How to Register for a United States (US) SMS Short Code with AWS End User Messaging

Obtaining and using SMS short codes in the United States requires a thorough understanding of the detailed application process and strict requirements set forth by mobile carriers. This comprehensive guide walks through the step-by-step procedure for registering a US SMS short code from AWS End User Messaging, which provides SMS capabilities to all AWS services.

This guide covers the process from initial creation of a support case, the short code application form with all necessary details and documentation, and the multi-stage provisioning process involving carrier review and approvals. Particular emphasis is placed on establishing compliant opt-in workflows, crafting SMS-specific terms and privacy policies, and preparing the required message templates – all of which are closely scrutinized by the carriers.

While the application process may be time-consuming, the benefits of using a short code, include:

High throughput – They start out at 100 messages per second
Ability to scale to thousands of messages per second
Higher deliverability rates – Because of the increased upfront scrutiny in the registration process they have less issues with filtering and blocking. Critical use cases such as One-Time Password(OTP)/Two-Factor Authentication(2FA) are use cases that, even if you don’t need the high throughput, you may want to consider using a US short code to deliver them in the US
- Short codes investigate issues before blocking through proactive audits, while other registered originator types such as toll-free or 10DLC block/filter first and investigate later when issues arise
Easy for customers to remember and identify – Short codes are 5-6 digit numbers, which is easier for recipients to remember than 10+ and lends credibility and trust to your message

The US Short Code Application Process

Step 1: Create a Case in AWS Support Center

Currently short codes are only available by opening a case. The first step to register a short code is to open a short code request case in the AWS Support Center, providing detailed information about your use case and opt-in policies. A request must be opened for each country in which you want a short code. Each country has their own registration process and requirements so if you are registering for other countries besides the US having a case for each allows for much easier tracking and updating as there are communications going back and forth between you, the customer, support, and any downstream clarifications that may come back.

NOTE: If you require a HIPAA eligible Short Code for your use case please respond to the case with explicit confirmation that you require a HIPAA eligible Short Code. We will provide you a unique form for this use case

Along with attaching the correct form Support will request that you confirm that you understand the pricing, billing, and time frame of this request so make sure that you respond to the case, don’t just start on the application.

Step 2: Complete the Short Code Application

We will walk through the US Short Code application in detail below. Make sure that everything you submit is 100% correct to your knowledge, as any missing information or information that needs to be corrected extends the time it takes to receive your short code.

NOTE: Application forms are occasionally revised to clarify or add to existing information. By the time you read this post, the form that you receive might differ slightly from the form that we review in this post.

The first section of the US Short Code form contains basic information about your company.

Short Code Service Information

AWS Region

The AWS Region that you use AWS End User Messaging in. If you’re not sure, check with the person or team within your organization that is responsible for managing your AWS accounts.

IMPORTANT: Short codes can only be used in the region that they are requested in and cannot be moved. Short codes can be shared to other accounts via Resource Access Management but they must be in the same region. All resource billing, such as the shortcode monthly leasing fee, will still run through the managing account but the cost for SMS volume will be charged to the sending account.

Short Code Option

In the US you have the option of either a 5-6 digit random code or a “vanity” code that you can specify. These vanity codes are numeric only, take longer to procure, and come with a higher cost. You can check if your preferred vanity code is available at: http://www.usshortcodes.com/find-short-code

Short Code Use Case

Mobile Carriers need to know how you plan to use your short code, and how you will interact with users. It is very important to be clear and concise in this section. Humans are reviewing these so make sure that everything you write can be understood without any prior knowledge of your company or your use case.

Company Overview

Provide a short description of the products/services that your Company provides to its customers. This should concisely answer the question, “Who are you and what do you do?”

Service Name

A name or phrase that identifies your messages as being from you. Service names typically are a recognizable form of your company or brand name. It can be a shortened version as long as it is something that your recipients would recognize as coming from you.

For example, if Example Corp. wants a short code for sending account-related notifications, they could use a service name like “Example Corp.” The Carriers require you to put this service name at the beginning of each message. Keep in mind that SMS has a limit of 160 characters so you do want to keep this short.
A message might look like this:
“Example Corp. – This is an account notification for your account #[XXXXXX].”

Message Type(s)

You can choose more than one message type but keep in mind that for each message type that you select you will need to provide examples of those types of messages later in the form and you also need to collect consent for each one. We recommend to not mix promotional and transactional type messages on a single code but at the time of publication this is acceptable by the carriers.

Message Examples

You need to provide at least ONE message example for each of the message types you chose above. Carriers will review these examples during the approval process. These are only examples and will not be the only messages you will be able to send but they should represent all of the types of messages that you plan on sending. If you need more room it is fine to add more examples. Remember you do NOT need to include every message you plan on sending, as long as you have a representative sample of all message types.

Requirements:
- Include your service name in every message sample
- Ideally each message is 160 characters or less to reduce your costs. Any message over 160 characters is broken into message parts in 160 character chunks and each message part is charged. 161 characters would be two message parts
  - If your message uses only characters in the GSM 03.38 character set, also known as the GSM 7-bit alphabet, it can contain up to 160 characters. If your message contains any characters that are outside the GSM 03.38 character set, it can have up to 70 characters. When you send an SMS message, AWS End User Messaging SMS automatically determines the most efficient encoding to use. We provide a tool in the AWS console to check your messages.
  - If your messages will include variables, it’s fine to use either placeholder values or variables.
    - For example, both of the following are acceptable: “Hello John. Your one-time password is 654321” and “Hello [first_name]. Your one-time password is [otp code] .”
  - Do not use unbranded link shorteners i.e., “bit.ly/yourlink”
    - If you have to use a shortener make sure that it is branded and that there are not multiple redirects. Also make sure to provide examples of the branded shortened domain so that it is on file with the carriers
- Include an example of all of the message types you are registering for
- If you plan on sending in languages other than English, include those versions
- Read them all and make sure that they are clearly a part of the message type/use case that you are registering for
If you plan on sending Multimedia Messages(MMS) make sure you include at least one example

Multimedia message sample (MMS)

MMS capabilities must be requested at the time the short code is requested. If you intend to send MMS messages make sure you check the box and include a message example in the section above

Will you use your short code for any of the following?

Selecting “Sweepstakes or contest” or “Debt Collection” will require more documentation. For example, official sweepstakes rules and terms would be requested if that was your use case. If neither of these apply then select “N/A”

NOTE: Debt collection in particular is highly regulated. If you are a 3rd party debt collector you will not be able to get a short code.

Per-user message frequency

This is an estimate but will be used later in some of the message templates so be sure to have this correct. Will you be sending out 1 message per day? Week? Month? Programs like Two Factor Authentication(2FA) or One-Time Password (OTP) are examples of “message frequency varies” or “1 message per login”.

Carrier requirements for user sign-ups

The core requirement for communicating with SMS is explicit consent – end users must have the option to consent to receive your messages, know exactly what the program will include, and are able to opt-out or ask for help at any time. There are no exceptions to this regardless of the use case or your business type. As a reminder, Carriers make their own rules which will override things like FCC exemptions.
The Carriers pay extra attention to the information provided in the following section, so be thorough and follow the guidelines provided. An in-depth review of how to build a compliant SMS opt-in process can be found here.

How the User will opt-in

There are lots of compliant ways to capture an opt-in. Choose the option that applies to your use case. It’s fine to choose more than one option. However, you must provide mockups of the opt-in workflows for all of the options that you select. Be prepared to provide a verbal script for any opt-in processes where the user does not have the written call-to-action and SMS disclosures in front of them to read. Examples include:

Sending a keyword to your short code
Website or mobile app
Over the phone/In-Person
Paper forms
Other – Which you will need to explain in detail. As long as you can be compliant, it should be accepted

User Experience Flow

This is one of the most comprehensive parts of the form and where many customers tend to receive a lot of feedback because there are several things that MUST be included in this section and there are no exceptions. Below you will find a list of the required components and descriptions of each. Keep in mind that these can be written or verbal opt-ins but this does not change the below requirements. Keep this concise, only detailing the opt-in process and nothing else.

The Opt-in location must include the following:
- Program (brand) name
- A call-to-action phrase like “To receive SMS account notifications from [SERVICE NAME], enter your mobile number below”
- You must expressly collect consent for each use case(s) that you detailed above. A single checkbox for all use cases will not be approved.
  - For example, If you are sending account notifications and OTP you must have two separate statements such as:
    - “To receive SMS One Time Password notifications from [SERVICE NAME], check this box and enter your mobile number below.”
    - “To receive SMS account notifications from [SERVICE NAME], check this box and enter your mobile number below.”
- The opt-in must be “explicit” this means that any checkboxes, radio buttons, etc. must be left unchecked or at least not defaulted to SMS if you have options. If it is a verbal script then there must be a verbal consent given and you should track the date of that consent. If it is written then the recipient must sign and date the consent.
- You must supply a secondary channel such as email. SMS must be optional and another option must be provided. This is mandated by Verizon in the US.
- Link to a publicly accessible Terms & Conditions page
  - We will detail what needs to be included later in this guide
- Link to a publicly accessible Privacy Policy page
  - We will detail what needs to be included later in this guide
- Message frequency disclosure
  - Same as stated earlier in this application
- Customer care contact information
  - Email address, phone number, Text “Help”, are all valid
- Opt-out information
  - You must support the “Stop” keyword along with this list of keywords that can be found here
- “Message and data rates may apply” disclosure.
  - This must be verbatim

This must be explained for each process that you checked in the “How the user will opt-in” section. If you are using a keyword and also have the ability to opt-in from your website or mobile app for example, then both of those processes need to be documented here.

If you are using a paper form or a verbal opt-in all of the required components must still be present. If verbal, components such as the Privacy Policy location must be read back to the person opting in. If written, then the full URL needs to be present. Regardless of your process you must include all of the components for you to be approved.

Opt-In Mockup

This is where you can supply screenshots if the opt-in location is online. You can also provide the verbal script or written opt-in form here as well. Make sure that the Opt-in mockup exactly matches the above requirements and that you explain the process.

Example of an online form

Terms and Conditions URL

This is the URL where your SMS-specific Terms and Conditions document resides, or where it will reside. You can also include a link to your standard Terms and Conditions page, as long as it includes a section dedicated to SMS messaging. If those terms and conditions aren’t live yet, or are not available online, you must include a copy of the Terms and Conditions along with your completed application. There are boilerplate items that MUST be included here with no exceptions, see here for more detail and below for those items:

{Program name}
{Insert program description here; this is simply a brief description of the kinds of messages users can expect to receive when they opt-in.}
You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Just text “STOP” to the short code. After you send the SMS message “STOP” to us, we will send you an SMS message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If you want to join again, just sign up as you did the first time and we will start sending SMS messages to you again.
If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program you can reply with the keyword HELP for more assistance, or you can get help directly at {support email address or toll-free number}.
Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages
As always, message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. You will receive {message frequency}. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider.
If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our privacy policy: {link to privacy policy}

Privacy Policy URL

Message Senders are responsible for protecting the privacy of Consumers’ information and must comply with applicable privacy law. Message Senders should maintain a privacy policy for all programs and make it accessible from the initial call-to-action. The privacy policy should be labeled clearly and privacy policy disclosures must provide up-to-date, accurate information about program details and functionality. For verbal scripts, a URL must be read off to the end-user enrolling in the SMS program, or the comprehensive terms or link to those terms must be directly included in the script.

One of the key items Carriers look for in a Privacy Policy is the sharing of end-user information with third-parties. If your privacy policy mentions data sharing or selling to non-affiliated third parties, there is a concern that customer data will be shared with third parties for marketing purposes and your registration could be rejected at worst or delayed while you explain or update your Privacy Policy.
Express consent is required for SMS; therefore, sharing data is prohibited. Privacy policies must specify that this data sharing excludes SMS opt-in data and consent. Privacy policies can be updated (or draft versions provided) where the practice of sharing personal data to third parties is expressly omitted from the number registration. You can include an SMS specific section within your privacy policy if your company or business model requires data sharing. This part is non-negotiable and Carriers are incredibly strict about this requirement
- Example: “The above excludes text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.”

Confirmation SMS / Double Opt-In

A confirmation message is the message sent when someone opts into your program. It is required you send your customers an opt-in confirmation message. It is optional, but a best practice, to include a “Double Opt-In,” such as the example below, asking the recipient to text back a confirmation to prove “humanness” and also validates your end user provided you with their correct phone number

There is one exception to the above if your use case is an OTP/2FA. In this one instance, the OTP code that you send to your recipients is considered a confirmation. You MUST however, still opt them in initially, adhering to all of the prior requirements we have detailed in the above sections.

This message must include the following in 160 characters or less:

The service name that you specified earlier in the application
The phrase “message and data rates may apply”
Information about how often recipients will receive messages from you (such as “up to 30 messages per month” or “message frequency varies”)
Information about getting help (typically, something similar to “Text HELP for more info”)
Information about opting out (typically, something similar to “Text STOP to opt out”).

Example Message:

“Welcome to AnyCo! Reply “YES” to confirm your subscription and get special offers once a month. Msg & data rates may apply. Text ‘STOP’ to opt out.”
- It is best practice, but not required, to do a “double opt-in” as seen in the example where the recipient will text back “YES” to confirm that they did want to register.

HELP Response

The “Help message” is the response that is required to be sent to end-users when they text the keyword “HELP” (or similar keywords). The purpose is to provide information to the end-user related to how they can get support or opt-out of the messaging program.

The message must include:
- Program (brand) name OR product description
- A method of contacting your support organization. Email addresses, websites, and phone numbers are all acceptable methods of communication. We recommend that you include two contact methods in your response (such as a phone number and a website).
The following is an example of a HELP response that complies with the requirements of the US mobile carriers:
- ExampleCorp Account Alerts: For help call 1-888-555-0142 or go to example.com. Msg&data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel.

STOP Response

The “Stop message” is the response that is required to be sent to end-users when they text the keyword “STOP” (or similar keywords). End-users are required to be opted out of further messages when they text the STOP (or equivalent) keyword to your number and confirms with them that they will no longer receive messages for the program.

The message must include:
- Program (brand) name OR product description
- Confirmation that no further messages will be delivered
The following is an example of a compliant STOP response:
- You are unsubscribed from ExampleCorp Account Alerts. No more messages will be sent. Reply HELP for help or call 1-888-555-0142.

Step 3: Submit the Application and Supporting Documents

Attach your completed application to your AWS Support case. Make sure to monitor this case daily as there can be clarifications that are needed or additional information and any delay can cause substantial delays in receiving your short code.

NOTE: Billing for short codes starts at the time the application is submitted to be reviewed, which is before the short code is registered for use. We will let you know when that review period begins.

Step 4: Documentation Pre-Review

Your documentation will be reviewed prior to submitting it to the Carriers. This does not guarantee that there will be no questions/revisions but it does make step 6 more efficient as there should be less potential questions from the Carriers. Once your documentation is considered compliant your company will be submitted for vetting.

Step 5: Vetting

This is similar to a credit check process where your data will be validated by a third-party and you will need to prove you are a member of your company through a domain validation email.

Example email for vetting

Step 6: Resolve Follow-up Issues

Respond promptly to any questions or concerns raised during the review process. Make sure to monitor this case daily as there can be clarifications that are needed or additional information and any delay can cause substantial delays in receiving your short code.

The Provisioning Process – Post Approval

After approval, Carriers begin setting up your short code on their networks. This process typically takes 6+ weeks to complete across all US carrier networks. This is a part of the overall timeline given.
Expected sequence of events for Carrier Review

The Carriers will review your application. We’ll answer any questions/corrections requested by the aggregator or the Carriers for your application. You may need to provide additional information.
The Carriers will connect the short code to their network for testing. Each carrier will approve your application and provision on their network.
We will send you a confirmation that your short code is ready and activated in the End User Messaging service once all Carriers finish their approval and provisioning process. This process is only as fast as the slowest carrier approval.

What happens if I don’t complete these steps or if I need to change something?

Customers sometimes ask what would happen if they didn’t implement all of the requirements that are discussed in the preceding sections. If your application for a new short code doesn’t meet these requirements, the answer is simple: the Carriers will reject your request for a short code. These carrier-imposed requirements are not optional.

If you submit an application that meets all of the carrier requirements and you are approved but your real-world production use case doesn’t meet those requirements, there could also be consequences. The Carriers periodically perform audits of short codes to ensure that they are being used in a compliant manner. You can review the process here in the CTIA Short Code Monitoring Handbook If they find that your opt-in process differs greatly from what you showed in your short code application, or your use case is different than what you registered for they could pause your short code’s ability to send messages on their networks. Remember, one advantage of using a short code compared to other originator types is that, because of the increased scrutiny for being approved, when this happens, the Carriers typically provide some time to remedy the issue, rather than just block your messages without warning.

We will alert you if there is an audit of your short code and advise you on what changes/additions need to be made in order to remain within compliance and continue sending via your short code.

What do I do if I need to make edits to my registration after it is approved?

It’s OK to make minor edits such as correcting typos, clarifying text, or using a variation of a message template that was already approved after you receive your short code. Remember it is critical that you do not deviate from the use case that you registered for, short codes are periodically audited, and deviating from the use case in your application could lead to your short code being suspended if you do not respond and comply with the requests. When in doubt, open a case and request that support reviews your change, prior to making it, to determine whether you can launch the new template/process without risking an audit.

If you need to make substantial changes to these templates after you receive the short code, you may need to submit your updated message templates to the carriers. Substantial changes could include the following:

Changes to the brand name that appears on your messages (for example, if your company rebrands under a new name, or is acquired by another company).
Changes to the use case (for example, if your application specified a one-time password use case, but you start sending account notifications through the same short code). This type of change might require you to re-collect consent from your customers before you start sending the new type of messages.

In these situations, you should open a case with AWS Support. We will work with the Carriers to have your short code registration information updated or depending on the change, you may need to register for another short code.

Conclusion

Obtaining and utilizing SMS short codes in the United States is a complex and highly regulated process that requires meticulous attention to detail. However, the benefits that short codes offer – such as high throughput, enhanced deliverability, and strong brand recognition – make them a valuable communication tool for businesses that need to engage customers at scale through SMS.

The key to successfully navigating the short code application and provisioning journey lies in proactively planning and preparing. By thoroughly understanding the carrier requirements upfront, companies can avoid common pitfalls and delays that often plague short code implementations. This includes thoughtfully designing compliant opt-in workflows, crafting robust terms of service and privacy policies, and developing a comprehensive set of message templates that align with approved use cases.

While the investment of time and resources may seem daunting, the long-term advantages of leveraging a short code make it a worthwhile endeavor. Short codes instill a sense of trust and familiarity with customers, allowing businesses to stand out in a crowded messaging landscape. Moreover, the rigorous vetting process ensures that only legitimate players gain access to this high-value communication channel, protecting consumers from spam and fostering a healthy ecosystem.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a short code should be made with a clear understanding of the commitment required. However, by leveraging the guidance and best practices outlined in this comprehensive guide, companies can navigate the complexities with confidence and position themselves for success in delivering impactful, high-performing SMS campaigns that drive meaningful engagement and business outcomes.

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