Executive Summary
TCR registration requirements are the Brand identity fields and Campaign packaging fields your Campaign Service Provider (CSP) submits into The Campaign Registry (TCR) ecosystem so US carriers can recognize sanctioned A2P 10DLC traffic. Brands generally need a legal name, tax ID (EIN for most US entities; Sole Proprietor rules differ), address consistent with tax records, website, and contacts. Campaigns need a clear description, use case, sample messages, verifiable opt-in (CTA/message flow), opt-out/HELP handling, and consistent public policy URLs. TCR’s own FAQ states that TCR does not review/approve/reject Campaigns—CSPs and upstream partners do—and that approval time varies. This guide is a board-ready requirements checklist, not a fee schedule and not legal advice.
Short answer: Before you submit, gather accurate Brand identity (legal name, EIN/tax ID where required, IRS-consistent address, website, contacts) and a complete Campaign package (who/whom/why description, use case, 2–5 aligned samples, 1:1 opt-in proof, STOP/HELP, privacy/terms URLs). Submit through your CSP—not by treating TCR as a DIY consumer portal for most brands.
Who This Is For / Who It Is Not For
Who this is for: Ops/compliance teams preparing first or remediation submissions; ISVs collecting client data; counsel reviewing packaging.
Who this is not for: Teams seeking guaranteed approval times or invented universal fees; pure TCPA litigation strategy.
Definitions
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| TCR | The Campaign Registry |
| CSP | Campaign Service Provider |
| Brand | Legal business identity record |
| Campaign | Use-case + samples + opt-in/out package |
| Verified Brand | Identity status allowing Campaign registration |
| Sole Proprietor | Path for individuals without EIN (constraints apply) |
| Reseller | Entity between CSP and Brand in TCR terms |
| Special use case | Sensitive campaigns that may need extra MNO/vetting steps |
Brand Requirements (Core)
Per TCR resources:
| Field | Requirement notes |
|---|---|
| Legal company name | Must match tax/registration spelling |
| EIN / Tax ID | Required except Sole Proprietor path; US EIN should match IRS SS-4 data |
| Address | Prefer IRS-consistent address |
| Website | Live, consistent with business |
| Support email/phone | Reachable contacts |
| Entity/vertical | Accurate classification |
| Stock ticker / public company fields | When applicable per CSP forms |
Sole Proprietor: TCR FAQ describes Sole Proprietor as an individual without EIN—constraints on numbers/Campaigns apply at CSP level (e.g., Twilio documents one 10DLC number for Sole Prop Campaigns).
Already vetted elsewhere? Each CSP still registers the Brand; vetting tokens may be importable per TCR FAQ.
Campaign Requirements (Core)
| Element | What “good” looks like |
|---|---|
| Description | Who sends, who receives, why—specific (TCR FAQ; Bandwidth examples) |
| Use case | Accurate Standard vs Special selection |
| Samples | Realistic, Brand-named, match use case; include opt-out language |
| Opt-in CTA | Verifiable 1:1 flow with disclosures |
| Opt-out / HELP | Functional keywords and auto-replies |
| Privacy / terms URLs | Public HTTPS |
| Content attributes | Match samples (links, etc.) |
| Reseller field | Populate when registering via reseller chain |
Requirements Matrix: Standard vs Special vs Sole Prop
| Requirement | Standard Brand/Campaign | Special use case | Sole Prop |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIN | Typically yes | Yes + possible vetting | No EIN path |
| Website | Expected | Expected | CSP-dependent |
| MNO extra approval | Often not pre-required | May be required | CSP rules |
| Number limits | CSP/carrier policies | CSP/carrier policies | Often one long code |
| Throughput | Brand/Campaign based | May need vetting | Lower caps typical |
Decision Framework: Ready to Submit?
- Confirm you send US A2P on 10DLC (else consider TFN/short code paths).
- Choose Brand type (Standard / Low-Volume / Sole Prop) with CSP.
- Collect tax letter / legal docs; align website legal footer.
- Draft Campaign description answering who/whom/why.
- Capture live opt-in evidence.
- Publish SMS privacy section.
- Write 2–5 samples; set attributes.
- Submit Brand → wait verified → submit Campaign.
- On rejection, fix live assets then edit/resubmit.
- Attach numbers only after approval; soak test.
Risks of Incomplete Requirements
| Gap | Likely outcome | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong EIN/name | Unverified Brand | Use SS-4 data |
| Vague description | Campaign rejection | Rewrite specifically |
| Broken privacy URL | Rejection (e.g., 9108-class) | Fix before submit |
| Marketing samples on care use case | Rejection/filtering | Split Campaigns |
| Missing reseller ID | Rejection for ISV chains | Fill Other Responsible Parties |
| Assuming TCR approves | Confusion on timelines | Work CSP reasons |
Implementation Checklist
| Step | Owner | Artifact |
|---|---|---|
| Tax ID + legal name packet | Controller | SS-4 / articles |
| Website QA | Marketing | Checklist |
| Privacy SMS section | Legal | URL |
| Opt-in screenshots | Product | Evidence zip |
| Sample set | Marketing ops | Doc |
| CSP Brand submit | Admin | Brand ID |
| CSP Campaign submit | Admin | Campaign ID |
| Number association | Eng | Audit |
| Soak test | Eng | Metrics |
How MyTCRPlus Can Help
Preflight trust/packaging with MyTCRPlus tools and follow step-by-step registration. No approval guarantees.
FAQ
Do I register directly on campaignregistry.com as a brand?
Typically brands register through a CSP. TCR FAQ directs businesses to messaging providers.
Is EIN always required?
Required for typical Brands; Sole Proprietor path excludes EIN per TCR FAQ definition.
How long for Campaign approval?
Varies by use case and CSP; TCR does not itself approve/reject.
Does adding numbers increase throughput?
TCR FAQ: throughput is based on Brand and Campaign, not number count; vetting helps higher throughput.
What belongs in Campaign description?
Clear detailed outline of exact use—lack of clarity risks rejection.
What is a Reseller in TCR?
Entity between CSP and Brand; populate reseller fields when applicable.
Are Special Campaigns different?
Yes—sensitive/critical; may need vetting or MNO approval.
Do requirements replace TCPA?
No.
Canadian or foreign Brands?
TCR FAQ lists tax ID guidance by region—follow CSP forms.
Where do I get rejection reasons?
From your CSP, not a public TCR consumer ticket.
Key Takeaways
- Requirements = accurate Brand identity + complete Campaign packaging via CSP.
- EIN/name/address consistency drives verification.
- Description, samples, CTA, and privacy URLs drive Campaign approval.
- TCR does not approve Campaigns; CSPs/upstream do.
- More numbers ≠ more throughput.
- Keep TCPA consent parallel.
- Use MyTCRPlus for packaging preflight only.
Worked example: a pre-submission readiness check
Before registering, a physical therapy group assembles its packet: IRS EIN letter with the exact legal name, business address, website with privacy policy and SMS terms, a public opt-in page with the full disclosure set, a campaign description, samples for each message type and the HELP and STOP replies configured at its CSP.
It checks each item against the registry's requirements and finds two gaps: its privacy policy lacks the SMS non-sharing clause and its opt-in form omits frequency. Fixing both before submission takes an hour and avoids two of the most common rejection codes.
Disclaimer
Informational only—not legal advice. Confirm current TCR/CSP forms and counsel guidance. MyTCRPlus does not guarantee approval.
Related guide: CP 575 vs 147C letter: EIN verification for 10DLC