Business texting rules for professional firms
A guide for Houston professional firms.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; check the current rules and sources linked below for your situation.
Texting is often the fastest way to reach a client, but carriers block unregistered business texts and federal rules govern opt-outs. Here is what to set up first.
Register before you send
If your firm texts U.S. numbers from a standard 10-digit number, you must register your business and your messaging use case (A2P 10DLC) through your texting provider. Since February 1, 2025, major carriers block unregistered business texting.
Registration asks for your legal business name, tax ID, website, and sample messages. Allow time for review before a launch date.
Consent and opt-outs
- Text people who contacted you or agreed to receive texts, and record how they agreed.
- Treat replies like "stop," "quit," "cancel," or "unsubscribe" as an opt-out.
- Honor opt-outs made any reasonable way, including a phone call or email, promptly and within 10 business days at most.
- Keep marketing messages separate from messages about an active matter or account.
What every text should include
- Your firm's name
- A clear purpose
- How to opt out, at least in the first message
- No confidential details. Texts can be seen on lock screens and shared phones.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need 10DLC registration to text from our office number?
If you send business texts from a standard 10-digit number through a texting platform, yes. Unregistered traffic is blocked by major carriers.
How long does registration take?
It varies by provider and review queue, from a few days to a few weeks. Start before you plan to launch.
Sources
After-hours intake for a personal injury firm
A small personal injury practice loses callers to voicemail while attorneys are in court. The fix is instant text back, bilingual intake chat, and intake that flows into case management.
Example engagementLead response for a real estate team
A Houston brokerage team loses portal leads while agents are out showing homes. The fix is an instant reply, routing to the right agent, and follow-up that runs for weeks.
ServiceAI Intake and Lead Follow-Up
Missed-call text back, website chat, automated follow-up, online scheduling, and a direct connection to your CRM or case management system.