What is carrier registration?
Carrier registration, also known as A2P 10DLC, refers to a standard in the United States that allows businesses to send Application-to-Person (A2P) type messaging via standard 10-digit long code(10DLC) phone numbers. Major US carriers consider all messages sent using virtual phone numbers with local area codes, like the ones provided by Quo to be A2P.Who is required to register?
Every Quo customer, as virtual phone users who send texts to any US number needs to register. This applies to using Quo for both business and personal use (i.e., texting friends and family). We’re unable to support a personal use case exemption at this time.How long does registration take?
Processing times can vary. Most approvals happen within 24-48 hours; others have remained in pending status for up to 20 days. In rare cases where key information is unable to be verified, registration may take longer than 30 days. You’re not able to message US numbers while waiting for your registration approval.If my registration is rejected, what can I do?
Review the reason your application was rejected in-app and in a related email, make the required changes and resubmit your application. Because a third-party company handles your information verification, the information we receive is limited, and Quo does not have any control over whether your application is approved or rejected.Registration best practices
Provide accurate information to help avoid a delay or rejection.- Match tax documents exactly: Use IRS Form CP-575 for US businesses
- Use consistent branding: Ensure business name, website, and samples align in use of your business name
- Ensure your addresses are complete: Include all address components (suite, apartment numbers, etc.)
Overview
US carrier registration (also referred to as A2P 10DLC) is required for all businesses sending text messages to US phone numbers through Quo. This registration improves message deliverability and prevents carrier filtering by verifying your business and messaging use case.Watch our video to learn more
Or keep reading below to learn more about carrier registration.Registration paths
Businesses with an EIN number
Requirements:- Business address matching tax registration
- Company website or business listing
- Existing contact phone number
- One-time fee: $19.50 (paid directly to the Carrier Registry on your behalf, this is not a Quo fee)
- Monthly fee: $1.50 per month (most organizations), $3 per month (non-profits)
- Resubmission fee: $15 if rejected
Sole proprietor (no EIN number)
Requirements:- Must have a US or Canadian address
- Need a working mobile number that is NOT also your Quo number (+1 country code, not VoIP)
- Take this path if you do not have an EIN number. If you don’t know what that is, you likely do not have one.
- Only one of your phone numbers will be cleared to text US numbers per registration
- You may see a cap for number of messages you can send per day. This is visible in the A2P dashboard once you’re approved
- One-time fee: $19.50 (paid directly to the Carrier Registry on your behalf, this is not a Quo fee)
- Monthly fee: $2 per month
- Resubmission fee: $15 if rejected
Registration process
Step 1: Access registration
- From web or desktop, click Settings
- Select Trust center
- Click Register now to start the process
Step 2: Provide business information
For businesses with tax ID:- Provide your legal business name (must match tax documents exactly)
- Tell us your official business type (Corporation, LLC, Partnership, etc.)
- Provide your tax identification number (EIN, BN-9, etc.)
- Enter a business address that matches your official address
- Select your industry category from a drop-down menu
- Provide your website URL. If you don’t have a website, an official Facebook, Yelp, or Instagram page should work.
Ensure that your business website is live, and includes:
- A description of your business, how it operates, and what products and/or services you offer.
- Clear contact information like your address, phone number, and email.
- We’ll need your first and last name
- Your Business/DBA name if you have one
- A working email address
- A mobile call phone number. This cannot be your Quo number, it MUST be a mobile number
- A US or Canadian address
Step 3: Provide a point of contact
Ensure this contact information is up-to-date, and includes:- First and last name
- Job title and position
- Phone number
Step 4: Choose messaging purpose
Select all the types of text messages you anticipate sending to your customers. This helps us generate the message examples required for your registration.Step 5: Confirm messaging compliance
Specific topics are not permitted to be sent over SMS or MMS in the US or Canada. Take the time to read through each toggle, and confirm that you won’t message your customers about these topics.Step 6: Confirm fees and submit registration
You’ll see a breakdown of a one-time fee of $19.50 paid directly to the Carrier Registry, and a confirmation of a monthly fee of $1.50 to $3.00 to keep your registration active. Monthly fee details. Click Submit to process your registration.Registration status tracking
Monitor your application progress in Settings → Trust:- Pending: Awaiting approval
- Approved: Registration successful
- Rejected: Will need to be resubmitted
Common rejection reasons
Business information mismatches- EIN doesn’t match tax documents: Ensure exact match with IRS Form CP-575
- Business name inconsistencies: Include all designations (LLC, Inc., Corp.)
- Address discrepancies: Include complete address with suite/apartment numbers
- Invalid mobile number: Must be US/Canadian cellular (not VoIP)
- New EIN: Your EIN needs to be at least 30 days old before this will work
- Website problems: Ensure your address works and the website matches your business
Troubleshooting rejections
If registration is rejected:- Review rejection reasons so you know what to update. You’ll see this in Trust center and via email notification
- Verify all information properly matches business tax documents exactly
- Update inconsistent details (business name, address, samples)
- Resubmit application with corrected information
- Contact support if you have any questions and we’ll walk you through it
Toll-free number registration
Separate registration required for toll-free numbers messaging US/Canadian numbers. You can read about it in detail here.- Free registration (included in subscription)
- Required since November 8, 2023
- Individual registration required for each toll-free number
- 2-3 week processing time
Post-registration management
Adding phone numbers
- Business registration: Any new numbers are automatically covered as you add them to your workspace
- Sole proprietor: Only one number in your account can text US numbers
Ongoing compliance
- Monthly fees of $1.50 automatically charged to maintain registration
- Subscription continuity: Registration ends if you cancel your account and leave it canceled for 30 days
Need support?
Submit a request to our support team or chat with us.FAQs
Can I register during my free trial?
Can I register during my free trial?
No, only paid Quo customers can complete carrier registration. Upgrade to a paid plan first.
How long does registration take?
How long does registration take?
Processing varies from 5-7 business days to 30+ days depending on review backlog. Manual review by third parties can cause delays.
Can I expedite my registration?
Can I expedite my registration?
No, registration cannot be expedited. All applications are manually reviewed by The Campaign Registry and third-party entities.
What if I don't have an EIN?
What if I don't have an EIN?
Sole proprietors without business tax ID can register with US/Canadian address and valid mobile number. Only one number can text US numbers.
Can I switch an existing registration from sole prop to business?
Can I switch an existing registration from sole prop to business?
Yes! Please reach out to our support team. They can delete your sole proprieter registration, and then you can re-register for a business registration using your EIN number.
Do I need to register toll-free numbers?
Do I need to register toll-free numbers?
Yes, toll-free numbers require separate (free) registration to text US/Canadian numbers. This is different from A2P 10DLC registration.
Can I register from outside US/Canada?
Can I register from outside US/Canada?
Businesses with valid tax ID can register from anywhere. Sole proprietors must have US/Canadian address and +1 mobile number.
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
Registration ends if subscription is cancelled for more than 30 days. You’ll need to re-register when reactivating.
Why was my registration rejected?
Why was my registration rejected?
Common reasons include business information mismatches, insufficient messaging details, invalid mobile numbers, or new EINs (under 30 days old).