Why 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 below, your texting number will not be able to send or receive messages through carrier networks.

What You Need to Complete Verification

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 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.

Questions or Need Help

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