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Updated Messaging Policies for Canadian 10DLC Numbers: A2P Registration Requirements

This article explains when A2P Brand & Campaign registration (10DLC) is required for Canadian 10DLC long code numbers, based on where your SMS is being sent (Canada vs. United States) and when the number was purchased. Note: These requirements apply to Canadian 10DLC long code numbers. Toll-free numbers are not affected.

Key

takeaways

  • Canada → United States (CA → US): A2P registration is required for all Canadian 10DLC numbers (new and existing).
  • Canada → Canada (CA → CA):
  • Numbers purchased before March 26, 2025: A2P registration is not required for Canada-only messaging.
  • Numbers purchased on or after March 26, 2025: You can send Canada-only messages by completing A2P registration or Persona verification (if you choose not to complete A2P).

Rules by messaging route

1) Messaging from Canada to the United States (CA → US)

A2P registration is required for sending SMS from Canadian 10DLC numbers to U.S. recipients.

  • Applies to all Canadian 10DLC numbers (new and existing).
  • If you plan to message U.S. recipients, complete A2P before sending messages.

2) Messaging within Canada (CA → CA)

Requirements depend on when the Canadian 10DLC number was purchased: A) Numbers purchased before March 26, 2025 - A2P registration is not required for Canada-only messaging.

  • If you later message U.S. recipients (CA → US), A2P registration will be required. B) Numbers purchased on or after March 26, 2025 - For Canada-only messaging, you can proceed in one of two ways:
  1. Complete A2P registration, or 2. Complete Persona verification (if you choose not to complete A2P).

What you need to do

Use the checklist below based on your messaging route:

If you message U.S. recipients (CA → US) 1. Complete A2P Brand & Campaign registration for your Canadian 10DLC number. 2. Only begin messaging U.S. recipients after your registration is approved.

If you only message Canadian recipients (CA → CA)

  • If your number was purchased before March 26, 2025: - No action required for Canada-only messaging.
  • If your number was purchased on or after March 26, 2025: - Complete A2P registration or Persona verification before sending messages to Canadian recipients.

Additional details

  • These requirements are based on destination country (where the recipient is) and the purchase date of the Canadian 10DLC number.
  • If your business messaging needs change (e.g., you start messaging U.S. recipients), you may need to complete A2P even if you previously sent only within Canada.

FAQs

Q: Do these requirements apply to toll-free numbers?

No. These requirements apply to Canadian 10DLC long code numbers. Toll-free numbers are not affected. Q: If I only message Canadian recipients (CA → CA), do I need A2P? It depends on when your Canadian 10DLC number was purchased:

  • Purchased before March 26, 2025: A2P registration is not required for Canada-only messaging.
  • Purchased on or after March 26, 2025: you can send Canada-only messages by completing A2P registration or Persona verification (if you choose not to complete A2P). Q: If I message U.S. recipients (CA → US), can I use Persona instead of A2P? No. For CA → US messaging, A2P registration is required for Canadian 10DLC numbers. Q: What happens if I start with CA → CA only and later want to message the U.S.? If you later message U.S. recipients, you must complete A2P Brand & Campaign registration before sending CA → US messages, even if you previously sent only within Canada. Q: How do I know whether my number was purchased before or after March 26, 2025? Check the purchase/assignment date for the phone number in your account’s phone number management area. If you’re unsure, contact support with the number and sub-account/location details. Q: What should I do if messages are failing? Confirm:
  • The destination route (CA → CA vs. CA → US) - Whether your number requires A2P or Persona based on its purchase date - Your registration/verification status in the Trust Center

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