Obtaining and Registering a Sending Number

In order to send text messages using SlickText, you will first need to register a sending number with the carriers. By default, SlickText will assign you a premium toll-free sending number for free and facilitate getting the number registered. Toll-free provides the best mix of performance and cost. SlickText can also provide you with other types of sending numbers for a fee, including short codes and 10-digit long codes.

Each brand in SlickText can only have one sending number, and a sending number cannot be shared across brands. 

In this article:

Choosing a Sending Number Type
Registering a Sending Number
Ensuring Your Toll-Free Registration is Approved
How to Find Your EIN / Tax ID

Choosing a Sending Number Type

There are three sending number types supported by SlickText. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. 

• Toll-free — A toll-free number is a 10-digit, text-enabled number that starts with a toll-free area code like 800, 888, 855, etc. Not all toll-free sending numbers are equal. For example, some providers offer numbers with slower sending speeds. SlickText only uses premium, high-volume toll-free numbers. 
  
  Advantages of Using a Toll-Free Sending Number

• • SlickText provides a free number with your account.
  • SlickText premium toll-free numbers support high-volume messaging.
  • SlickText’s fast track registration process can register toll-free numbers fast, often the same day, but typically in less than 48 hours.
• Short Code — A short code is a 5 or 6-digit number used to send and receive messages at scale. Short codes are generally considered the most reliable sending number type, but they come with a cost of $500 to $1,000 per month from the carriers. To obtain a short code, contact your SlickText representative or Customer Support. 

        Advantages of Using Short Codes

• • Short codes support extremely high volume sending.
  • Because of the robust registration process, short codes have virtually no carrier filtering and, subsequently, may see higher deliverability success rates.
• 10DLC — A 10-digit long code is a text-enabled number with a local area code. 10DLC numbers typically take about a week to register. During the registration process, an independent organization known as the Campaign Registry assigns a Trust Score to your brand. The sending speed of 10DLC numbers varies based on a brand’s Trust Score. To obtain a 10DLC, contact your SlickText representative or Customer Support. 

        Advantages of Using 10DLC

• • 10DLC numbers are a good choice for use cases that benefit from a local presence.
  • At $10 per month, 10DLC numbers are significantly less expensive than short codes, although they cost more than toll-free numbers.
    
    

Registering a Sending Number

For registering a toll-free number, see below. For short codes or 10DLC numbers, contact your SlickText representative or Customer Support.

To register a toll-free sending number:

1. Create your account or create a new brand. SlickText will assign you a number and prompt you to register it. 
2. Click Register My Number. If you choose to do this later, you can begin the registration process by clicking on your name and avatar in the bottom left corner.
3. Complete the form to provide your brand info. See below for best practices to maximize success.
4. After completing the last page of the form, click Submit.
5. Click Finish when prompted.
6. SlickText will send this and other information to the carriers for review.

You will receive an automated notification from SlickText when your number is ready. Once your number is approved, you are ready to start texting. If your registration is rejected, you will receive a notification with a reason for the rejection and recommended next steps. 

Ensuring Your Toll-Free Registration is Approved

Most registration requests through SlickText are successful. Legitimate businesses, nonprofits, and government entities with compliant use cases are unlikely to encounter approval issues. Follow the guidelines in the table below when completing the registration form to maximize your chances of a quick approval.

While all of the information must be complete and accurate, some fields can be more troublesome than others. 

 

How to Find Your EIN / Tax ID

When registering a sending number with SlickText, you may be required to provide a business identifier such as an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Canadian Business Number (CBN). This information helps verify your organization and is required for most business types registering long codes or toll-free numbers. If you're a sole proprietor without an EIN or CBN, please read the section below about sole proprietor EIN requirements.

United States:  Finding Your EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. If you’ve registered your business with the IRS, you will already have an EIN.

Where to locate your EIN:

• IRS EIN Confirmation Letter – When you initially applied, the IRS mailed a CP 575 notice with your EIN.

• Tax Returns & Filings – Your EIN is listed on your federal tax return (e.g., 1120, 1065, Schedule C).

• W-9 Forms – A completed W-9 you previously provided to a client or vendor will have your EIN. 

   

• Bank & Business Accounts – Many business bank accounts show your EIN on account documents or online statements.

• Payroll Records – If you run payroll, your payroll provider/account will display your EIN.

 

Canada: Finding Your Business Number (BN/CBN)

Canadian businesses use a Business Number (BN) as their tax ID, which may be issued with program extensions (e.g., GST/HST, payroll). Your BN typically looks like this: 123456789 RT0001 —  you only need the first nine digits, which are your core business identifier. 

Where to locate your Canadian Business Number:

• CRA Registration Documents – When you registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you received a BN.

• Tax Filings & Notices – Your BN appears on GST/HST returns and other tax correspondence.

• Business Banking & Licenses – Similar to the U.S., your Canadian business bank documents or licenses often list your BN.

Sole Proprietors and EIN or CBN Requirements

If you operate as a sole proprietor (no separate legal entity from yourself), you do not need to submit an EIN or CBN when registering a toll-free number with SlickText.

However, please note:

• Sole proprietors may be subject to additional vetting during registration.

• Sending limits may be more restrictive compared to businesses with a registered EIN/Tax ID.

• You may still choose to obtain an EIN from the IRS even as a sole proprietor if you want to broaden your number options or simplify compliance documentation.