SMS rules for United States
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Sender ID restrictions
| Alphanumeric sender ID | Supported |
|---|---|
| Foreign numeric sender ID | Supported |
| Local numeric sender ID | Supported |
| Generic sender ID prohibited | Yes, you can |
| Sender ID can be changed | No, you can't. |
| Virtual number required | Yes, you can |
| Marketing requires opt-in | No, you can't. |
| P2P prohibited | No, you can't. |
| Handset DLR unavailable | No, you can't. |
Content restrictions
| Category | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling / Games | PROHIBITED | Detected from provider text: gambling, betting, casino |
| Political content | PROHIBITED | Detected from provider text: political |
| Alcohol | PROHIBITED | Detected from provider text: alcohol |
| Tobacco / E-cigarettes | PROHIBITED | Detected from provider text: tobacco, vape |
| Firearms | PROHIBITED | Detected from provider text: firearm, weapons |
| Marketing / Advertising | PROHIBITED | Detected from provider text: marketing, promotion |
Notes
In the US, there are specific rules for A2P SMS messages that must be followed when sending to recipients within the country. Sender ID guidelines require that alphanumeric sender IDs are not allowed. Instead, numeric transmitter IDs can be used, including 10DLC numbers, which stands for 10 Digit Long Code. This is the new standard for A2P messaging in the US and applies to all messages sent from 10-digit geographic phone numbers.
Toll-free numbers are an approved A2P solution and support handset delivery receipts, binary and unicode encoding. These numbers can be used for SMS, MMS and voice messages and are suitable for various purposes such as alerts, marketing and call centers.
Short codes that are five to six digits long can also be used to send SMS messages and are an approved A2P solution. They support long or concatenated messages and accept hyperlinks using private URL shorteners.
It is important to note that opt-out is required for STOP messages. P2P traffic is allowed, but requires special approval from the operator. There is also content that is not allowed, including high-risk financial services such as payday loans and short-term loans, unless they come from a direct lender.
We strive to keep the information updated and accurate, but we cannot take responsibility for any changes in the rules. For more information on specific requirements and guidelines, it is recommended to contact an expert.
Toll-free numbers are an approved A2P solution and support handset delivery receipts, binary and unicode encoding. These numbers can be used for SMS, MMS and voice messages and are suitable for various purposes such as alerts, marketing and call centers.
Short codes that are five to six digits long can also be used to send SMS messages and are an approved A2P solution. They support long or concatenated messages and accept hyperlinks using private URL shorteners.
It is important to note that opt-out is required for STOP messages. P2P traffic is allowed, but requires special approval from the operator. There is also content that is not allowed, including high-risk financial services such as payday loans and short-term loans, unless they come from a direct lender.
We strive to keep the information updated and accurate, but we cannot take responsibility for any changes in the rules. For more information on specific requirements and guidelines, it is recommended to contact an expert.
Last updated: April 20, 2026