US Short Code Brand Vetting is a mandatory compliance requirement established by the CTIA and enforced through the US Short Code Registry. The purpose of this annual verification is to ensure that each brand using a US short code is accurately identified, properly registered, and accountable for the messages they send to consumers. By confirming up-to-date business and contact information, carriers can maintain trust in high-volume messaging programs and reduce the risk of fraud, spam, and consumer harm.
All brands that send messages using US short codes are required to complete annual brand vetting through the US Short Code Registry. This is a mandatory CTIA compliance requirement and applies to all live and pending US short codes.
Failure to complete annual vetting or maintain accurate registry information may result in audits, short code lease suspension, delayed lease renewals, or deactivation of messaging traffic until verification is completed.
What is US Short Code Brand Vetting?
US Short Code Brand Vetting is an annual verification process administered by the US Short Code Registry (operated by CTIA). It confirms that each brand leasing or renewing a US short code has accurate, up-to-date business information on file.
The process functions like a two-factor verification:
- A verification email is sent to the brand contact on file
- The brand contact must confirm or update business details via the Registry
This requirement supports industry-standard Know Your Customer (KYC) practices and helps maintain carrier trust in high-volume messaging programs. You can learn more about the process on the official US Short Code Registry site: https://www.usshortcodes.com/registry-vetting-process/
Who needs to complete brand vetting?
Every brand that operates their SMS program on a US short code must complete this process at the time they activate their short code with Klaviyo. This includes new short codes and migrations.
Brands that do not complete verification before the deadline risk messaging disruption.
What information is required?
During the vetting process, brands must confirm a brand point of contact and registered business information:
Brand contact:
- First and last name
- Email address (must match brand website or parent company)
- Phone number
Must be an internally authorized brand employee, not an agency account user — Agency or other third party users are not permitted to serve as the brand contact.
Business details:
- Legal registered business name
- Registered brand address (if different from account address)
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
- Legal entity type (e.g., Corporation, LLC, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship)
- Stock ticker symbol (if publicly traded)
How do I complete brand vetting?
You’ll complete initial brand vetting at the time you move through the short code process (applying for a new code or migrating an existing code) with Klaviyo. This information is submitted to upstream carriers as part of CTIA compliance requirements.
On an annual basis, based on the date of your initial brand vetting, the Short Code Registry will contact your brand point of contact:
- Look for an email from certify@usshortcodes.com
- Click Verify in the email, or visit the link provided
- Enter the PIN from the email
- Complete the captcha and submit
The email is sent to the brand contact currently on file with the US Short Code Registry. Here is an example:
Why is this required?
This process is part of the wireless industry’s standard Know-Your-Customer (KYC) framework. Accurate brand records allow carriers and the Registry to conduct audits, investigate complaints, and respond quickly to enforcement inquiries when necessary. Maintaining compliant records also helps prevent disruption during short code renewals, migrations, or carrier reviews.
Per CTIA guidelines, brands that fail to complete annual vetting or maintain accurate registry information may be subject to audits, short code lease suspension, delayed renewals, or deactivation of messaging traffic until verification is completed.
Important notes
- Applies to all US short codes
- Annual verification is required even if your business details haven’t changed
- Annual vetting emails are automatically sent to your brand contact on file
Additional questions or need to update your brand contact? Please reach out to Support.