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.

Note: As of the 23rd of April, 2025, registering for A2P increases the likelihood that your outgoing voice calls will be answered. By registering for A2P to send SMS, all your phone numbers are automatically registered for SHAKEN/STIR, improving the chances that your calls will be answered.

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)

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 for Phone Number Purchases (US/CA/PR)

To enhance security and prevent fraudulent use of regulated phone numbers, __CompanyName has integrated Persona identity verification into the phone number purchasing process for numbers in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

When Is Persona Required?

Persona verification is required under the following conditions:

  • Purchasing a number from the US, Canada, or Puerto Rico (+1 country code).
  • Your sub-account has not previously completed Persona verification.

Once verified, users will not be prompted for Persona verification again for future purchases or related actions, including:

  • Phone number purchases
  • A2P brand registrations
  • Toll-free number verifications
  • CNAM setups
  • SHAKEN/STIR authentication

User Journey:

User Initiates a Phone Number Purchase: If Persona verification has not been completed, a verification prompt appears.

Document Upload: Users are asked to upload a valid government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver's license, etc.) based on their country and ID options:.

Facial Verification: After uploading the ID, users complete a live selfie verification using their webcam or phone..

Purchase Completion: Once verification is successful, the phone number is automatically purchased.

Persona verification is a one-time process per sub-account, ensuring a smooth experience for future purchases or compliance actions.

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

Unchanged Registration Flow 

The existing Sole Prop registration flow, including form structure and validations, remains the same to ensure a familiar user experience.

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. Users will also be required to enter a 6-digit OTP sent to their email address, providing an added layer of verification. 
  3. 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

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.

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.

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.

Are there additional fees for EIN-based registration?

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

How can I get an EIN?

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

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.

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.

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.

What is Persona verification and when is it required?

  • Persona verification is required when purchasing phone numbers in the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico and when your sub-account has not previously completed the verification process. It is a one-time process, involving uploading a valid government-issued ID and completing a live selfie verification, to enhance security and prevent fraud. After verification, users will not be prompted again for future phone number purchases or related actions.

Still need help? Contact Us Contact Us