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Toll-Free Messaging Verification Guide for LC Phone (US & Canada)

This guide explains how to complete Toll-Free Messaging Verification and Persona identity verification to send SMS/MMS using Toll-Free phone numbers in the United States and Canada.

Updated over 2 months ago

Who This Is For / When to Use

  • Businesses using Toll-Free phone numbers for SMS/MMS in the US or Canada

  • Accounts that see Verification Required, Pending Verification, or In Review statuses

  • New phone number purchases requiring Persona identity verification


Important Compliance Deadlines

  • November 8, 2023: Toll-Free Messaging Verification became mandatory to avoid message blocking

  • January 31, 2024: Messages from Toll-Free numbers in Pending Verification status are blocked and still incur messaging fees

Blocked messages return Error 30032 or Error 30007.


What Toll-Free Verification Affects

  • Applies only to Toll-Free numbers in the US and Canada

  • Affects messaging only (SMS/MMS)

  • Does not impact inbound or outbound calling


Step 1: Identify Toll-Free Numbers Requiring Verification

  1. Go to Settings > Phone Numbers.

  2. Locate any Toll-Free number labeled Verification Required.

  3. Click the Verification Required indicator to begin registration.


Step 2: Complete Toll-Free Messaging Verification (3-Step Form)

Step 2.1: Business and Contact Information

  1. Enter your Legal Entity Name.

  2. Provide a valid Website URL that publicly displays your SMS opt-in language.

  3. Fill in the required contact details.

  4. Click Continue to Business Location.

Important: Toll-Free numbers do not require an EIN or business registration number.


Step 2.2: Business Location

  1. Select your Country.

  2. Enter your physical business address.

  3. Click Continue to Messaging Use Case.


Step 2.3: Messaging Use Case and Volume

  1. Select the applicable Use Case Category.

  2. Enter a clear Use Case Description explaining why messages are sent.

  3. Provide a realistic Estimated Monthly Volume.

  4. Submit the verification request.


Step 3: Persona Identity Verification (Required for +1 Numbers)

Persona verification is required when purchasing phone numbers from the US, Canada, or Puerto Rico if your account has not been verified previously.

Step 3.1: Start Persona Verification

  1. Begin purchasing a +1 phone number.

  2. When prompted, click Begin verifying.


Step 3.2: Upload Government-Issued ID

  1. Select the country that issued your ID.

  2. Upload a valid passport, driver’s license, or government ID.


Step 3.3: Select ID Issuing Country

  1. Choose the country where your government ID was issued.

  2. Click Select to continue.


Step 3.4: Complete Facial Verification

  1. Position your face within the camera frame.

  2. Follow on-screen prompts to move your head as instructed.


Step 3.5: Live Selfie Confirmation

  1. Complete the live selfie motion check.

  2. Wait for automatic confirmation.


Step 4: Verification Status and Review Period

After submission:

  • Numbers move to In Review status

  • Messaging limits are temporarily adjusted

  • No additional action is required

Verification typically takes 4–6 weeks, though some approvals occur sooner.


Messaging Limits During Pending Verification

While in Pending Verification status:

  • Daily limit: 2,000 message segments per phone number account

  • Weekly limit: 6,000 message segments

  • Monthly limit: 10,000 message segments

NOTE: These are maximum caps, not guaranteed throughput.


SMS Opt-In Requirements (Critical)

Carriers require proof of clear, explicit SMS consent.

Acceptable Opt-In Language Must:

  • Explicitly mention SMS messaging

  • Include STOP opt-out instructions

  • State message frequency may vary

  • Reference message and data rates

  • Be visible outside Privacy Policy or Terms


Examples of Required Disclaimers

The following elements must be present at the point of opt-in:


FAQ

What happens if I don’t complete Toll-Free Verification by January 31, 2024?

Messages sent from Toll-Free numbers in Pending Verification status will be blocked, and messaging fees will still apply.


What error codes appear when messages are blocked?

Blocked messages return Error 30032 or Error 30007.


Does Pending Verification affect calling?

No. The verification requirement impacts messaging only, not calling.


Is Toll-Free Verification required for all Toll-Free numbers?

Yes. All Toll-Free numbers used for messaging in the US and Canada must be verified.


Can businesses outside the US register a US Toll-Free number?

Yes. Businesses outside the US may register Toll-Free numbers if verification and Persona requirements are met.


Why is a website URL required?

Carriers review your website to confirm legitimacy, Privacy Policy availability, and visible SMS opt-in language. Sites under construction are commonly rejected.

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