The SMS sender ID register in Australia:
What businesses need to know
To help safeguard Australians from phishing and spoofing scams, new requirements are being introduced for businesses that use Alphanumeric Sender IDs.
Quick Overview
From 1 July 2026 your Alphanumeric Sender IDs will need to be registered with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Unregistered IDs will be replaced with "Unverified" and may be blocked by Telecommunications providers (Telcos).
Kudosity is here to help you navigate these changes, make compliance simple, secure and stress-free.
What's happening
From 1 July 2026, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will introduce the SMS Sender ID Register a new standard requiring all alphanumeric Sender IDs (like "MyBrand") to be verified.
If your business is sending branded SMS without a registered ID, your messages may be:
Flagged as 'Unverified'.
Blocked from delivery by telcos.
Damage your customer trust and conversion rates.
This isn't just a technical issue; it's a reputational one.
Kudosity is here to help you navigate these changes. Talk to our team if you have questions.
Compliance timeline:
What's changing and when
30 September 2025
ACMA issues final guidelines.
15 October 2025
Telco onboarding commences (as Participating or Certified).
30 November 2025
The alphanumeric Sender ID register opens. Kudosity initiates registration for customers.
1 July 2026
ACMA disruption begins. Unregistered Sender IDs will be marked "Unverified" and may be blocked by Telcos.
How the process will work
The finer details are still being confirmed, but here’s what we know:
Who needs to register:
All businesses sending branded SMS, MMS messages will need to register their Sender IDs through an authorised provider — such as an SMS platform, telco, or approved service partner.
What’s required:
Each Sender ID must be verified for both:
-Purpose – why the Sender ID is being used.
-Identity – confirming who owns it
You’ll likely need supporting documents such as:
-ABR details
-Proof of brand, trademark, or domain
Approval will include two key checks:
1- Business verification – ensuring your details match your ABR.
2- Authorised representative verification – confirming the requester’s authority.
For organisations without an ABN, ACMA plans to provide an alternative registration pathway (details coming soon).
ACMA will confirm:
Registration channels
Process costs
Estimated approval times
Guidance for rejected Sender IDs
The register is expected to open in November 2025.
What should you do next:
Audit your Sender IDs. Prepare your ABR documents and proof of identity.
Ensure your registered business information is accurate and aligns with your sender name.
Appoint a Business Administrator who's authorised to act on behalf of your organisation.
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How Kudosity can help you:
Kudosity helps you register and manage Sender IDs quickly and accurately, working directly with telcos to ensure your messages are delivered.
We’ll keep you informed every step of the way — so your messages stay compliant, visible, and trusted.
Additional resources
What is the SMS sender ID register in Australia?
What is an Alphanumeric Sender ID
What are Virtual Mobile Numbers
Why choose Kudosity
Australian Owned
and managed
As a 100% Australian-owned and operated company, we understand local regulations. Our teams and expertise can help you navigate Australia's changing compliance landscape.
Privacy Act and APP
Compliant by design
We offer solutions that keep you compliant with the Australian Privacy Act and Privacy Principles. You stay focused on your message, we handle the rest.
Australian Data
Sovereignty
All your data is stored and processed in Australia. No overseas detours or compliance headaches. Just full alignment with national data retention and security expectations.
Certified for trust
and security
Your customer data deserves top-tier protection. Kudosity’s platform is certified to ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 2, meeting globally recognised standards for risk, security and operational integrity.
24/7 Expert
support
Whether you’re onboarding, registering Sender IDs or resolving message delivery issues, our local team is available 24/7 to ensure your messaging is never left to chance.
Trusted
Sub-Processors
We carefully assess vendors to ensure they comply with industry security and privacy standards and only work with third parties that meet our strict security requirements. Explore our sub-processors.
FAQs
What is the SMS Sender ID Register and why does it matter?
The SMS Sender ID Register is a new mandatory requirement introduced by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to combat SMS impersonation scams. From 1 July 2026, all businesses must register their sender IDs to avoid messages being marked as “Unverified” or blocked by Telcos. Kudosity helps you stay compliant with minimal disruption.
Who needs to register a Sender ID?
Any business, organisation, or government body sending branded SMS and MMS to Australian numbers will need to register each Sender ID. That includes international senders and SMS service providers who message Australian customers.
Does my business need to register a sender ID to continue sending SMS in Australia?
Yes. If your business sends mobile messages with alphanumeric sender IDs (e.g., "MyBrand"), you are required to register each ID. Failure to do so will result in messages being over-stamped or rejected. Kudosity provides full support for sender ID registration, validation, and compliance with ACMA’s standard.
How does the Sender ID registration process work?
You must register through an authorised entity (such as Kudosity, a telco, or directly via ACMA’s portal). You’ll need to verify your business identity, provide supporting documents (such as an ABN and proof of brand or domain ownership), and nominate an authorised representative whose details match those held on the Australian Business Register (ABR).
Sender IDs must be clearly linked to the entity’s registered business name, trading name, trademark, or owned domain. The purpose is to prevent impersonation scams and ensure only organisations with rightful ownership or association with a brand can send SMS with that sender ID.
What happens if my SMS sender ID isn’t registered by the ACMA deadline?
If your sender ID isn’t registered by 1 July 2026, telcos will over-stamp it with "Unverified", or block it altogether resulting in failed or misbranded message delivery. Kudosity ensures timely registration and telco approvals so your customer communications remain uninterrupted.
What can I use as a Sender ID, and are there any format rules?
Your Sender ID should clearly reflect your brand — such as your business name, trademark, or a recognised abbreviation. Generic or misleading terms (like “Bank”, “Delivery”, or “Support”) won’t be approved, and any IDs that could impersonate another company are prohibited.
Sender IDs must be 2–11 characters, include at least one letter, and can’t look like a phone number. Avoid special symbols (like &, %, or !), and don’t start or end with spaces or underscores. Some telcos allow hyphens or spaces within the name — just not at the beginning or end.
Can I register multiple Sender IDs?
Yes — you can register more than one Sender ID, but each must be clearly linked to a legitimate business identity, brand or trademark, and used for a valid purpose. For every Sender ID you submit, you’ll need supporting documents that verify the connection (e.g., business name, domain or trademark) and outline how that ID will be used.
Start preparing for Sender ID compliance now.
From July 2026, Sender ID registration will be required. ACMA’s final steps are still in progress, but Kudosity will keep you informed and help you be ready when registration opens.