> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://plivo.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Short Codes

> Short code provisioning, approval process, and messaging limits

Frequently asked questions about short code messaging, application process, and country-specific requirements.

***

## What is a short code?

A short code is a 4-6 digit number designed for high-volume messaging. Short codes offer:

* Highest throughput (up to 100 MPS in US)
* Carrier-approved for A2P and promotional messaging
* Bypass carrier content filtering
* Easy to remember for customers

***

## Which countries support short codes?

| Country | Digits | Types | SMS | MMS |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| United States | 5-6 | Random, Vanity | Yes | Yes |
| Canada | 5-6 | Random | Yes | No |
| Brazil | 5 | Random | Yes | No |
| New Zealand | 4 | FTEU, Standard | Yes | No |

***

## What is the throughput for short codes?

| Country | SMS Throughput |
| - | - |
| United States | 100 MPS |
| Canada | 10 MPS |
| Brazil | Varies |
| New Zealand | Varies |

***

## How much do short codes cost?

| Country | Setup Fee | Monthly Rental | Procurement Time |
| - | - | - | - |
| United States (Random) | \$1,500 | \$500 | 6-8 weeks |
| United States (Vanity) | \$1,500 | \$1,000 | 6-8 weeks |
| Canada | \$4,000 | \$700 | 6-8 weeks |
| Brazil | \$0 | \$500 | 4 weeks |
| New Zealand | \$156 | \$156 | 3-4 weeks |

Rental charges are deducted in advance on a quarterly basis.

***

## What is the difference between random and vanity short codes?

| Type | Description | Cost |
| - | - | - |
| Random | Assigned by CSCA | Lower monthly rental |
| Vanity | Custom number (e.g., 75486 = PLIVO) | Higher monthly rental |

Vanity short codes are subject to availability and only available in the US.

***

## What are the requirements for US short codes?

1. Update Terms and Conditions page with carrier-required language
2. Ensure web opt-in forms contain mandated verbiage
3. Configure keyword responses (opt-in, opt-out, HELP)
4. Submit application with usage details

### Required Keywords

| Keyword | Purpose | Required Response |
| - | - | - |
| STOP | Opt-out | Confirmation of opt-out |
| HELP | Help | Program description and contact info |
| YES/JOIN | Opt-in | Confirmation of subscription |

***

## What are the requirements for Canada short codes?

* Carriers must review use case and campaign details
* Shared short codes not supported
* Specific language requirements for Terms and Conditions
* Same application steps as US

***

## What are the requirements for Brazil short codes?

* 5 digits, random only
* Messages are Free To End User (FTEU)
* Express consent required before sending
* 35 days notice required to give up a short code
* Unused short codes may be disconnected by regulators

### Content Restrictions (Brazil)

| Allowed | Prohibited |
| - | - |
| Alerts, Marketing, Notifications | Adult content |
| OTP, Promotions, Special offers | Gambling/casinos |
| Political, Religious | Illegal products, Malware, Spam |

***

## What are the requirements for New Zealand short codes?

### Types

| Type | Description |
| - | - |
| Free To End User (FTEU) | All charges to short code owner |
| Standard | Recipient may be charged |

### Messaging Requirements

For **Standard** short codes:

* If expecting a reply: include "standard charges apply"
* If message contains URL: include "data charges apply"
* If no response needed: add "No Text Reply"

***

## What triggers a short code audit?

Carriers in US and Canada conduct audits for:

* Deviation from registered use cases
* Non-compliant traffic (prohibited content, missing opt-in)
* Using same short code for multiple brands (shared short code)

Potential outcomes include short code suspension, use case disallowed, or fines.

***

## What qualifies as a shared short code?

When a short code registered for one purpose (e.g., account notifications) is used to send messages for another brand. This is prohibited by carriers.

***

## What are the US Short Code Registry updates?

Effective October 2024, the registry requires:

| Entity | Required Information |
| - | - |
| CSC Registrants | Legal name, entity type, physical address, URL, FEIN |
| Content Providers | Point of contact (name, email, phone) |
| Brand Clients | Organization details and verification |

Brand clients receive a verification email from Aegis Mobile with a link and PIN for completion.

***

## How do short codes renew?

* Short codes auto-renew by default
* To discontinue: contact Plivo support
* Decommissioned short codes cannot be reactivated
* Failure to notify results in continued rental charges

***

## Can ISVs use short codes?

No. Plivo does not offer short codes for A2P messaging in US or Canada to ISV/Reseller customers.

**Alternatives:**

* Long codes or toll-free numbers for messaging
* [Plivo Verify](https://plivo.com/docs/programmable-api/verify/overview.md) for short code-based OTP delivery

***

## Related Resources

* [US Messaging (10DLC, Toll-Free)](https://plivo.com/docs/faq/messaging/us-messaging.md)
* [Powerpack](https://plivo.com/docs/messaging/concepts/powerpack.md)
* [Short Code API](https://www.plivo.com/docs/messaging/api/)
* [Acceptable Use Policy](https://www.plivo.com/aup/)