Phone System · 1 min read
Messaging Guidelines for the US and Canada
Requirements depend on where your number is and where the recipient is.
A2P registration vs. identity verification
- A2P registration verifies businesses sending application-generated texts over US and Canadian routes.
- Identity verification confirms the person or business using the number when A2P registration doesn't apply.
Domestic messaging (US, Canada, Puerto Rico)
Texts between numbers in these countries may need A2P registration, for example:
- US number → US, Canadian or Puerto Rico number
- Canadian number → US or Puerto Rico number
Canadian number to Canadian number
- Canadian numbers bought before March 26, 2025 can keep sending Canada-to-Canada texts without A2P registration.
- Canadian numbers bought on or after March 26, 2025 can send Canada-to-Canada texts once A2P registration or identity verification is complete.
International destinations
Texts from US or Canadian numbers to many international destinations don't need A2P registration, but the sender must complete identity verification.
Error 1002: A2P or identity verification required
This error means the route requires A2P registration or identity verification that isn't complete. Finish the required step in Settings → Phone System → Trust Center, then resend.