Practical TCPA + 10DLC website checklist for businesses that are running text campaigns in 2026.

Purpose: Ensure your website is ready to support compliant 10DLC (10-digit long code) SMS campaigns under TCPA rules.

Many SMS campaigns are rejected during 10DLC registration because the website does not meet carrier compliance requirements. This checklist outlines the exact elements carriers expect to see when reviewing your website for SMS campaign approval.

Use this guide to confirm your website includes proper opt-in language, disclosures, and consent collection mechanisms before submitting your 10DLC campaign.

1. Your Business Must Have a Real Website

Carriers use your website to verify that your business is legitimate.

Your website must:

✔ Match the business name being registered

✔ Clearly describe what your business does

✔ Include a Privacy Policy

✔ Include Terms & Conditions

If you do not have a website, a verified business page (like Facebook) may be accepted, but it must still include a privacy policy.

2. Your Website Must Show How Customers Sign Up for Text Messages

Carriers need to see exactly how customers give permission to receive texts.

The most common way is a website form.

3. Your Website Form Must Include an SMS Disclaimer

Your form must clearly explain the texting program. Your disclaimer must include:

✔ Your brand name

✔ What texts customers will receive

✔ Message & data rate notice

✔ Message frequency notice

✔ STOP and HELP instructions

✔ Links to Privacy Policy and Terms

Example:

I agree to receive text messages from Platinum CS, LLC about appointment reminders and service updates. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for support. View our Privacy Policy and Terms.

4. The Form Must Have an SMS Consent Checkbox

Your form must include a checkbox that users must select.

Rules:

✔ Checkbox must NOT be pre-checked

✔ Customers must choose to opt in

✔ The checkbox must be separate from other agreements

Correct example:

☐ I agree to receive SMS messages from Platinum CS, LLC.

5. Do NOT Force the Opt-In

Carriers reject forms that force consent.

Do NOT use phrases like:

❌ "By submitting this form you agree to receive texts"

❌ "By completing this form you consent to SMS"

Customers must actively check a box.

6. Your Privacy Policy Must Mention SMS

Every website must include a Privacy Policy page.

Your policy must explain:

✔ What data you collect (phone numbers, names, etc.)

✔ How you use the data

✔ How customers can opt out

✔ That phone numbers are not sold or shared for marketing

Required language:

No phone/mobile number information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Text messaging originator opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties.

7. Your Terms & Conditions Must Include SMS Information

Your Terms page must explain your messaging program.

Include:

✔ Message purpose

✔ Message frequency

✔ STOP instructions

✔ HELP instructions

✔ Link to Privacy Policy

Example:

You may receive SMS messages related to appointment reminders, service updates, or customer support. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for assistance.

8. You Must Explain How Customers Opt In

During campaign registration you must explain how people sign up.

Common opt-in methods:

Website form Text keyword (example: text JOIN to 55555)

Paper formVerbal consent QR code

You must clearly describe the process.

Example:

Customers opt in through the contact form on our website where they check the SMS consent box.

9. You Must Provide Sample Messages

Carriers require examples of the messages you plan to send.

Examples:

Appointment reminder “Hi John, this is Platinum CS confirming your appointment tomorrow at 10AM. Reply STOP to opt out.”

Customer support “Platinum CS: Your technician is on the way. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

10. Your Campaign Must Clearly Describe the Use Case

You must explain why you are sending texts.

Examples:

✔ Appointment reminders

✔ Account notifications

✔ Customer service updates

✔ Promotional offers

Example campaign description:

Messages will be sent to customers of our service center for appointment reminders, repair updates, billing notifications and customer support communication.

Common Reasons Campaigns Get Rejected

The majority of campaigns do not succeed due to the following issues:

❌ No Privacy Policy

❌ Website form missing SMS consent checkbox

❌ SMS disclaimer missing required language

❌ Forced opt-in language

❌ No explanation of how customers opt in

❌ Campaign description is too vague

Simple Approval Flow

Customer fills out website form↓Customer checks SMS consent box↓Customer phone number is stored↓Customer receives messages with STOP option