Definition: An SMS short code is a 5 or 6 digit number leased through the US Short Code Registry for sending application-to-person text messages.
Short codes are shorter than a regular phone number, so they are easy for people to remember and type. They cost more than a regular business number and take time to set up.
The US Short Code Registry lists:
| Code type | Lease price |
|---|---|
| Random short code | $500 per month |
| Select (vanity) short code | $1,000 per month |
Leases come in 3, 6, or 12 month terms. They are paid up front and are non-refundable.
| Short code | 10DLC | Toll-free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number format | 5 or 6 digits | standard 10-digit number | toll-free number |
| How you get it | lease from the US Short Code Registry | buy or port, then link to a registered campaign | verify through your provider |
| Setup detail from sources | carrier provisioning can take 2 to 4 weeks | brand registration with TCR, then campaign registration (Sinch) | business registration number required on Twilio since Feb 17, 2026, except sole proprietors |
No matter the number type, CTIA says your call-to-action should explain the program, the sender, fees, and how to opt out, and your privacy policy should be easy to find from it. Your website is where that lives. See privacy policy requirements.
Related terms: 10DLC, Toll-free verification, Opt-in, A2P
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