10DLC Compliance Updates for July 2025: What You Must Know!

Text message marketing remains one of the most effective ways to reach customers today. But staying compliant with carrier regulations has become increasingly complex. That’s where 10DLC system comes in.

The 10DLC system (10-digit long codes) lets businesses send high-volume texts over local numbers. It’s cheaper than short codes and more trusted than random toll-free numbers. But here’s the catch—carriers strictly regulate these campaigns.

Starting July 2025, major updates to 10DLC compliance rules will take effect. If you want to keep your campaigns running smoothly, you must understand these changes now.

In this detailed guide, we break down what’s changing, why it matters, and what you need to do to prepare.

What Is 10DLC, and Why Does It Matter?

10DLC system was created to balance two things:

1. Businesses’ need to send high-volume text campaigns.
2. Carriers’ responsibility to block spam and protect consumers.

Unlike personal numbers, 10DLC numbers are registered, verified, and approved for A2P (application-to-person) messaging. This helps ensure that messages come from real brands, not bad actors.

If you’re using SMS for:

• Promotions
• Appointment reminders
• Customer service
• Alerts or notifications

…then you’re probably using 10DLC.

But here’s the thing: rules are evolving because spam, fraud, and consumer complaints keep rising. That’s why the July 2025 updates are so important.

Why Are the Rules Changing in July 2025?

The U.S. mobile ecosystem is under pressure. Carriers are facing:

• Rising spam complaint volumes.
• New scams exploiting messaging loopholes.
• Increased regulatory scrutiny from government agencies.

To address this, they’re tightening 10DLC rules.

The goal?
✅ Protect consumers.
✅ Improve trust in SMS.
✅ Keep legitimate businesses running without interruption.

So, while the changes may feel restrictive, they’re designed to future-proof SMS as a channel.

Key 10DLC Changes Coming in July 2025

Let’s break down the biggest updates you need to know.

1. Mandatory Brand and Campaign Registration

Right now, some businesses can still send small-scale campaigns without full 10DLC registration. That loophole will close.

Starting July 2025:

• Every business must complete brand registration.
• Every SMS campaign must have an approved use case attached.
• Unregistered traffic will get automatically blocked.

Real-World Example: A local salon sending appointment reminders must register its brand and tag its messages under “customer care.” Even small-volume senders can’t skip this.

Action Tip: Don’t delay. Start your registration early because the approval process can take days or even weeks.

2. Enhanced Opt-In Proof and Tracking

Previously, businesses could sometimes claim they “had consent” without formal proof. That’s no longer acceptable.

Under the new rules:

• You must maintain documented, timestamped proof of every subscriber’s opt-in.
• You must disclose the type and frequency of messages at signup.
• Carriers can request audits, and failure to provide proof can lead to account suspension.

Action Tip: Update your opt-in process now. Use tools that store consent records automatically.

3. Verified Business Identity Checks

To fight fraud, carriers will now cross-check submitted brand information against official databases.

This means:

• Your business name, EIN, address, and website must all match public records.
• You may be asked to provide additional verification if there are mismatches.

Pro Tip: Don’t guess. Pull your EIN, business license, and legal entity details directly before submitting.

4. Expanded Use Case Categories

Until now, campaigns were broadly labeled—“marketing,” “alerts,” or “customer care.”

Going forward, you must choose from:

• Political
• Charity
• Financial services
• Healthcare
• Sweepstakes
• Emergency services
• …and many more.

Each category carries:

• Different message filtering rules.
• Different carrier fees.
• Specific content restrictions.

Action Tip: Review all active campaigns. Make sure they’re properly categorized.

5. Real-Time Content Scanning and Blocking

Carriers are stepping up live content monitoring.

They’ll scan:

• Message bodies.
• URLs.
• Attachments.

If they detect banned content (e.g., illegal offers, unlicensed gambling, hate speech), they can block messages midstream.

Action Tip: Review your templates carefully. Remove risky phrases. Always include clear opt-out instructions like “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

6. Tougher Enforcement on Opt-Out Compliance

The new rules raise the stakes for ignoring opt-outs.

Specifically:

• You must process “STOP” replies immediately.
• You must send a confirmation of opt-out.
• You cannot continue sending messages until the subscriber opts in again.

Pro Tip: Automate this process through your SMS platform. Manual handling is risky and inefficient.

What Happens If You Ignore These Changes?

Ignoring the July 2025 updates can lead to:

• Immediate message blocking by carriers.
• Hefty penalty fees.
• Damage to your brand reputation.
• Loss of valuable customer relationships.

Even worse, non-compliant campaigns could trigger legal action, especially under consumer protection laws.

How to Prepare for the July 2025 10DLC Rules

✅ Step 1: Audit All Active Campaigns: List every SMS campaign you’re running. Confirm whether it’s properly registered, categorized, and compliant.

✅ Step 2: Update Consent and Opt-In Flows: Collect and store explicit consent records. Use forms, keywords, or checkboxes that leave no doubt.

✅ Step 3: Work With Your SMS Platform Provider: Many providers offer compliance dashboards, automated registration, and template checks. Use them!

✅ Step 4: Train Your Marketing and Support Teams: Make sure everyone understands the changes. One rogue message could put your whole program at risk.

✅ Step 5: Monitor Carrier Communications: Stay updated. Carriers may release additional guidelines or clarifications before the July deadline.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Comply—Lead!

10DLC system updates may feel like a burden, but they also create an opportunity.

Brands that prioritize compliance will enjoy:

• Better deliverability.
• Stronger customer trust.
• Lower risk of disruption.
• A competitive edge over slower-moving rivals.

📲 Start preparing now. The July 2025 deadline will arrive faster than you think.