You can send One-Way and Two-Way SMS and MMS messages in the USA with a registered 10-Digit Long Code (10DLC), Toll-Free Number (TFN), or Short Code.
This country has a few more sending rules than most. Read rules and best practices below to ensure you stay compliant.
Available Sender IDs
You can send using either a 10-Digit Long Code (10DLC) or a Toll-Free Number (TFN) in the USA. For high-volume traffic, you may also send via a dedicated Short Code.
Your number must be registered, and costs apply.
10-Digit Long Code (10DLC)
Send from a trusted, local number. Your messages will always come from a consistent Sender ID, which is perfect for establishing trust and recognition. 10DLCs are suitable for low to medium message volumes.
Purchase a dedicated number via our Dashboard by going to:
Sender IDs ➔ Buy a Number
10DLC registration usually takes 1-3 business days and costs do apply.
Registration requirements
A clear use case for your messaging campaign (e.g. appointment reminders, customer service, promotions)
Sample message content, including opt-out instructions
A compliant privacy policy and terms of service
Proof of opt-in or a detailed description of the opt-in process
Brand and company information (e.g. name, address, website)
Expected message volume and sending frequency
Your business’s Tax ID / EIN (for U.S.-based businesses)
Toll-Free Number (TFN)
Toll-Free Numbers are 10-digit numbers (e.g. 888, 800, 877 prefixes) that support two-way messaging. Your messages will always come from a consistent Sender ID, which is perfect for establishing trust and recognition. TFNs are suitable for low to medium message volumes.
Purchase a dedicated number via our Dashboard by going to:
Sender IDs ➔ Buy a Number
TFN registration usually takes 1-7 business days and costs do apply.
Registration requirements
A clear use case for your messaging campaign (e.g. alerts, promotions)
Sample message content, including opt-out instructions
Proof of opt-in or a detailed description of the opt-in process
Brand and company information (e.g. name, address, website)
Expected message volume and sending frequency
Short Code
Short codes are 5-6 digits long and offer superior throughput — ideal if you plan to send a high volume of messages.
To purchase a short code, please contact support.
Short Code registration usually takes 8-12 weeks and costs do apply.
Registration requirements
Your ClickSend account manager will contact you to guide you through the highly regulated short code application process. To complete registration, you’ll need to provide detailed information, including:
A clear use case for your messaging campaign (e.g. marketing, 2FA, customer alerts)
Sample message content that includes opt-out instructions
A compliant privacy policy and terms of service
Opt-in proof or a detailed description of the opt-in process
Brand and company information (e.g. name, address, website)
Expected message volume and frequency
Rules and best practices
CTIA’s Guiding Principles
The CTIA represents the U.S. wireless industry and sets messaging compliance standards. All messaging programs must follow these four guiding principles:
Clear Calls-to-Action: Consumers must clearly understand what they’re signing up for.
Valid Consent Mechanisms: Consent must meet CTIA’s requirements, giving consumers control over what they receive.
Opt-In Confirmation: The first message must confirm the user’s opt-in and include opt-out instructions.
Honor Opt-Out Requests: All opt-out requests must be acknowledged and actioned promptly.
Consent Types: What’s Required?
There are three main messaging categories, each with its own consent requirements:
1. Conversational Messaging
Back-and-forth conversations initiated by the consumer.
First message: Sent by the consumer
Message type: Two-way
Purpose: Response to a specific request
Consent: Implied (no formal permission needed)
2. Informational Messaging
Texts sent in response to a request or as part of a service (e.g. alerts, reminders).
First message: Sent by either party
Message type: One-way or two-way
Purpose: Provide requested info
Consent: Express (verbal, written, form, or online opt-in)
3. Promotional Messaging
Messages promoting a product, service, or special offer.
First message: Sent by the business
Message type: One-way
Purpose: Marketing, sales, or promotional content
Consent: Express Written Consent (e.g. checkbox, signed form)
Note: Promotional messaging is the most regulated and subject to stricter rules under TCPA.
Opt-Out Requirements
All campaigns must include clear opt-out instructions (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe”).
If sending messages in a language other than English, opt-out instructions must be provided in that language as well.
Link Shorteners
Public link shorteners (e.g., bit.ly) are not allowed. AT&T and other carriers banned them due to their potential to obscure deceptive or malicious URLs. Messages using public shorteners are often flagged and rejected as spam.
If you need to shorten URLs to stay within character limits, ClickSend offers a built-in link shortener.
Content guidelines
Before sending to the USA, please review our Sending Guidelines to understand prohibited message types. Additionally, you must adhere to the specific local regulations of disallowed content outlined below:
High-Risk Financial Services
Payday Loans
Short Term- High Interest Loans
Auto Loans
Mortgage Loans
Student Loans
Debt Collection
Gambling/Sweepstakes
Stock Alerts
Cryptocurrency
Get Rich Quick Schemes
Deceptive Work from Home Programs
Risk Investment Opportunities
Multi-Level Marketing
Debt Forgiveness
Debt Consolidation
Debt Reduction
Credit Repair Programs
3rd Party Debt collection
Job Postings
Exceptions permitted if the message sender is the one doing the hiring
Gambling
Deceptive Marketing
Lead Generation (All Affiliate Marketing must be carrier approved)
Charitable Donations- Allowed if you are a tax-exempt charity organization under IRS code 501(c)(3) or a registered political party.
Need help?
The USA has a few more rules than most — but we’re here to make it easy. Chat with our support team any time to walk through registration or message setup.