10DLC means 10-digit long code: a local phone number used for messaging. When a business sends texts through software to U.S. recipients from that kind of number, the relevant carrier framework is A2P 10DLC. A2P stands for application-to-person.
This explainer covers the terms and how they fit together. If you are ready to submit an application, use the A2P 10DLC registration guide for the requirements, preparation checklist, steps, and review process.
Why 10DLC exists
A local number looks familiar to the person receiving a text. But a business using software can send very different volumes from an individual texting a friend. A2P 10DLC gives carriers a way to identify the business behind those messages and understand what subscribers agreed to receive.
Registration connects a sender's identity with its messaging use case. It does not replace consent or guarantee that every message will be delivered.
A2P and P2P describe how a message is sent
Application-to-person (A2P) covers messages sent through a messaging application. An appointment reminder, a promotional campaign, and a customer reply sent from business software can all use that channel.
Person-to-person (P2P) is ordinary personal messaging between individuals. A message can sound conversational and still be A2P when it comes from a business platform. The distinction is about the sending channel, not just the wording or whether a person typed it.
A number, a brand, and a campaign are different things
These three terms describe different parts of the same setup:
- The number is the local phone number the recipient sees.
- The brand identifies the business sending the messages.
- The registered campaign describes the messaging purpose, examples, and how subscribers opt in, opt out, or get help.
The number is associated with an approved campaign. The brand answers “who is texting?” and the campaign answers “what are they texting, and why?”
In PitchPrfct, the 10DLC dashboard holds the registration records. A campaign in that dashboard is different from a campaign you build to send messages to a contact list.
A 10DLC campaign is not an individual marketing send
Suppose a service business sends appointment reminders to customers who asked for them. The registered campaign describes that use case and consent process. Each day's reminder messages are individual sends within the program.
Likewise, a marketing campaign in your texting software is an audience, message, and sending schedule. It is not a new carrier registration every time you change a message. Keep actual sending consistent with the registered use case; ask your provider about updates when the purpose changes.
How 10DLC differs from other business numbers
Toll-free numbers and short codes also support business messaging. They are separate number types with their own verification or approval processes; they are not part of the A2P 10DLC registration path.
For the carrier framework and number-type distinctions, see the A2P 10DLC overview. For the registration ecosystem, see The Campaign Registry.
Where to go next
- Preparing to send from a local number? Follow our A2P 10DLC registration guide.
- Writing your opt-in form? See SMS opt-in examples.
- Understanding consent responsibilities? Read the TCPA compliance guide.
- Learning the channel? Start with what SMS marketing is.
Frequently asked questions
What does 10DLC stand for?
Is A2P the same as 10DLC?
Is a 10DLC campaign the same as an SMS campaign?
Where are the registration steps and costs?
Want help getting set up? Explore PitchPrfct pricing.