Understanding TCR and DCA Verification
TCR (The Campaign Registry) is the central authority where all brands and campaign use cases are registered for A2P 10DLC messaging in the United States.
DCA (Direct Connect Aggregator) is the carrier-integrated layer responsible for reviewing, approving, or rejecting campaigns based on message content, compliance, and use case evidence.
Even if TCR accepts a campaign, a DCA (like AT&T, T-Mobile, or their intermediaries) may still reject it during their manual or automated verification process.
If a campaign is rejected by a DCA, you may edit and resubmit the campaign. Note: Each resubmission incurs a $15 fee. Multiple rejections may cause longer review delays or message filtering.
DLS SMS Rules
- Only
START
andSTOP
keywords are supported - URL shorteners (e.g., bit.ly) are prohibited
- Opt-in must be documented (web, keyword, or verbal)
- SHAFT-C(D) content is prohibited (Sex, Hate, Alcohol*, Firearms, Tobacco*, Cannabis, Debt Relief, Gambling)
- Sole proprietor campaigns are not supported
- Every campaign must include sample messages, CTA details, Privacy Policy, and Terms and Conditions
Campaign Use Cases, CTAs, Message Examples, and Required Documentation
1. Marketing / Promotional
Typical Use
Sending coupons, promotions, flash sales, and rewards programs.
CTA Examples
Web: Check this box to receive weekly offers from ABC Store. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Keyword: Text START to 34567 to receive discounts and promo alerts from ABC Store. Verbal: I agree to receive promotional texts from ABC Store. I understand message and data rates may apply, and I can opt out anytime.
Help Message
This number does not support HELP requests. Contact support@abcstore.com or call 800-555-1000. STOP to unsubscribe.
Opt-in Confirmation
Welcome to ABC Store deals. Message and data rates may apply. STOP to opt out.
Opt-out Confirmation
You have been unsubscribed from ABC Store messages. No further messages will be sent.
Sample Messages
1. Welcome to ABC Store texts. Look out for exclusive weekly offers. 2. 25 percent off this weekend only. Show this text in-store. 3. Flash Sale starts at 10AM tomorrow. Save up to 50 percent. 4. You earned a $10 reward. Redeem by Sunday. 5. Invite a friend and get a $5 credit. STOP to cancel.
Required Documentation
- Screenshots of the opt-in method (web form or keyword ad)
- Sample messages (2-5)
- Privacy Policy and Terms URLs
- Campaign description clearly stating that messages are promotional
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Typical Use
Sending one-time passcodes (OTP) or identity confirmation messages.
CTA Examples
Web: Enter your phone number to receive a security code to log in. In-App: Phone number required to send a 2FA SMS to verify your identity.
Help Message
For account help, contact security@healthsecure.com or call 888-222-9000.
Sample Messages
1. Your login code is 942101. 2. HealthSecure: Use 553210 to verify your login. 3. New login attempt detected. Use code 440988. 4. Your code is 821344. It will expire in 10 minutes. 5. Complete your transaction using OTP 114422.
Required Documentation
- Screenshot of login or account page showing phone entry
- Statement of 2FA-only usage
- Sample OTP messages
3. Delivery / Order Notifications
Typical Use
Alerts regarding orders, shipping, delivery windows, or confirmations.
CTA Examples
Web: Provide your mobile number to receive delivery notifications. POS: Would you like to get a delivery update by SMS?
Help Message
Delivery updates only. Contact support@abchome.com or call 877-123-4567.
Sample Messages
1. Order #381200 confirmed. Estimated ship date: May 28. 2. Your ABC Home order has shipped. Track at abchome.com/track381200 3. Delivery scheduled for Friday between 2PM and 4PM. 4. Your package is out for delivery. 5. Delivered. Let us know how we did. STOP to cancel notifications.
Required Documentation
- Screenshot of checkout or delivery opt-in
- Message samples with STOP instructions
- Privacy Policy URL
4. Customer Care / Support
Typical Use
Follow-up from support tickets or service requests.
CTA Examples
Support form: I agree to receive SMS updates about my support case. Phone: Can we text you case updates? Message and data rates may apply.
Help Message
This is a support line. For urgent help call 855-000-8899.
Sample Messages
1. Support Case #44410 received. Response in 1 business day. 2. Update: Your internet outage has been resolved. 3. Can we close ticket #44410? Reply YES or call support. 4. Tech visit scheduled for Friday 10AM. 5. Thanks for using ABC Support. STOP to end messages.
Required Documentation
- Screenshot of the ticketing system or support opt-in field
- Sample support message logs
5. Conversational (Low-Volume)
Typical Use
One-on-one, human-led communication for appointment reminders, scheduling, or basic updates.
CTA Examples
Client intake: Provide mobile for SMS updates. Message and data rates apply. Verbal: I will send a confirmation via text. Let me know if you want to opt out.
Help Message
This line is for appointment messages only. Contact help@abcgroup.com.
Sample Messages
1. Hi Sam, confirming your 2PM meeting with Lisa. 2. Just checking if you got the paperwork I emailed. 3. Can we reschedule to Friday at 10AM? 4. Thanks for your time today. Reach out with questions. 5. Your files are ready for pickup. STOP to unsubscribe.
Required Documentation
- Screenshot of intake form or verbal script
- Low-volume designation with expected monthly usage
6. Political (PACs, 527s)
Typical Use
Candidate messaging, voter engagement, or political announcements.
CTA Examples
Web: Sign up to receive election alerts from Jane Roberts for Congress. Field: Fill in mobile number to get campaign updates by SMS.
Help Message
Jane Roberts Campaign: Questions? Email info@janeforcongress.com. STOP to cancel.
Sample Messages
1. Jane Roberts: Thanks for joining. Expect 2-3 texts per month. 2. Early voting is open. Find your location: janeforcongress.com/vote 3. Join our town hall this Thursday. RSVP now. 4. We are counting on your support Nov 5. 5. Volunteer this weekend: janeforcongress.com/signup
Required Documentation
- PAC/527 verification or EIN matching political entity
- CTA screenshots (form, event, clipboard, etc.)
7. Charity / Nonprofit (501(c)(3))
Typical Use
Donation receipts, event invites, impact stories.
CTA Examples
Donation page: Check to get SMS updates about your impact. Community form: Share your number for monthly updates.
Help Message
CleanWaterNow: For questions, email support@cleanwater.org. STOP to unsubscribe.
Sample Messages
1. Thanks for donating to CleanWaterNow. You made a difference. 2. This month your gift funded 3 new wells. 3. Join our community cleanup June 12. 4. Your tax receipt is available online. 5. Update: We reached 85 percent of our campaign goal.
Required Documentation
- IRS 501(c)(3) verification
- Screenshots of donation form with SMS opt-in