Do I have to have a branded Sender ID to send SMS?

No. Many customers prefer using their own mobile number as a Sender ID (no registration required) so they can receive replies directly to their handset. Or they do nothing and simply use our default repliable virtual number.

Can I use SMS Express to register my ID if I use a different provider?

Yes. If you are not an SMS Express customer, we can act as your official registering agent with the ACMA.

Do I need to register my mobile number?

No. Numeric sender types like mobile numbers or virtual long numbers do not use the Register and can continue as normal.

Registering Your Branded SMS Sender ID

All Alphanumeric SMS Sender IDs must be registered with ACMA.

The Australian Government’s SMS Rules

Legal Requirement for Branded SMS Sender IDs (a.k.a. alpha tags, custom Sender IDs)

Under new Australian law, if you wish to use a branded Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g. "MyBiz" or "MyBiz007"), these must be registered on the national SMS Sender ID Register.

As an ACMA-Approved Originating Telco, SMS Express is authorised to facilitate registrations.

We provide this service for our customers free of charge.

NOTE: Unregistered Sender IDs will be labelled as "Unverified" or blocked by Australian carriers from July 1, 2026.

Sender IDs are optional. But note you cannot get replies if you send SMS from a Sender ID.

The Registration Process

This is a two-step registration process: First, SMS Express submits your application to the ACMA on your behalf. Second, you must then verify your identity directly with ACMA. We've listed the process below for your information...

Think About Your Branded Sender ID

You have between 2-11 characters including spaces. Your Sender ID must be clearly linked to your organisation.

Contact Us To Get Started

We will ask for your ABN and other details. If you are an existing SMS Express customer, this process will be quick.

Review Process

We will submit your request to ACMA, who will conduct checks and evalute the "Right to Use" (RTU). This refers to evidence that proves the business owns the brand name being used as the Sender ID. ACMA will then email you with instructions to finalise your registration.

ACMA - The Important 2nd Step

After you receive the ACMA email you will need to verify your identity with ACMA using myID. We cannot complete this step for you as it requires direct government authentication.

Identity Verification with ACMA

Log in to the ACMA portal with your myID to prove your identity. Note you will be asked to create an ACMA Assist account.

Confirmation

Once approved, the ACMA will email you (and us), we'll test it for you, and you can then send verified branded SMS.