SMS opt-in language is the wording a consumer sees or hears at the moment they agree to receive your texts. It is the core of your consent record and the first thing 10DLC reviewers try to verify in your Campaign's message flow. Good opt-in language is specific, visible and matched to the kind of messages you will send. This page gives tested templates for every common opt-in method, explains what each element does, and shows how to keep your registration consistent. MyTCRPlus is an independent 10DLC compliance diagnostic platform: it is not a CSP, does not send SMS, and these templates are not legal advice.
Short answer: Name your brand, say what messages the person will get, state frequency, include "Msg & data rates may apply", explain STOP and HELP, link terms and privacy, and for marketing add "Consent is not a condition of purchase" with an unchecked box. Then send a confirmation message that repeats the essentials.
The Elements of Compliant SMS Opt-In Language
| Element | Purpose | Source of the expectation |
|---|---|---|
| Brand name | Consumer knows who will text | CTIA guidelines; TCPA written consent identifies the seller |
| Message description | Consent is purpose-specific | CTIA; carrier review |
| Frequency | Sets expectations | CTIA |
| "Msg & data rates may apply" | Cost disclosure | CTIA |
| STOP and HELP | Opt-out and support | CTIA; TCPA revocation rules |
| Terms and privacy links | Full program details | CTIA; 10DLC review |
| "Consent is not a condition of purchase" (marketing) | Required disclosure for written consent | TCPA rules for telemarketing texts |
| Affirmative action (unchecked box, keyword, signature) | Proves the consumer chose to opt in | TCPA; carrier review |
See CTIA guidelines and TCPA opt-in requirements for the underlying rules.
Web Form Opt-In Language
Marketing (separate, unchecked checkbox)
☐ I agree to receive recurring marketing text messages from Oak Outfitters at the mobile number provided, including sale alerts and new arrivals. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Up to 6 msgs/month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. View our Terms and Privacy Policy.
Account or service alerts
By checking this box, I agree to receive account alerts and service updates from Oak Bank by text at the number above. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Terms and Privacy Policy.
Lead form (contact request)
☐ Yes, text me about my inquiry. I agree to receive text messages from Oak Realty about this inquiry at the number provided. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Terms and Privacy Policy.
A lead form that only collects a phone number without this language gives you a weak consent record. If you plan to send marketing to leads, use the marketing version.
Checkout Opt-In Language
Use two separate boxes so transactional and marketing consent stay distinct:
☐ Text me order and delivery updates. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel.
☐ Also text me Oak Outfitters offers. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Up to 6 msgs/month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Terms and Privacy Policy.
Keyword Opt-In Language
For print, signage, packaging, ads or radio:
Text JOIN to 555-555-0100 to get Oak Outfitters deals. Up to 6 msgs/month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Terms and privacy: oakoutfitters.com/sms
For marketing keywords, the keyword auto-reply should complete the consent by stating the program details and, where your counsel advises, asking the consumer to confirm with a second reply (double opt-in).
Verbal Opt-In Script
"Would you like to receive text messages from Oak Dental with appointment reminders and account updates at this number? Message frequency varies and message and data rates may apply. You can reply STOP at any time to cancel or HELP for help. Our terms and privacy policy are at oakdental.com/sms. Do you agree?"
Log the response, date, time, agent and number, then send a confirmation text. For marketing texts, a verbal yes is weaker evidence of written consent; follow up with a text the consumer confirms. See how to document verbal consent.
Paper Form Opt-In Language
Mobile number: _ ☐ I agree to receive appointment reminders and account updates by text from Oak Dental at this number. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. Terms and privacy: oakdental.com/sms Signature: _ Date: ______
Scan and store signed forms with the consumer record.
Confirmation Messages
Send immediately after opt-in:
Marketing: Oak Outfitters: You're subscribed to sale alerts. Up to 6 msgs/month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel.
Alerts: Oak Bank: You're enrolled in account alerts. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel.
Double opt-in request: Oak Outfitters: Reply YES to confirm you want sale alerts (up to 6 msgs/month). Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel.
See opt-in confirmation messages and single vs double opt-in.
STOP and HELP Replies
STOP reply: Oak Outfitters: You're unsubscribed and will receive no more messages. Reply START to resubscribe.
HELP reply: Oak Outfitters: Help at support@oakoutfitters.com or 555-555-0100. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel.
Language That Gets Campaigns Rejected
| Weak wording | Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "We may contact you." | Does not mention texts or purpose | Name SMS, brand and message type |
| "By submitting, you agree to our Terms." | Consent bundled with general terms | Separate SMS checkbox and wording |
| Pre-checked SMS box | Not an affirmative act | Unchecked by default |
| No frequency or rates | Missing CTIA disclosures | Add both |
| "Text STOP to opt out" only | No HELP, no links | Add HELP and terms/privacy links |
| Disclosure below the submit button in tiny text | Not clear and conspicuous | Place next to the checkbox, readable size |
Matching Opt-In Language to Your 10DLC Registration
Your Campaign's message flow should describe the opt-in exactly, with the URL of the form or the keyword and number. Reviewers check that:
- The opt-in page is public and the disclosure is visible.
- The message types in the disclosure match the use case and samples.
- The terms and privacy links work and include SMS language.
- The confirmation message matches the disclosure.
Use the SMS disclaimer examples, the SMS terms and conditions template and the 10DLC privacy policy template so all four pieces use the same wording, then test the opt-in wording with the Consent Language Validator.
Recordkeeping for Each Opt-In
Store, for every subscriber:
- Phone number and timestamp of opt-in.
- Opt-in method and source (form URL, keyword, location, agent).
- The exact disclosure version shown.
- IP address or device data for web opt-ins, where available.
- Confirmation message sent and any double opt-in reply.
- Opt-out date and method, if any.
Opt-In Language by Industry
Healthcare clinic:
I agree to receive appointment reminders and visit instructions from Oak Family Clinic by text at this number. We do not send medical records by text. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Terms and Privacy Policy.
Home services:
By booking, you agree to receive appointment confirmations and technician arrival updates from Oak Plumbing by text. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help.
Salon or spa (marketing):
☐ Text me Oak Salon openings and special offers. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Up to 4 msgs/month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Terms and Privacy Policy.
Nonprofit:
☐ Yes, text me event updates and giving opportunities from Oak Community Fund. Up to 4 msgs/month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Terms and Privacy Policy.
Political campaigns have additional requirements and often their own vetting path; see Campaign Verify and political texting.
Design and Placement Checklist
- [ ] SMS consent is its own checkbox, unchecked by default
- [ ] Disclosure sits next to the checkbox, in readable text
- [ ] The phone field is not required to complete a purchase, unless texts are essential to the service
- [ ] The form works and the disclosure is visible on mobile
- [ ] Terms and privacy links open public pages
- [ ] The form URL is the one in your Campaign message flow
- [ ] A dated screenshot is stored for each version
Opt-In Language for Multi-Location and Agency Programs
When one form serves several locations or client brands, the disclosure must name the business that will send the texts. "Text updates from your local Oak Fitness studio" works if each location registers under the same Brand; separate legal entities need their own Brand, opt-in and terms. Agencies building forms for clients should use each client's legal or brand name, not the agency's. See franchise SMS compliance.
Testing Your Opt-In Before Registration
Before you submit a Campaign, walk through your own opt-in as a consumer would:
- Open the form on a phone using a private browser window.
- Read the disclosure without zooming. If you cannot, it is too small.
- Check the box, submit with a test number, and confirm the confirmation text arrives with matching wording.
- Reply HELP and STOP and confirm both responses.
- Click the terms and privacy links and confirm they load without a login.
- Screenshot each step and save the screenshots with the date.
Fix anything that fails before you register. These screenshots are also exactly what you need if a carrier or CSP later asks how a subscriber opted in.
Re-Permissioning an Existing List
If you already have numbers collected without compliant opt-in language, do not start texting them with marketing. Ask for consent through a channel where you already have permission, such as email or an in-app prompt, with the full disclosure and a link to the opt-in form. Only add numbers to your SMS program once the consumer completes that opt-in, and keep the new consent record. Numbers without a defensible record are a liability, not an asset, and sending to them is a common cause of filtering and complaints.
Opt-In Language and Throughput
Clear opt-in language affects more than approval. Subscribers who knowingly opted in reply STOP less often and report messages as spam less often, and carriers watch both signals. Programs with vague opt-ins tend to see higher opt-out and complaint rates, which raises filtering risk and can show up as delivery errors such as Twilio error 30007. Precise opt-in wording is one of the cheapest ways to protect deliverability over the life of a program.
FAQ
What is SMS opt-in language?
The disclosure a consumer sees or hears when agreeing to receive texts: brand, message type, frequency, rates, STOP and HELP, and links to terms and privacy.
What is an example of SMS opt-in language?
"I agree to receive recurring marketing texts from Oak Outfitters at this number. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Up to 6 msgs/month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Terms and Privacy Policy."
Does SMS opt-in language need a checkbox?
For web marketing opt-ins, a separate unchecked checkbox is the safest practice and what reviewers expect. Keyword, verbal and paper opt-ins use other affirmative actions.
Do I need double opt-in for SMS?
It is not universally required, but it strengthens your consent record, especially for keyword and marketing programs.
Is "Msg & data rates may apply" required?
It is expected under CTIA guidelines and checked in 10DLC review.
Can one opt-in cover both alerts and marketing?
Keep them separate. Consent is purpose-specific, and marketing requires written consent with its own disclosure.
What happens if my opt-in language is wrong?
Your 10DLC Campaign can be rejected, and weak consent records increase TCPA risk.
Disclaimer
Informational only, not legal advice. Have counsel review opt-in language for your industry and states. MyTCRPlus does not submit registrations or send messages.