Custom Toll-Free Verification: A Complete Guide (2026 Update)
As of January 1, 2024, the FCC requires verification for all custom toll-free numbers. Starting February 17, 2026, additional business identity fields (including a Business Registration Number) are mandatory for all new submissions. Unverified numbers are restricted to outbound caller ID only; text messaging will be unavailable until "Verified" status is reached.
Key Benefits of Verification
Legitimacy: Confirms your business is a legally registered entity.
Deliverability: Prevents your messages from being blocked by carrier spam filters.
Trust: Higher member engagement due to verified sender identity.
Verification Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Required Information: Collect your legal registration docs (EIN, etc.) and opt-in proof before starting.
Complete the Form: Fill out all fields. "N/A" is not an acceptable answer and will trigger a rejection.
Submit & Monitor: Review typically takes 12–72 hours.
Activation: Once status changes to "Verified," you may begin sending texts.
Detailed Information Required for Verification
1. Mandatory Business Identity (New for 2026)
To comply with updated carrier standards, you must provide the following identity fields. These must match your official government filings exactly.
Legal Business Name: The name registered with the government (e.g., "John Doe Enterprises LLC").
Business Registration Number (BRN): * US Businesses: Your 9-digit EIN (Employer Identification Number).
Canada: Your CRA Business Number.
Other: Official local registration number (e.g., CRN, VAT, ABN).
Business Registration Type: Specify the identifier used (e.g., EIN, VAT).
Business Entity Type: Choose one: Sole Proprietor, Private Profit, Public Profit, Non-Profit, or Government.
Issuing Country: The ISO country code (e.g., "US", "CA") where the business is registered.
2. Messaging & Opt-in Information
The core of the verification process is proving how you received permission to text your users.
Estimated Monthly Volume: Choose the closest bracket (100, 1,000, 10,000, etc.).
Use Case Description: Be specific.
Good Example: "Sending appointment reminders and reschedule notifications to existing dental patients."
Bad Example: "Marketing."
Opt-in Type & Proof: You must provide a URL to a screenshot showing your opt-in method (Web form, Keyword, QR code, etc.).
Privacy Policy & Terms: (Recommended) Including links to your Privacy Policy and Terms of Service significantly increases approval speed.
Understanding Verification Statuses
Status | Meaning | Action Required |
Pending | Form submitted; currently being reviewed by carriers. | None. Wait 12–72 hours. |
Rejected | Information was missing or could not be verified. | You have 6 days to correct and resubmit. |
Verified | Successful review and carrier approval. | You are ready to send messages! |
Pro Tip: Ensure your Website URL is public and the branding matches the Legal Business Name provided. If the website is password-protected or under construction, the application will be rejected.
Acceptable Opt-in Types & Requirement Documentation:
Opt-in Requirement Types and Documentation: "click here"
Web Form Opt-in Details:"click here"
Paper Form Opt-in Details: "click here"
VIA_TEXT (Keyword Opt-in) Details: "click here"
MOBILE_QR_CODE Opt-in Details: "click here"
Additional Information (Optional Details):