SMS capabilities are currently available to North American customers only. We look forward to implementing GDPR-compliant SMS functionality for our UK customers in the future.Table of contents
- Overview
- Twilio registration requirements (U.S. only)
- Information you’ll share
- How to meet brand, privacy, and T&C requirements
- Registration status in GotPhoto
- FAQ
- The takeaway
Overview
GotPhoto uses a secure third-party service called Twilio to send text messages to your customers. Once you set up SMS settings in GotPhoto, a dedicated Twilio number will be assigned to you—keeping your personal number private.
This article outlines the Twilio registration requirements, which are essential for enabling SMS functionality—especially for U.S.-based businesses.
Twilio registration requirements (U.S. only)
U.S. carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile have implemented A2P 10DLC messaging regulations to ensure secure, trustworthy business-to-consumer communication. These rules require businesses to register with Twilio or risk message delivery issues or spam filtering.
To comply, you must register your business through GotPhoto and consent to share details with Twilio. More on the official policy from Twilio here.
Information you’ll share
Through GotPhoto's SMS Settings page, you will enter your business information, which GotPhoto will then securely submit to Twilio.
For businesses with an EIN
- Legal business name (must match CP575 Notice)
- Legal business address (from CP575 Notice)
- Business type
- EIN number
- Website
- Full name of the account holder
- Email address
- Business title
- Mobile phone number (for verification)
- Job position
For sole proprietors
- Business name
- Business address
- Business type
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
Note: If you're a sole proprietor and also have an EIN, make sure your information matches the CP575 Notice.
After submission: You will receive a text message asking you to confirm registration. Reply YES to complete the process.
How to meet brand, privacy, and T&C requirements
1. Verify brand information (avoid brand rejection)
Brand rejections often occur due to incorrect or mismatched business information. To prevent this:
- Ensure the legal business name and EIN (if applicable) match exactly what appears in official records.
- For LLCs, the submitted information should exactly match IRS documents such as the SS-4 or CP 575 notice.
- Pay close attention to punctuation, spacing, and formatting.
2. Confirm privacy policy and terms & conditions (avoid campaign rejection)
Campaigns are commonly rejected if the privacy policy or terms & conditions (T&C) are missing, incomplete, or non-compliant. To prevent this:
- Both the privacy policy and T&C must be available via direct, public links. Confirm that URLs are publicly accessible and not behind login walls.
- Ensure the links are live and accessible at the time of campaign submission.
Meet privacy policy requirements
Your example language is compliant. Ensure the privacy policy clearly states:
- Mobile information and SMS consent will not be shared or sold to third parties for marketing purposes.
- Opt-in data and consent will not be shared with third parties, except as required to support the service.
Example compliant language:
“We do not share mobile contact information with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Information may be shared with subcontractors in support services, such as customer service. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.”
Meet terms & conditions (T&C) requirements
The SMS opt-in screen must clearly disclose:
- The types of messages users will receive
- Message frequency (e.g., “Message frequency varies”)
- “Message and data rates may apply”
- Instructions for STOP and HELP
- A direct link to the privacy policy
- A statement that consent is not a condition of purchase or service
Example compliant opt-in language:
“By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive text messages from "STUDIO NAME" regarding photo availability, deadlines, and account notifications. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for help. View our Privacy Policy (link required).”
The opt-in language must be displayed directly next to the SMS enrollment option, must not be pre-selected, and should follow best practices to remain compliant.
Registration status in GotPhoto
You can view your status under SMS Settings.
- Completed: Your registration is fully approved. No further action needed.
- In progress: Your info is under review by Twilio. No action required yet.
- Rejected: Your registration failed. This could be due to incorrect info or failure to reply to the confirmation SMS. Please contact our support team.
FAQ
I'm in Canada. Do I need to register?
No. Only U.S.-based customers must complete registration. Canadian users simply enter a mobile number in the SMS settings, and a Twilio number will be automatically assigned.
What if I don’t consent to Twilio registration?
You won’t be able to use SMS through GotPhoto unless you complete the Twilio registration process.
Why is this required for U.S. customers?
Due to stricter U.S. carrier regulations, Twilio registration ensures messages are delivered and not flagged as spam. It's mandatory for continued SMS communication through GotPhoto.
What happens to my registration info?
Twilio sends your data to The Campaign Registry (TCR), a third-party verifier, to assign a Trust Score that validates your legitimacy as a sender.
Can I use Google Voice or another VoIP number?
No. You must register using a physical mobile number to complete initial verification. VoIP numbers may be rejected or cause delivery issues later.
The takeaway
Completing the Twilio registration process ensures your text messages are successfully delivered, keeps your personal number private, and meets regulatory standards. For U.S. customers, registration is essential for enabling SMS features within GotPhoto.