use branded domains (no generic shorteners)
• Character limits enforced (160 for single SMS segment)

AT&T Standards

Code of Conduct Enforcement

AT&T maintains comprehensive Code of Conduct covering technical, content, and operational messaging requirements. Violations trigger graduated response escalation.

Spam Detection

AT&T implements machine learning algorithms analyzing messaging patterns for spam indicators:

• Volume spikes inconsistent with normal patterns
• Keyword stuffing and manipulation attempts
• High unsubscribe rates (>0.5% triggers review)
• Subscriber complaints forwarded to shortcode 7726
• Content similarity to known spam templates

Verizon Standards

Registration Validation

Verizon requires EIN or Tax ID verification for all brand registrations, with strict entity matching requirements.

Content Filtering

Verizon monitors messaging patterns through behavioral algorithms detecting:

• Abnormal volume spikes (>200% day-over-day increase)
• Keyword stuffing and filtering evasion attempts
• High opt-out rates (>1% triggers immediate review)
• Subscriber complaints (automated blocking at threshold)
• Content policy violations flagged by subscribers

SECTION 6: COMPLIANCE MAINTENANCE

Post-Approval Requirements

Campaign Health Monitoring

TCR registration approval marks the beginning of ongoing compliance obligations, not completion. Carriers monitor campaign performance continuously, adjusting throughput or suspending operations when metrics deteriorate.

Monthly Audit Protocol:

• Review opt-out processing for proper keyword handling
• Verify sample messages still represent actual content
• Check website privacy policy remains current
• Confirm consent collection process unchanged
• Audit sender ID consistency across messages
• Test HELP and STOP keywords for proper responses
• Review subscriber complaints for pattern identification

Trust Score Maintenance

Score Monitoring

Trust scores remain dynamic throughout campaign lifecycle. Carrier feedback, complaint rates, and messaging patterns influence ongoing adjustments.

Recovery Strategies:

• Address underlying complaint causes
• Improve message relevance and targeting
• Reduce frequency to optimal engagement levels
• Refresh consent base with reconfirmation campaigns
• Enhance website compliance and professionalism
• Obtain external vetting if not previously completed

Regulatory Updates

Monitoring Requirements

Telecommunications compliance landscape evolves continuously through FCC rulemaking, carrier policy updates, and industry standard adjustments.

Information Sources:

• CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association) announcements
• TCR policy update notifications
• Carrier-specific policy portals (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon)
• FCC consumer protection division releases
• Industry trade publications and compliance newsletters
• Legal counsel specializing in telecommunications

SECTION 7: INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC GUIDANCE

Healthcare Messaging

HIPAA Integration

Healthcare providers face dual compliance requirements: TCR registration plus Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protected health information (PHI) safeguards.

Example - Rejected:

Example - Approved:

Financial Services

Regulatory Overlap

Financial institutions navigate overlapping jurisdictions: TCR/10DLC, TCPA, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), state banking regulations, Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

E-commerce & Retail

Transaction Integration

Retail messaging typically spans multiple use cases requiring separate campaign registrations.

Campaign Architecture:

• Order Confirmations: Delivery Notifications - Purchase confirmation with order number, payment processing completion
• Shipping Updates: Delivery Notifications - Fulfillment status changes, carrier tracking updates
• Promotional Offers: Marketing - Sales events, flash deals, new product announcements
• Customer Support: Customer Care - Order issue resolution, return status updates

SECTION 8: ADVANCED STRATEGIES

External Vetting Investment

Vetting Services Overview

Third-party verification through Aegis Mobile, WMC Global, or similar providers substantially improves trust scores through independent business legitimacy confirmation.

ROI Calculation

Trust score improvement from 45 to 75 increases throughput from 60 msg/min to 600 msg/min (10x capacity). For business sending 100,000 messages monthly, this eliminates infrastructure costs for additional phone numbers and reduces time-to-send from hours to minutes.

DUNS Number Strategy

Dun & Bradstreet Integration

DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) provides unique nine-digit business identifier used by government agencies and enterprises for vendor verification.

Obtaining DUNS:

• Free application through Dun & Bradstreet website
• Processing timeline: 30 business days standard
• Expedited processing available ($99-$199 for 24-48 hour turnaround)
• Requires business registration documentation and contact information

TCR Integration Benefits:

• Automatic +10-15 trust score points when present
• Faster brand verification processing
• Enhanced corporate credibility signals
• Opens access to enterprise partnership opportunities

Consent Reconfirmation Campaigns

List Hygiene Maintenance

Subscriber databases degrade over time through number changes, account closures, and engagement decay. Periodic reconfirmation protects consent validity and improves campaign metrics.

Benefits:

• Improves engagement rates through active subscriber focus
• Reduces spam complaint probability
• Refreshes consent records with current timestamps
• Demonstrates proactive compliance efforts during audits
• Eliminates inactive numbers reducing wasted sends

SECTION 9: TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION

Platform Integration Requirements

Messaging Service Provider Selection

Campaign Service Providers (CSPs) facilitate TCR registration, manage carrier relationships, and route messages across network infrastructure.

Major CSP Options:

• Twilio: Enterprise-grade platform with comprehensive TCR workflow
• Bandwidth: Direct carrier connections and simplified registration
• Telnyx: API-first design with developer-focused documentation
• Sinch: Global reach with U.S. carrier optimization
• Vonage: Established provider with multi-channel capabilities

Deliverability Optimization

Message Timing Strategy

Send Time Optimization:

• Business hours (9 AM - 6 PM local time) maximize engagement
• Avoid early morning (<8 AM) and late evening (>9 PM) per TCPA quiet hours
• Tuesday-Thursday show highest response rates
• Weekend sends acceptable for retail/e-commerce (lower for B2B)
• Test timing by segment (different audiences have different patterns)

Volume Ramping

New campaigns require gradual volume increase demonstrating legitimate traffic patterns:

• Week 1: 10% of planned volume
• Week 2: 25% of planned volume
• Week 3: 50% of planned volume
• Week 4: 75% of planned volume
• Week 5+: Full volume

Monitoring & Analytics

Key Performance Metrics

Delivery Metrics:

• Sent: Total messages attempted
• Delivered: Confirmed receipt at device
• Failed: Bounced or blocked messages
• Delivery rate: Delivered ÷ Sent (target >95%)

Engagement Metrics:

• Click-through rate: URL clicks ÷ delivered (industry average 8-15%)
• Response rate: Replies ÷ delivered
• Conversion rate: Desired actions ÷ delivered

Health Metrics:

• Opt-out rate: Unsubscribes ÷ delivered (maintain <0.5%)
• Spam complaint rate: Complaints ÷ delivered (maintain <0.1%)
• Hard bounce rate: Invalid numbers ÷ sent (clean regularly if >2%)

SECTION 10: COST MANAGEMENT

TCR Fee Structure

Registration Costs

Brand Registration:

• Standard brands: $4 one-time fee
• External vetting: $40 per quarter (optional, improves trust score)
• Sole proprietor surcharge: Variable by CSP

Campaign Registration:

• Standard use cases: $10/month per campaign
• Special use cases: $15/month (political, charitable)
• Low volume brands: $2/month (reduced rate)
• Campaign modification: Free (unlimited updates)

Carrier Pass-Through Fees:

T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon assess per-message fees collected by CSPs:

• Standard trust score: $0.002-$0.004 per message
• Low trust score: $0.006-$0.010 per message
• High trust score: $0.001-$0.002 per message

Platform Costs

Messaging Service Provider Pricing

Volume-based pricing typical across CSPs:

• Low volume (<10,000 monthly): $0.0100-$0.0150 per message
• Medium volume (10,000-100,000): $0.0075-$0.0100 per message
• High volume (100,000-1M): $0.0050-$0.0075 per message
• Enterprise volume (>1M): $0.0030-$0.0050 per message

Total Cost Calculation

Cost Optimization Strategies

Campaign Consolidation:

Combine related use cases where appropriate. Merge order confirmations and shipping updates under Delivery Notifications. Consolidate account alerts under single Account Notifications campaign. Reduce total campaign count from 5 to 3, saving $20 monthly.

Volume Commitment Discounts:

Annual contracts with CSPs typically reduce per-message costs 15-25%. Monthly plan at $0.0075 per message compared to annual commitment at $0.0060 per message provides 20% savings. On 50,000 monthly messages, that's $90/month = $1,080 annually.

Trust Score Investment:

External vetting $500 investment improves throughput and reduces carrier fees. Current carrier fee of $0.003 per message versus post-vetting carrier fee of $0.0015 per message creates savings of $0.0015 × 50,000 = $75 monthly = $900 annually. ROI: 180% in first year.

SECTION 11: TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Common Registration Failures

Scenario 1: Brand Rejected - Entity Verification Failed

Symptoms: Brand registration denied with message indicating business entity cannot be verified or doesn't match provided information.

Prevention: Register business formally as LLC or Corporation before TCR application. Sole proprietors should obtain EIN minimum 30 days before registration attempt.

Scenario 2: Campaign Rejected - Sample Messages Insufficient

Diagnostic Steps:

• Check each sample for distinct content (not minor variations)
• Verify brand name appears in every sample
• Confirm opt-out language present in all samples
• Review for populated variables (no {PLACEHOLDER} text)
• Ensure samples reflect actual messaging content accurately

Scenario 3: Website Compliance Failure

Diagnostic Steps:

• Test URL accessibility from multiple locations/devices
• Verify SSL certificate installed (HTTPS)
• Check privacy policy contains SMS-specific section
• Confirm contact information displays business address
• Ensure mobile responsiveness for all pages
• Review for professional design (no obvious templates)

Delivery Issues Post-Approval

Scenario 5: Messages Not Delivering

Symptoms: Approved campaign experiencing low delivery rates or complete blocking on specific carriers.

Prevention: Monitor delivery rates daily. Alert on drops >5%. Maintain low complaint rates. Vary message content. Respect throughput limits.

Scenario 6: High Opt-Out Rates

Symptoms: Campaign experiencing >0.5% opt-out rate, indicating relevance problems or consent quality issues.

Immediate Actions:

• Reduce send frequency by 50%
• Pause marketing sends temporarily
• Send reconfirmation campaign to active subscribers
• Segment list by engagement level
• Focus messaging on highly engaged subscribers only

Long-term Fixes:

• Improve consent quality at collection point
• Set clear expectations about message frequency
• Personalize content based on subscriber data
• Implement preference center (frequency, content type selection)
• Regular list cleaning removing inactive subscribers

SECTION 12: RESOURCE APPENDIX

Document Templates

Brand Registration Application Template

Compliance Checklists

Pre-Registration Checklist

Business Foundation:

• Business formally registered (LLC/Corporation preferred)
• EIN obtained from IRS
• Physical business address verified
• Business phone number established
• Corporate email domain configured
• Website active with complete information
• DUNS number obtained (recommended)

Website Compliance:

• SSL certificate installed (HTTPS)
• Privacy policy published with SMS section
• Terms of service includes message programs
• Contact page shows physical address
• About page describes business operations
• Mobile responsive design implemented
• Professional appearance (no template placeholders)
• Business domain matches business name

Campaign Preparation:

• Use case selected matching actual messaging
• Three unique sample messages drafted
• Brand name included in all samples
• Opt-out language added to all samples
• Variables populated with realistic examples
• Consent collection method documented
• Consent form screenshot captured
• Help message template created
• Stop message template created

Post-Approval Compliance Checklist

Monthly Maintenance:

• Review opt-out rate (<0.5% target)
• Check spam complaint rate (<0.1% target)
• Verify delivery rate (>95% target)
• Audit sample messages against actual sends
• Test HELP and STOP keyword responses
• Review website privacy policy current
• Confirm consent collection process unchanged
• Check trust score for declines

Quarterly Reviews:

• Clean subscriber list removing bounces
• Conduct consent reconfirmation for inactive subscribers
• Review carrier policy updates
• Audit content for prohibited categories
• Verify sender ID consistency
• Test message rendering across carriers
• Review campaign performance metrics
• Update internal documentation

Regulatory Resource Links

Federal Agencies:

• FCC (Federal Communications Commission): www.fcc.gov/consumer-protection
• FTC (Federal Trade Commission): www.ftc.gov/business-guidance
• CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau): www.consumerfinance.gov

Industry Organizations:

• CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association): www.ctia.org
• The Campaign Registry: www.campaignregistry.com
• Mobile Marketing Association: www.mmaglobal.com

Compliance Resources:

• TCPA Compliance Portal: www.tcpa.com
• National Do Not Call Registry: www.donotcall.gov
• Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org

Glossary of Terms

SECTION 13: NEXT STEPS

Immediate Action Items

1. Assess Current State: Determine business entity status, EIN availability, website compliance readiness
2. Gather Documentation: Collect formation documents, tax records, business licenses, address proof
3. Website Audit: Review privacy policy, terms of service, contact information completeness
4. Choose CSP: Research messaging platforms supporting TCR registration workflow
5. Draft Sample Messages: Create three unique templates representing actual campaign content

Implementation Timeline