What is the SMS sender ID register Australia?

With SMS scams on the rise, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is stepping up. The new SMS sender ID register is designed to protect both businesses and consumers by stopping scammers impersonating well-known brands in text messages.

But what does that mean for your business? And how can you prepare? Let’s break it down.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What is a sender ID?

A sender ID is the virtual number or custom name which appears in the “from” field when someone receives your text message. It helps your customers recognise and trust who the message is from.

It can be:

• A business name (e.g. Kudosity)

• A service name (e.g. KDAlert)

• Or a Virtual Mobile Number (e.g. 61400000000)

Sender IDs can be numeric or alphanumeric (letters and numbers), depending on carrier and country requirements. You can learn more in:

Virtual Mobile Numbers for business

Your guide to Virtual Mobile Numbers: What you need to know

2. What is an alphanumeric sender ID

Unlike Virtual Mobile Numbers (VNMs) you can request alphanumeric sender IDs which directly match your use-case or brand. For example, instead of sending from a random mobile number, you can send as "Kudosity", "KDAlert" or another unique ID.

Using a recognisable Sender ID increases trust, open rates, and click-throughs. Because these aren't associated with a number, you won't be able to receive Two-way SMS replies back. Alphanumeric replies and opt-outs are instead processed via a unique unsubscribe link.

3.What is the SMS sender ID register?

The sender ID register is a new ACMA initiative aimed at preventing SMS spoofing. That’s when scammers impersonate messages using a recognised business or government name as the sender, such as "ATO", "MyGov", or "Telstra".

Under the new rules, all businesses that send SMS messages with a brand name or alphanumeric sender ID will need to register it with the ACMA. Only verified sender IDs will be allowed to pass through carrier networks. Anything unregistered may be blocked before it reaches the recipient.

4. Why is the register being introduced?

SMS scams have cost Australians hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years, in 2023 alone Australians lost 27 million (Deloitte, 2024). Fake delivery updates, impersonated tax office messages, and phishing attempts have damaged public trust.

This register aims to:

• Protect consumers from scam messages.

• Stop scammers from using trusted brand names.

• Restore confidence in SMS as a communication tool.

For businesses, it’s an opportunity to show customers they take security seriously.

5. Who can participate?

Only the following entities can participate in the register:

• Individuals

• Body corporates

• Sole corporations

• Body politics

• Government entities (within the meaning of the A New Tax System [Australian Business Number] Act 1999)

• Partnerships

• Any other unincorporated association or body of persons

• Trusts

• Superannuation funds (within the meaning of the Superannuation Industry [Supervision] Act 1993)

6. What do businesses need to do?

To stay compliant, businesses should:

• Register their sender ID when the platform launches.

• Prove they have a valid use-case (for example, by showing it matches a registered business or trading name).

• Work with an Originating Telecommunications Provider (Telco) that supports the ACMA register. A list of all participating providers will be available on the ACMA's website.

Visit the Kudosity Compliance Hub for up-to-date tips and guidance.

7. What authorisation is required?

To register a sender ID with the ACMA, your business must nominate a Business Administrator. This is the person authorised to manage your organisation’s details within the sender ID register.

According to the ACMA, a Business Administrator is someone who:

• Has authority to act on behalf of the organisation.

• Can confirm legal ownership of the sender ID.

• Is responsible for managing access and users within the sender ID register.

• Can validate that the organisation has the right to use the brand name submitted.

This role is typically held by someone in a senior leadership position such as:

• A director or owner

• Head of IT or security

• Legal or compliance officer

• Business manager with signing authority

Only authorised individuals can complete the registration or grant access to third parties like messaging providers.

If you’re unsure who within your business should hold this role, we recommend reviewing your internal authorisation structure and ensuring that your designated contact has both technical and legal oversight.

8. When will the sender ID Register launch?

The ACMA is currently finalising the proposal. The official register is expected to roll out in November 2025. Kudosity will keep you informed as soon as the platform opens.

In the meantime, it’s a good idea to:

• Review the sender IDs you currently use.

• Make sure they reflect your registered brand.

• Appoint a Business Administrator that's authorised to act behalf of your organisation.

• Prepare your ABR documents and proof of identity.

9. What happens if I don't register

If your sender ID isn’t on the register by 1 July 2026 then it will be over-stamped with "Unverified", and messages sent from non-participating Telco's will be blocked. This could result in:

• Undelivered campaigns

• Missed appointments or verifications

• Damage to your brand reputation

Even worse, scammers may still be able to impersonate your name if you haven’t claimed it. Registering is the best way to protect your brand and your customers.

10. Does this affect overseas businesses?

Yes. If you send SMS messages to Australian mobile numbers using a brand name or alphanumeric sender ID, you’ll be expected to comply, regardless of where your business is based. International entities will be allowed to register through Certifed Telco's like Kudosity, who will manage their sender ID registration.

The ACMA is working with Telco's globally to ensure that spoofed messages are filtered out before they reach Australian networks.

11. How do I register my clients as an Electronic Messaging Service Provider?

The ACMA now defines Electronic Messaging Service Providers (EMSPs) as Telco's. This means if you originate messages and send these through Kudosity you'll need to:

• Register as a Participating Telco to facilitate sender ID messages for your customers

• Communicate in writing the information provided by the ACMA (Schedule 1)

• Register and verify sender IDs for your clients

• Block or disrupt unverified sender IDs

• Put in place clear policies and procedures

12. How does Kudosity help with compliance?

Kudosity is more than a messaging platform. We’re your partner in staying secure, compliant, and connected. Here’s what we offer:

Register guidance:
Once the register is live, Kudosity will help you submit and manage sender ID registrations. Especially for international entities that cannot apply directly.

Local knowledge, real support:
We stay ahead of regulatory changes in Australia and abroad. Our team understands what it takes to deliver compliant messaging that performs.

Continuity and trust:
Your messages won’t just be delivered. They’ll be trusted by the people receiving them.

Where can I learn more?

• ACMA: The SMS sender ID register

• What are alphanumeric sender IDs

• Sender ID Management

Final word

This change is a win for everyone. It reduces scams, increases consumer confidence, and helps trusted brands stand out.

At Kudosity, we help businesses build messaging experiences customers love. Compliance is just one more way we deliver messages that are safe, trusted, and on brand.