10DLC: what it means
Definition10DLC means ten-digit long code, the ordinary local phone number format used to send business text messages in the United States. Carriers require businesses that send texts this way to register, so that senders are identified and consumers can opt in and out.[1]
How it works in a service business
For a small service business, 10DLC is the reason you cannot simply buy a number and start texting customers at volume. Registration involves describing your business and what you will send. Approval takes time, and unregistered traffic may be filtered or blocked by carriers. The tradeoff is effort up front for better delivery later. A common mistake is skipping registration or describing the use vaguely, which leads to a rejection and a delay. Describe real use, such as appointment reminders and replies to customers who contacted you, and keep opt-out handling in place. Whoever provides your messaging account usually runs the registration, so ask them what information they need and how long it takes before you promise customers texts.
Example
A cleaning company buys a local number for reminders. Before texting customers, the owner submits the business details and sample messages, then waits for approval to arrive.
Where Apex touches this
In progress
Part of this is built. The rest is not. Status as of 2026-10-07; the badge shows the least-built feature involved.
- CM01Two-way SMS from business number(In progress)
- CM0210DLC / registration handled for you(Rolling out)
Apex Flow Scheduler is in early access. See how we label status.
Related terms
Sources
- Twilio docs: US A2P 10DLC overview (read 2026-10-07)