SMS Sender ID Register

SMS remains one of the most effective ways to engage members. But if your business sends branded SMS messages to customers in Australia, there are new industry requirements you need to be aware of.

The good news? With a little preparation, staying compliant is straightforward. Here's what’s changing, what it means for your business, and the steps you should take to ensure your member communications continue to reach their destination without interruption.

From 1 July 2026, businesses using SMS Sender IDs will need to register them through the ACMA SMS Sender ID Register. Sender IDs that are not registered will be labelled as "Unverified", helping recipients distinguish legitimate business messages from potential scams.

Hapana Australia Pty Ltd is an approved originating telecommunications provider participating in the Register. The information below is provided in accordance with the Telecommunications (SMS Sender ID Register) Industry Standard 2025 and explains how the Register works, who can apply, and what the registration process involves.

SMS Sender ID Register

Hapana Australia Pty Ltd is an approved originating telecommunications provider participating in the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) SMS Sender ID Register.

The following information about the Register is provided in accordance with the Telecommunications (SMS Sender ID Register) Industry Standard 2025.

• Part 24B of the Telecommunications Act 1997 provides for the establishment of the SMS Sender ID Register (the Register).
• From 1 July 2026, if a sender identification message is sent which includes a sender identification that is not registered in the Register, the sender identification message will be labelled as "Unverified".
• If an entity wishes to send sender identification messages, it must register its sender identification in the Register and ensure that it uses one or more participating telecommunications providers to send those messages.
• The following types of entities can be approved to make applications to register sender identifications in the Register:
  • an individual;
  • a body corporate;
  • a corporation sole;
  • a body politic;
  • a government entity (within the meaning of the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999);
  • a partnership;
  • any other unincorporated association or body of persons;
  • a trust; or
  • a superannuation fund (within the meaning of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993).
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• To have a Sender ID registered, an entity must demonstrate that it has a valid use case for that Sender ID.
• Applications to register a Sender ID must be submitted through a participating originating telecommunications provider. A list of participating providers is available on the ACMA website.

Entities with an ABN

Entities with an Australian Business Number (ABN) can apply to register a Sender ID through any participating originating telecommunications provider, or through a partner of one.

To submit an application:

• The person making the request must be listed as an authorised contact on the Australian Business Register, or otherwise be authorised to act on behalf of the entity.
• The applicant must complete an identity check.
• The applicant must agree to the Register's terms of use.

Once an application has been submitted by the provider:

• The applicant will receive instructions from the ACMA on how to access the Register.
• Once approved by the ACMA, the entity can confirm the Sender ID registration.
• Any registration fees or ongoing annual charges will be communicated to the customer.
• Once registered, the entity may authorise other participating telecommunications providers to send messages using that Sender ID.
• Entities with an ABN may also register their Sender ID through a certified originating telecommunications provider.

Entities without an ABN

Entities without an ABN can only apply through a certified originating telecommunications provider, or a partner of one.

That provider (or partner) will carry out verification checks similar to those required for entities with an ABN.

Entities without an ABN that register through this process will not have direct access to the Register.

Need help?

For more information about the SMS Sender ID Register, please visit the ACMA website.

If you are a Hapana customer sending branded SMS messages to Australian recipients, our team will contact you with the information required to complete your registration.

Last updated: 30/06/2026

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