In most cases, AutoVitals can use your current texting phone number, whether it's toll-free or local. The process, timeline, and what's required may vary depending on your current vendor and the type of number you're using.
How Long Will It Take?
AutoVitals has no control over how long the process takes and the timeline will depend on whether you have a toll-free or a local phone number:
- Toll-Free numbers can take roughly 2-3 weeks from the time AutoVitals gains control of the number
- Local numbers can take roughly 3-4 weeks from the time AutoVitals gains control of the number
⚠️ Please note that your number will be out of service from the time you begin moving the number until it's approved for use. AutoVitals has no control of the timeframe.
Process
For both toll-free and local numbers, there are 2 steps to begin texting with your number in AutoVitals:
Move Number from Current Provider
First, we will need to move your phone number from your current provider to AutoVitals. This step largely depends on your current provider and them working with AutoVitals to secure your number. This can take as little as a few days, but will vary depending on the provider and circumstances.
Approval for Text Messaging
Next, we will need to submit your business registration information and explain how the number will be used in order to receive approval for text messaging. Prior text messaging approval from your previous carrier does not carry over when a number is moved from one provider to another.
⚠️ Please note that your number will be out of service from the time you begin moving the number until it's approved for use. AutoVitals has no control of the timeframe.
What's Required from the Shop?
In order to move your current phone number to AutoVitals and get it approved for text message sending, we will need the information described below from you.
To transfer your number to AutoVitals
- Previous Provider Information: Name of the provider, contact information for the representative you work with.
- A Letter of Authorization (LOA): In some cases, they may request a LOA. This letter must be signed by an authorized representative of your business and include the following information:
- Your account number with your current carrier
- The phone number(s) you are wanting to move
- The name of the business or organization that owns the phone number(s)
To verify your texting number
- United States: A copy of your W9 for business registration details
- Legal Business Name
- Doing Business As (DBA) - if applicable
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Canada: CBN or BN
- A CP575 Notice may be necessary if the EIN cannot be verified. This is the document your business receives when you receive your EIN from the IRS.
- Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions - Your website must contain both a privacy policy and terms & conditions page with separate links. Learn more about privacy policy and terms & conditions requirements here.
⚠️ Please note that your number will be out of service from the time you begin moving the number until it's approved for use. AutoVitals has no control of the timeframe.
FAQ
I want to continue using the phone number I use now for text messaging. Can I move that number to AutoVitals?
Yes, but the number will be out of service during the time it takes to port your number from the current provider to AutoVitals. Please see above.
Why is verification required for sending text messages?
Cell carriers use this verification to ensure their customers are receiving wanted messages. If we do not go through the verification process for our customers, carriers are more likely to filter or completely block the messages sent from the unverified number.
Does AutoVitals handle the verification process?
Yes! AutoVitals will handle the entire process. All we need from you, is the information listed above.
Can I send opt-in text messages to my customer database while the number is pending verification?
No. You cannot send any messages, including opt-in texts, until the number has been verified. Messaging traffic from an unverified number is blocked by carriers until verification is complete.
Does this mean if I move my number to AutoVitals I have to wait to send text messages for 2-4 weeks?
Yes, and AutoVitals has no control over the timeframe.
What is A2P 10DLC?
This is an acronym, short for App to Person 10 Digit Long Code. This describes automated messaging through an app using a local number instead of a toll-free number.
Why should I know about A2P 10DLC?
US wireless carriers now require local numbers used for business messaging to go through an approval and registration process, and unregistered numbers are subject to filtering and blocking. The registration process vets the business using specific information (Tax ID/EIN number) to confirm they are a real, established business operating in the US.
Learn more about SMS Compliance and A2P 10DLC.