In this guide, you’ll learn how to collect legally valid SMS opt-ins by adding a compliant form to your website, crafting the required Terms & Conditions language, and linking to a clear Privacy Policy. We’ll walk you through:

1. Opt-In Form Requirements – How to build an optional phone field and standalone consent checkbox with copy-and-paste text.
2. Privacy Policy Guidelines – Key clauses and linking requirements to protect your customers’ data and meet industry standards.
3. Terms & Conditions Essentials – What your T&C page must state to support SMS messaging.

Follow these steps to ensure every subscriber gives clear, unambiguous permission—and keep your campaigns 10DLC-compliant and ensure rapid approval by the mobile carriers.

Add a Compliant SMS Opt-In Form

An opt-in form is a website field where visitors voluntarily provide their mobile number and explicitly agree—via a separate, unchecked checkbox—to receive SMS messages from your brand. It’s the cornerstone of 10DLC campaign approval because carriers use the recorded consent to verify that every subscriber genuinely opted in, ensuring messages aren’t unsolicited. A properly constructed opt-in form protects you legally, builds customer trust, and speeds up carrier vetting by demonstrating clear, unambiguous permission for your messaging program.

1. Make your phone-number field optional

   Label it clearly (e.g. “Mobile number”) and don’t require it for form submission.
   
   

2. Add a separate, unchecked consent checkbox

   Place it directly below (or beside) the following consent text - never bundle it with other permissions (like general T&Cs).
   
   

3. Use this copy-and-paste consent language

   [X] I consent to receive [use case: marketing, appointment reminders, customer care] text messages from [Your Company Name] at the number provided, including messages sent by an autodialer. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP. Text HELP for support. See our Terms & Conditions (https://yourdomain.com/terms) and Privacy Policy (https://yourdomain.com/privacy).

Example of 10DLC Compliant Opt-In form

Privacy Policy

A compliant 10DLC privacy policy must state that you use subscribers’ phone numbers and consent data solely for your SMS program (and necessary service partners), never sell or repurpose it for unrelated marketing, explain how users can access, correct, or delete their data, and be linked directly from every opt-in form.

Key Requirements for Your 10DLC Privacy Policy

1. Scope of Use

   • Clearly state that mobile numbers and opt-in data are used only for your SMS program and any necessary service-delivery partners.

2. No Sale or Repurposing

   • Promise that you will not sell, rent, or share subscriber data for unrelated marketing purposes.

3. Data-Subject Rights

   • Explain how users can access, correct, or delete their phone number and consent record.

4. Retention & Security

   • Specify how long you’ll keep opt-in records (e.g. “We retain consent logs for at least 2 years”) and note basic safeguards you employ.

5. Linking Requirement

   • Require that this policy be linked directly from every opt-in form (no buried or pop-up links).

6. Contact Information

   • Provide a dedicated email or URL for privacy inquiries.
     
     

Copy-and-Paste Example

Privacy Policy — SMS Marketing

Use of Your Data: By opting in, you agree that we will use your mobile number and consent data solely to send you text messages related to [Description of SMS Program] on behalf of [Your Company Name], and to share it with our service-delivery partners only as necessary.

No Third-Party Marketing: We will never sell, rent, or otherwise share your phone number or consent with any party for unrelated marketing purposes.

Your Rights: You may access, correct, or request deletion of your phone number and opt-in record at any time by contacting us at [privacy@yourdomain.com] or visiting [https://yourdomain.com/privacy-request].

Data Retention & Security: We retain SMS consent records for a minimum of [X years] and store them using industry-standard security measures.

Policy Linkage: This Privacy Policy is linked on all SMS opt-in forms.

Questions or Concerns: For any privacy-related questions, please email us at [privacy@yourdomain.com].

Replace bracketed placeholders with your details, then link this section from every opt-in form to stay fully 10DLC-compliant.

Terms of Service

When adding SMS messaging to your site, update your main Terms of Service to include a dedicated “SMS Messaging” section. This section should sit alongside your existing provisions and clearly state your program name, the types of messages you’ll send, how often subscribers can expect texts, any message-and-data rate disclosures, and opt-out/help instructions (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe, HELP for assistance”). It should also note that messages may be sent via an autodialer, reference your Privacy Policy for data use details, and include an “Effective Date.” 

1. Dedicated “SMS Messaging” Section – Add a clear subsection in your main Terms of Service.

2. Program Name – State the brand or program sending the texts.

3. Message Types – Describe what subscribers will receive (e.g., promos, reminders, alerts).

4. Frequency Disclosure – Explain how often messages are sent (e.g., “Msg frequency may vary” or “Up to 5 msgs/month”).

5. Msg & Data Rates – Include “Message and data rates may apply.”

6. Opt-Out Instructions – Provide “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” and note the one final confirmation message.

7. Help Instructions – Offer “Reply HELP for assistance” or alternative support contact info.

8. Autodialer Notice – If applicable, state “Messages may be sent via autodialer.”

9. Privacy Policy Reference – Link to or reference your privacy policy for data-use details.

10. Customer-Care Contact – List an email address or phone number for questions.

11. Effective Date – Show when these SMS terms go into effect.

Copy-and-Paste Example

SECTION [X]. SMS MESSAGING

By opting in, you agree to receive SMS text messages from [Your Company Name] at the mobile number you provide for the purpose of [use case: marketing, remidners,  promotional offers, order updates, cart reminders]. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP” to any message, after which you will receive one final confirmation text. For assistance, reply “HELP” or contact our Customer Care team at [support@yourdomain.com] or [1-800-123-4567]. Messages may be sent via an autodialer. Your use of SMS messaging is subject to our Privacy Policy, available at [https://yourdomain.com/privacy]. These SMS messaging terms are effective as of [Month Day, Year].