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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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:
Complete A2P registration, or
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)
Complete A2P Brand & Campaign registration for your Canadian 10DLC number.
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