SMS Sender ID Register Details Announced
Updated 9 October 2025
Australia is introducing a national Sender ID Register to reduce spoofing and scam SMS. It sets rules for who can use a text-based sender name (a “sender ID”), how those IDs are checked, and what networks and messaging providers must do before delivery. This guide gives you the big picture and practical steps. We’ll share more once the Register is live and day-to-day processes are confirmed.
What is a sender ID under this new process?
A sender ID is the text label that appears as the sender of your SMS instead of a phone number. Examples include BRANDNAME, BRAND-SALE, or a clear abbreviation of your business name or trademark. Under the Register, these text labels must clearly relate to your organisation and be registered to you before use.
What does not change
Sending from a phone number (mobile number, virtual SMS number) does not use the Sender ID Register. Messages that originate from a phone number can continue as normal.
Key dates to know
• 15 October 2025: Australian SMS providers and Telcos start preparing.
• 30 November 2025: providers publish information and begin customer notifications. Users can begin to register their Sender IDs.
• 1 July 2026: the Register goes live. Unregistered text sender IDs will be marked as “Unverified”.
Who can register a sender ID
Most Australian organisations can register, including companies, sole traders, partnerships, trusts, and government bodies. In each case, the sender ID must have a clear link to your identity. In practice, that means the ID should match, or be a sensible abbreviation of, one of the following:
• Your legal or trading name
• A registered trade mark you own or are licensed to use
• An Australian domain name you control
How registration works
The exact forms and portals will be finalised as the Register goes live, but you can expect a straightforward process with identity checks for both the business and the authorised person submitting the request.
- Choose your sender IDs
Pick one or more IDs you intend to use (for example BRANDNAME, BRAND-AU, BRAND-SALE). Keep within network length limits (11 characters). - Prove the link between the ID and your business
You’ll be asked to show that your sender ID matches your organisation. Common proofs include ABN/ACN records, your registered business or trading name, trade mark registration, or proof of domain ownership. If you’re an agency registering on behalf of a client, your client will need to authorise the sender ID. - Verify the authorised representative
The person completing the registration will need to verify their identity. Be ready to provide standard ID evidence (for example, driver licence or passport) and your role or delegation. - Review and approval
Your application will be checked for an acceptable “sender identification match” and you will access the ACMA portal to complete the registration.
What happens to unregistered sender IDs from 1 July 2026
If a message uses a text sender ID that isn’t on the Register, networks will flag it as “Unverified”. The message may still be delivered, but the label signals that the sender name wasn’t validated. To keep your brand name showing as intended, register your sender ID ahead of time.
Phone number sending and fallbacks
Once the Sender ID Register is live, if you prefer not to register or your registration is still pending, you can simply send from a phone number. This path does not touch the Register and will continue as normal. Mobile Message can also apply a fallback: if a text sender ID isn’t registered or approved, we can automatically send using a dedicated number so your messages keep flowing without the “Unverified” label.
Practical tips when choosing your sender ID
• Keep it short and recognisable (max 11 characters).
• Match the brand your customers know you by.
• Avoid generic or high-risk terms that could cause delays or rejection.
• Consider regional variants only if they make sense (for example, BRAND-AU).
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get the official rules for the Sender ID Register?
The Sender ID Register Industry Standard was developed by the ACMA to set the rules for the new Sender ID Register. You can download a copy of it below.
Is there a fee to register a sender ID?
Possibly. The ACMA (who run the Sender ID Register) have not made this clear yet. More information will be available once the Sender ID Register goes live.
Do I need to register if I only send from a phone number?
No. Numeric sender types (mobile numbers, virtual long numbers) do not use the Register and can continue as normal.
Can I register multiple sender IDs?
Yes, provided each ID clearly relates to your organisation and you can demonstrate the link.
What if another business uses a similar name?
Both businesses will be eligible to register the same sender ID, as long as they can both show a valid use case for it.
What if my brand changes?
Update your registration when your legal name, trade mark, or domain ownership changes. Keeping details current helps avoid disruption.
How Mobile Message will help
We’ll guide you through selecting compliant sender IDs, preparing the right evidence, completing ID verification, and submitting registrations. Our online SMS platform will align with the new checks that carriers and providers perform.
Questions?
Email hello@mobilemessage.com.au and we’ll help you plan for the upcoming changes.
