Mobile Carriers Now Require Business Verification for SMS

If your texting number was verified and working before but you are now being asked to re-verify, this is not a Thryv® policy change. Mobile carriers in the United States — including Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T — have implemented industry-wide requirements in connection with FCC and CTIA Guidelines that require all businesses using SMS to verify their identity and compliance before their messages are allowed to travel across carrier networks. These requirements have become stricter over time, and carriers are now blocking SMS traffic from any business that has not completed full verification, regardless of whether that business was previously verified under older requirements.

Completing re-verification protects your ability to send text messages to your contacts. Without completing the verification steps in this article, your texting number will not be able to send or receive messages through carrier networks.

What You Need to Complete SMS Verification

Mobile carriers require three things from every business that wants to send SMS messages. All three must be in place before your verification can be approved.

Legal Business Registration Number

You must have a legally filed business registration with the government of the country where your business is located. In the United States, this is your Employer Identification Number (EIN). In Canada, this is your Business Number (BN). Other countries have equivalent business registration numbers. You will need to provide this number as part of the verification process.

Compliant Opt-In Page

You must have a publicly accessible opt-in page on your website that allows contacts to explicitly agree to receive text messages from your business. If you collect opt-ins through texting rather than a web form, you must have documentation — such as screenshots or records — showing that contacts gave explicit consent to receive SMS messages. The opt-in page or documentation must be accessible via a public URL at the time of verification.

Privacy Policy and Terms of Service Webpage

You must have a Privacy Policy and Terms of Service page published on your publicly accessible website domain. This page must include specific language about text messaging — stating that your business sends text messages, describing the types of messages contacts will receive, and explaining how contacts can opt out. A Privacy Policy or Terms of Service page that does not mention text messaging will not satisfy this requirement.

How to Complete Your SMS Verification

Thryv has created a step-by-step guide with the exact language and examples you need to meet carrier requirements for each of the three items above. Follow the guide carefully to ensure your registration is approved. See Thryv Text Registration and Verification — Step-by-Step Setup Guide with Required Language and Examples to complete your verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this article cover?

This article covers why mobile carriers require SMS business verification, what three items your business must have in place before verification can be approved, and where to go to complete the verification process. This article does not include the step-by-step verification setup instructions. For the complete setup guide with required language and examples, see Thryv Text Registration and Verification — Step-by-Step Setup Guide with Required Language and Examples.

Why am I being asked to re-verify if my texting number was already verified?

Mobile carrier requirements for SMS verification have become stricter over time. Carriers are now enforcing updated FCC and CTIA Guidelines that require all businesses to complete full verification under the current standards, regardless of whether they were verified under older requirements. This is an industry-wide change that applies to all SMS senders, not a Thryv policy change.

What happens if I do not complete SMS verification?

If your business does not complete SMS verification, your texting number will not be able to send or receive messages through carrier networks. Carriers block SMS traffic from any business that has not completed full verification under current requirements. Completing verification is required to restore or maintain your ability to text contacts.

Does my Privacy Policy need to specifically mention text messaging?

Yes. A general Privacy Policy or Terms of Service page that does not mention text messaging will not satisfy carrier requirements. The page must specifically state that your business sends text messages, describe the types of messages contacts will receive, and explain how contacts can opt out of receiving text messages. For the exact language required, follow the Thryv Text Registration and Verification — Step-by-Step Setup Guide with Required Language and Examples.

Who can I contact if I need help completing SMS verification?

If you have questions about re-verification or need assistance completing the process, contact your Customer Success Manager or submit a support request through the Thryv Help Center.