A2P Sole Proprietor Brand Registration

Starting immediately, all A2P (Application-to-Person) registrations require an EIN (Employer Identification Number) to comply with updated spam prevention measures. This change impacts businesses previously eligible for Sole Proprietor registration. Here’s an updated guide to help you navigate the A2P registration process under the new requirements.

Updated Requirements for A2P Registration (Canada)

  • Effective immediately, all messages sent from Canadian 10DLC numbers to U.S. recipients must originate from A2P-registered numbers. If your Canadian 10DLC number is not A2P registered, initiate the registration process to comply with the new requirements.
  • For new Canadian 10DLC numbers purchased after the effective date, A2P registration is mandatory to send messages to Canadian recipients.
  • Existing Canadian 10DLC numbers used for messaging within Canada are not required to undergo A2P registration at this time, except for those used to send messages to U.S. recipients.
  • This applies exclusively to 10DLC numbers. Toll-Free (TF) numbers are not affected and will continue to operate under existing guidelines.

Updated Requirements for A2P Registration (Everyone)

EIN Requirement:

  • All businesses, including small and sole proprietors, must now provide a valid EIN for A2P registration. Registrations without an EIN will no longer be accepted.
  • Sole Proprietor registration has been discontinued due to increased spam concerns.

Business Information:

  • Ensure all submitted information is accurate, including your business name, email address, phone number, and physical address.
  • Business names must not include terms like LLC or other legal identifiers unless they are part of the official business name.

Identity Verification

To enhance security and meet evolving industry standards, Mastermind has introduced an identity verification step during the A2P registration process. This ensure that only legitimate users are able to register and send messages, protecting against fraud and brand impersonation. Users may be prompted to complete a simple identity check, which involves capturing a live selfie and uploading a government-issued ID. Upon successful verification, users can proceed with their registration.

Please note that most users won’t notice any significant change, as this process is designed to be minimally disruptive.

Steps to Register Your A2P Brand

Step 1: Prepare Required Information

  1. Obtain a valid EIN from the IRS if you don’t already have one.
  2. Ensure your business details (name, address, and contact information) are accurate and up-to-date.

Step 2: Start the Registration Process

  1. Log in to your account and navigate to Settings > Phone Numbers > Trust Center.
  2. Click on "Start Registration" under the A2P Brand and Campaign Registration (SMS) card.

Step 3: Complete Registration Details

  • Business Name: Provide the official name of your business as registered with the IRS.
  • EIN: Enter your Employer Identification Number accurately.
  • Email: Use a valid, well-formatted email address. Public domains like Gmail are preferred.
  • Phone Number: Provide a direct line (not VOIP or Google Voice) capable of receiving OTP verification.
  • Address: Enter a valid U.S. or Canadian business address.

Step 4: Verify and Submit

  1. Complete the OTP verification using the provided phone number.
  2. Review and submit your application. Check the "See Examples" link for message template guidelines.

Key Changes and Limitations

  1. Sole Proprietor registration is no longer available.
  2. All businesses must provide an EIN for brand registration.
  3. Each phone number can be used for up to three A2P registrations.
  4. Opt-out language is mandatory in all message templates.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why Did My Registration Fail?

  1. Missing EIN: Ensure you provide a valid EIN.
  2. Invalid Details: Double-check your business name, address, and contact information for accuracy.
  3. Non-Direct Line: Use a valid U.S. or Canadian number capable of receiving OTPs.
  4. Custom Variables in Templates: Avoid placeholders or custom variables; use actual names and correct formatting.

How to Resolve:

  • Update your registration details and resubmit.
  • If issues persist, contact support for further assistance.

FAQs

1- Why is an EIN required now?

  • The update aims to reduce spam and improve trust in A2P messaging by ensuring that only verified businesses can register.

2- What happens to existing Sole Proprietor registrations?

  • Existing registrations will remain active until further notice, but new registrations without an EIN are no longer accepted.

3- Can I use the same phone number for multiple registrations?

  • A single phone number can be used for up to three A2P registrations. Ensure it’s a direct line capable of receiving OTPs.

4- Are there additional fees for EIN-based registration?

  • Registration fees remain unchanged. Check your platform’s pricing details for campaign and registration costs.

4- How can I get an EIN?

  • Apply for an EIN directly through the IRS website. The process is free and typically completed within minutes.

5- What are the new requirements for Canadian 10DLC numbers sending messages to the U.S.?

  • All Canadian 10DLC numbers sending messages to U.S. recipients must be A2P registered.

6- Do existing Canadian 10DLC numbers need to be A2P registered for messaging within Canada?

  • Existing numbers are not required to undergo A2P registration for messaging within Canada, unless used for messaging the U.S.

7- Do the A2P 10DLC changes in Canada also apply to Toll-Free numbers?

  • No, Toll-Free numbers are not affected by the updated messaging policies and will continue to operate under existing guidelines.

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