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What does a compliant 10DLC opt-in form look like?

Quick answer

A compliant 10DLC opt-in form has its own SMS consent checkbox that is unchecked by default and not required to submit the form. The disclosure sits right next to the box and names your brand, message type, frequency, "Message and data rates may apply", STOP, HELP, and links to your privacy policy and terms.

The opt-in form is where a person agrees to get your texts. Reviewers want proof that the agreement was clear and freely given. Twilio calls opt-in problems a major cause of rejections, and it has several error codes just for checkbox and consent wording. CTIA's guidelines say the call-to-action should tell people who is texting, what the program is, the fees, how to opt out, and where the privacy policy is.

What is on the opt-in form checklist?

  1. Separate SMS checkbox. Not combined with accepting your terms or privacy policy (Twilio 30925).
  2. Unchecked by default (Twilio 30925).
  3. Optional. People can leave it unchecked and still submit the form (Twilio 30923, 30931). Consent is not a condition of purchase (47 CFR 64.1200(f)(9)).
  4. Phone field optional, unless texting is the form's only purpose (Bandwidth, Telnyx).
  5. SMS-only consent. Email or phone call consent is asked separately (Telnyx).
  6. Separate marketing checkbox if you also send informational texts (Twilio 30913).
  7. Disclosure next to the checkbox, not hidden in a linked document (Twilio 30924).
  8. Disclosure covers: brand name, message type, frequency, "Message and data rates may apply", Reply STOP, Reply HELP (Twilio 30924, Telnyx, Vonage).
  9. Real links to privacy policy and terms, not pop-ups (Telnyx).
  10. Keep consent records: timestamp, how and where, the wording shown, campaign, IP address, phone number, and who consented (CTIA 5.1.2).

What does sample checkbox disclosure text look like?

Sample language, not legal advice. Adapt it to your business.

[ ] I agree to receive [appointment reminders and service updates] by text
from [Brand Name] at the number provided. Message frequency varies.
Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.
Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy
[https://yourdomain.com/privacy] and Terms [https://yourdomain.com/terms].

[ ] (Optional) I also agree to receive marketing and promotional texts
from [Brand Name]. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may
apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.

What replies should my texting program send?

CTIA 5.1.2.1 says recurring programs should send a confirmation first, with the program name, customer care contact, how to opt out, that messages recur and how often, and fee language. TCR says opt-out and help messages are mandatory for most campaigns. Twilio error 30890 says a help message needs the brand name plus a phone number or email.

Confirmation: [Brand Name]: You're signed up for [appointment reminders].
Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help,
STOP to cancel.

HELP: [Brand Name]: For help, email [email] or call [phone].
Reply STOP to cancel.

STOP: [Brand Name]: You are unsubscribed and will receive no more messages.

Which providers say this?

Rule Twilio Telnyx Bandwidth Vonage
Separate, unchecked checkbox Yes (30925) Checkbox required for online forms
Consent not required to submit Yes (30923, 30931)
Phone field optional Yes Yes
Text-only consent Yes
Frequency, rates, STOP, HELP in disclosure Yes (30924) Yes Yes
Privacy and terms links Yes Yes, not pop-ups Yes Yes

A blank cell means we did not find that rule in that provider's pages, not that it is allowed.

What are common opt-in mistakes?

  • Pre-checked boxes, or one box that also accepts your terms.
  • "By submitting this form you agree to texts" with no checkbox at all.
  • Disclosure in small print far below the button, or only in the terms page.
  • A required phone field on a general contact form.
  • One checkbox covering texts, emails, and calls.
  • The opt-in page is not public, or the message flow doesn't link to it (Twilio 30891).

How does 10DLC Site handle it?

Each site includes a public opt-in page with an unchecked, optional SMS checkbox, disclosure text next to the box, and links to your privacy policy and terms. You get the page URL to paste into your message flow. Compliance Watch checks daily that the opt-in form is still on the page.

Sources

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Frequently asked questions

Can the SMS consent checkbox be pre-checked?

No. Twilio error 30925 says the opt-in must be unchecked by default and separate from accepting your terms of service or privacy policy. Twilio's best-practices blog also says the web opt-in checkbox must be unselected.

Can I make texting consent required to submit my form?

No. Twilio error 30923 says message consent cannot be a condition of purchase or signup, and error 30931 says people must be able to decline and still complete the main action. The TCPA rule at 47 CFR 64.1200(f)(9) says written consent must disclose it is not a condition of purchase.

Should the phone number field be required?

Usually not. Bandwidth says a phone number cannot be a mandatory form field unless texting is the form's only purpose. Telnyx says phone fields on web forms should be optional and lists a mandatory phone field as a common decline reason.

Do I need separate checkboxes for marketing and informational texts?

At Twilio, yes, if you send both. Twilio error 30913 says marketing and informational consent must be separate, with its own unchecked checkbox for marketing. CTIA says promotional messages need express written consent, such as checking a box online.

How do reviewers see my opt-in form?

They visit the page you list in your message flow. Twilio error 30891 says rejection can happen when the opt-in flow is not found on the site, and asks for a direct opt-in link. If the form is behind a login, Twilio and Vonage ask for public screenshots at a link.

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