The CTIA and US Short Code Registry are implementing enhanced verification requirements that will affect both new and existing short code campaigns. Here's what you need to know:
What's Changing?
The US Short Code Registry is introducing mandatory Employer Identification Number (EIN) verification and additional data requirements for all short code campaigns. These changes aim to strengthen the security of the messaging ecosystem and maintain the trusted status of short codes for business messaging.
The Short Code Registry is making three primary updates on October 15, 2024:
- Adding new data fields to enhance the vetting of common short code lessees (“CSC Registrants”), Content Providers, and Brand Clients;
- Defining and adding conditions for the leasing and assignment of Parked Codes;
- Defining and adding conditions for the leasing of Demo Codes.
1. Adding New Data Fields for Enhanced Vetting
To improve the vetting process of Common Short Code (CSC) Registrants, Content Providers, and Brand Clients, new data fields will be required during registration and renewal.
| Point of Contact | Organization Legal Name |
| Name | Organization Entity Type |
| Organization Physical Location Address | |
| Phone Number | Organization URL |
| Physical Address | Organization FEIN |
Important Note: The brand client point of contact email address will receive an email from Aegis Mobile with a verification link and PIN, which must be used to complete the verification and proceed with the process.
Implementation Timeline:
- For New Short Codes: Starting October 15, 2024, all new short code campaigns must provide the required data fields during the onboarding process.
- For Existing Short Codes: Beginning January 15, 2025, existing short codes that auto-renew will be subject to the new requirements. Thirty days prior to the renewal date, the Short Code Registry will send an email notification to the CSC Registrant, informing them of the need to provide the required information. CSC Registrants and their Brand Clients will have a sixty (60) day period after the auto-renewal date to submit the requisite fields. Short codes not updated with the required information risk suspension or termination.
Why is this change being implemented?
The Short Code Registry has been a trusted messaging channel for over twenty years. These updates are designed to further protect consumers and promote greater transparency through enhanced vetting and monitoring, ultimately benefiting all messaging stakeholders.
Will this affect my current messaging campaigns?
No, your current campaigns will continue to operate normally until your renewal date. However, it's important to start preparing your EIN submission and gathering the required information well in advance of your renewal.
Where can I find my organization's EIN?
Your EIN can be found on your federal tax returns, official correspondence from the IRS, or your original EIN assignment letter. If you can't locate it, contact the IRS for assistance.
What do I do if I don’t have an EIN?
Compliance requires you to submit a valid EIN for sending messages using short codes. To obtain an EIN, you can apply online through the IRS website.
2. Defining Conditions for the Leasing and Assignment of Parked Codes
What Are Parked Codes?
Parked Codes are short codes that are leased by a CSC Registrant but have not yet been assigned to an associated Brand Client. These codes are not active for messaging.
What's Changing?
Beginning on October 15, 2024, CSC Registrants will be required to indicate if a leased code does not yet have an identified or successfully vetted Brand Client by marking the code as “Parked” during the registration process. Parked Codes will be subject to enhanced monitoring to ensure compliance.
3. Defining Conditions for the Leasing of Demo Codes
What Are Demo Codes?
Demo Codes are short codes used exclusively for marketing, promotional, or testing purposes. These codes are not intended for active messaging campaigns with consumers.
What's Changing?
Starting on October 15, 2024, CSC Registrants will be required to indicate if a leased code is intended for marketing, promotional, or testing purposes by designating it as a “Demo Code”. Demo Codes should never be assigned a Brand Client and will be subject to enhanced monitoring to ensure compliance.