In March 2025, the Center for Campaign Innovation hosted a Lunch & Learn focused on 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) and The Campaign Registry (TCR). Attendees included campaigners, technologists, and compliance professionals looking to better understand how political text messaging works—and how to ensure it works when it matters most.
Speakers included Amanda Pope, Vice President of Technology at RumbleUp, and Stefan Heller, Vice President of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships at The Campaign Registry.
What Is 10DLC?
10DLC refers to 10-digit phone numbers used for application-to-person (A2P) text messaging. These are the standard long code numbers now required for mass texting programs, especially those operated through vendors like RumbleUp. While they provide cost-effective outreach at scale, they also require registration and approval through The Campaign Registry.
Before 10DLC, campaigns often operated in what was described as a "dark, unregulated cellar"—with little oversight or accountability. Now, campaigns must register their brand, use case, and message content in order to avoid blocks and throttling by mobile carriers.
Key Terms
- TCR (The Campaign Registry): The centralized platform that manages brand and campaign registration
- 10DLC (10 Digit Long Code): Phone number with a local area code
- CSP (Campaign Service Provider): Your texting vendor
- CNP (Connectivity Partner): Where CSP sends messages
- DCA (Direct Connect Aggregator): Where CNP sends messages
- MNO (Mobile Network Operator): Phone carrier
Why Registration Matters
Political texting is no longer a gray area. If you are unregistered or improperly structured, your messages may be blocked or delayed—especially during peak moments like election day. Campaigns should not wait until the fall to set this up. Registration, review, and verification can take significantly longer as volume increases.
The process includes human review, so incomplete or unclear submissions can slow down approvals. Your privacy policy, terms of service, and website content all play a role in whether your campaign is approved.
Steps You Should Take Now
Register with Campaign Verify
To use the political use case, your organization must verify its identity through Campaign Verify. Tokens are valid through January 31, 2027 and cost $95.
Ensure Your Website Meets Requirements
Your website must include:
- A privacy policy that confirms you will not sell or share phone numbers
- Clear terms and conditions with message frequency, opt-out instructions, and contact information
- A call-to-action near every phone number field, including on volunteer and donation forms
Work With a Trusted Vendor
A good texting vendor will help manage TCR registration, spot compliance gaps, and troubleshoot issues if your messages are being blocked or throttled.
Common Mistakes
- Collecting phone numbers without proper opt-in or checkbox consent
- Missing or outdated privacy policies
- Using an unregistered number to send messages that don’t match your approved use case
What’s Coming Next
The Campaign Registry is collaborating with CSPs, DCAs, and MNOs to create and release a 10DLC handbook offering consistent registration guidance across all Direct Connect Aggregators (DCAs). This will help standardize the rules and make the process more transparent for all political senders.
As our Executive Director Eric Wilson noted during the session, “This feels a lot like Facebook verification. You’re better off having it and not needing it than needing it and not having it.”
The Bottom Line
10DLC registration is essential for successful texting campaigns. Start early, use a knowledgeable vendor, and ensure your website and use case details meet current standards. Doing so will give your messages the best chance of reaching voters reliably, when it matters most.
