Toll-Free Verification is Changing in 2026: Here’s What You Need to Know

For the last couple of years, many platforms and Brands have leaned on Toll-Free Numbers (TFNs) as the “easier” alternative to A2P 10DLC. While 10DLC has required strict Brand and Campaign registration through The Campaign Registry (TCR), Toll-Free has been more lenient—leading some to switch traffic away from 10DLC simply to avoid the compliance process.

That’s about to change.

What’s Changing on January 1, 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, Toll-Free verification will require additional business information to be submitted with each new Toll-Free Verified Sender Form. Specifically, you’ll need to provide a Business Registration Number (BRN) such as an EIN (Employer Identification Number), along with other details about your business.

According to recent industry updates, the following fields will become mandatory for new Toll-Free verifications:

• Business Registration Number (BRN): A government-issued identifier (e.g., EIN) that legitimizes your business.
• Issuing Country of Business Registration: The country where your business is legally registered to operate.
• Entity Type: Classification of your business (Public Profit, Private Profit, Non-Profit, Government, or Sole Proprietor*).

*Note: Sole proprietors will face additional vetting upon review.

Why This Matters

The industry’s goal is clear: to reduce spam and phishing attempts in the Toll-Free ecosystem, and to align Toll-Free messaging with the same level of scrutiny as 10DLC. These new requirements are designed to:

• Improve message deliverability
• Build long-term trust across carrier networks
• Ensure compliance with opt-in, opt-out, and content policies

In other words: Toll-Free is catching up to 10DLC.

If Your Toll-Free Numbers Are Already Verified

If you’ve already completed Toll-Free verification, you don’t need to resubmit. These changes only apply to new verifications starting January 1, 2026.

What This Means for ISVs

If your strategy was to bypass 10DLC headaches by shifting to Toll-Free, those days are numbered. Soon, both channels will carry equally strict compliance requirements. What matters now is choosing the right provider—one who can simplify compliance, proactively manage carrier rules, and keep your deliverability high.

At Telgorithm, we’ve been preparing our customers for this shift. We’ve seen the writing on the wall: all messaging channels are moving toward stricter verification and compliance. Our APIs, automations, and proactive compliance support are built to help ISVs and SaaS platforms navigate these changes without disruption.

TL;DR

• January 1, 2026: BRNs and additional fields become mandatory for Toll-Free verification.
• No shortcuts left: Toll-Free will soon follow the same strict path as 10DLC.
• Future-proofing matters: The best way to avoid disruption is by working with a provider who stays ahead of industry changes.

Want to make sure your messaging traffic is future-proofed? Contact Telgorithm to learn how we can help your platform stay compliant while delivering at the highest rates in the industry.