Skip to main content
Sole Proprietor registration enables individuals and small businesses without a federal Tax ID (EIN) to register for 10DLC messaging. This guide covers the API workflow for creating Sole Proprietor brands, completing OTP verification, and managing campaigns programmatically.

Overview

Sole Proprietor brands have specific constraints compared to standard business brands:
Sole Proprietor registration requires identity verification via SMS OTP before campaigns can be created.

Prerequisites

  • Telnyx account with API access
  • At least one US 10DLC phone number
  • Valid US/CA mobile phone number for OTP verification
  • Personal information: name, address, date of birth

Registration Flow

Step 1: Create a Sole Proprietor Brand

Create a brand with entityType set to SOLE_PROPRIETOR:
Valid vertical values include: PROFESSIONAL, REAL_ESTATE, HEALTHCARE, RETAIL, ENTERTAINMENT, EDUCATION, NONPROFIT, GOVERNMENT, and others. See the Brand API Reference for the full list.

Response

The brand will remain in PENDING identity status until OTP verification is completed. You cannot create campaigns until the brand is VERIFIED.

Step 2: Trigger OTP Verification

Send an OTP PIN to the mobile phone associated with the brand:

Request Parameters

Response

The @OTP_PIN@ placeholder in pinSms will be replaced with the actual 6-digit PIN when the SMS is sent.

Step 3: Check OTP Status

Poll the OTP status to confirm delivery:

Response

Delivery Status Values

Step 4: Verify OTP PIN

After the user receives and provides the PIN, verify it:
Upon successful verification:
  • The brand identityStatus changes to VERIFIED
  • The successSms message is sent to the mobile phone
  • The brand registration fee is charged
  • You can now create campaigns

Step 5: Create a Sole Proprietor Campaign

With a verified brand, create a campaign using the SOLE_PROPRIETOR usecase:
Sample messages (sample1, sample2) are required for campaign approval. Include realistic examples of messages you’ll send.

Response

Sole Proprietor campaigns are typically auto-approved and become ACTIVE immediately. Standard campaigns may require carrier review.

Step 6: Assign a Phone Number

Assign your 10DLC number to the campaign:
Sole Proprietor campaigns can only have one phone number assigned. Attempting to assign additional numbers will return an error.

Error Handling

Common Errors

Retrying OTP

If the OTP expires or the user needs a new PIN, simply call the trigger endpoint again:

Fees

Webhooks

Subscribe to brand and campaign status updates via webhooks. See 10DLC Event Notifications for details on:
  • 10dlc.brand.update — Brand status and identity verification changes
  • 10dlc.campaign.update — Campaign approval/rejection
  • 10dlc.phone_number.update — Phone number assignment status

Next Steps

10DLC Rate Limits

Understand throughput limits for Sole Proprietor campaigns

Event Notifications

Set up webhooks for status updates

Brand API Reference

Full API documentation for brand management

Support Guide

Portal walkthrough for non-API users