From 1 July 2026, new rules kick in that affect how SMS messages are sent to Australian mobile numbers. The rules come from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and are part of the federal government's anti-scam initiative.
If you send text messages to your customers from your business, here is what you need to know.
What is the Sender ID Register?
When you receive a text message, the name or number you see at the top of the conversation is the sender ID. It is either a numeric number (like a real mobile number: 0412 345 678) or an alphanumeric name (like "MyBusiness").
The ACMA Sender ID Register is a new database of approved alphanumeric sender IDs. From 1 July 2026, any alphanumeric sender ID that is not on the register will be replaced with the word "Unverified" when it arrives on a recipient's phone.
Who does this affect?
The rule only applies to alphanumeric sender IDs - any branded text name you have set for your outgoing messages.
If your SMS software or marketing tool sends messages with your business name as the sender (for example, your messages arrive showing "AcmeServices" instead of a real phone number), your provider needs to have registered that sender ID before July 1.
If you are not registered before the deadline, your messages will show as "Unverified" instead of your business name. This reduces deliverability and customer trust.
Who is exempt?
Numeric sender IDs are not affected by this rule.
If your messages arrive showing a real Australian mobile number, you are not caught by the Sender ID Register requirement. The rule only applies to branded alphanumeric names.
This includes:
- Dedicated virtual mobile numbers (long codes)
- Messages sent from a standard Australian mobile number
- Any system that sends from a real AU phone number rather than a branded name
What should I check?
Log into whatever SMS platform or marketing tool you use and check how your messages appear to recipients. The easiest way is to send yourself a test message.
If you see a real mobile number as the sender, you are not affected. No action needed.
If you see a business name (alphanumeric text), speak to your provider. They should be handling registration on your behalf if the deadline applies to you.
Where does TapText fit?
TapText sends every message from a dedicated Australian mobile number. Your customers always see a real numeric AU number, not a branded name. The Sender ID Register rule does not apply.
This is relevant for a separate reason: a real numeric AU number is what your customers are used to. They can save it in their contacts, reply to it, and call it back. A branded sender name is one-way only - it cannot receive calls, it reads as marketing, and it is now subject to the registration requirement.
The timeline
- 30 November 2025: Registration opened for alphanumeric sender IDs.
- 1 July 2026: Deadline. Unregistered alphanumeric sender IDs are replaced with "Unverified."
If you send from a numeric number, there is nothing to do. If you send from a branded name, confirm with your provider that they have completed registration before the deadline.
TapText gives every business a dedicated Australian mobile number for customer SMS. Nothing to register, nothing to configure. Start your free trial.
Related articles
Missed Call Texting for Tradies: The 2026 Australian Guide
Missed call text-back is the single highest-ROI lead capture tool for Australian tradies. Here's how it works, what to say in the auto-reply, and how to set it up in about 10 minutes.
Missed Call Texting for Salons & Beauty — How to Stop Losing Bookings to In-Chair Time
Every booking call a salon misses while mid-service is another prospect who rings the salon down the road. Here's how missed call text-back fixes it — in under 10 minutes.