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Alphanumeric Sender ID Registration

Effective 1 July 2026, all alphanumeric Sender IDs used for business SMS messaging in Australia must be registered.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is introducing a mandatory national registration framework for all alphanumeric SMS Sender IDs used to send messages to Australian recipients.

This change is designed to reduce SMS impersonation and fraud by ensuring that Sender IDs are verified and traceable to legitimate organisations.

Registration will be made available within your GoFax account ahead of the compliance deadline.

What is changing?

From 1 July 2026, businesses using alphanumeric Sender IDs must:

  • Register each alphanumeric Sender ID with the ACMA
  • Complete verification via an authorised contact linked to the organisation’s ABN
  • Ensure all Sender IDs comply with ACMA naming and format requirements

Impact of non‑registration

Alphanumeric Sender IDs that are not registered may:

  • Display to recipients as “Unverified”, or
  • Be blocked or filtered by Australian telecommunications providers

This may result in reduced message trust, delivery issues, or service disruption.

Why is ACMA introducing this requirement?

SMS scams frequently involve impersonation of trusted organisations using misleading Sender IDs (for example, names resembling government agencies or well‑known brands).

To address this, ACMA is implementing a verified Australia wide register of Sender IDs.

This initiative aims to:

  • Protect consumers from SMS impersonation and fraud
  • Increase trust in legitimate business messaging
  • Improve accountability across the SMS ecosystem

How to prepare for sender ID registration

No immediate action is required; however, early preparation will help ensure a smooth transition before the enforcement date.

1. Review your current Sender IDs

Identify all alphanumeric Sender IDs currently in use within your GoFax account.
Where possible, remove any Sender IDs that are no longer required. Reducing the total number will simplify future registration.

2. Ensure Sender IDs meet ACMA format requirements

Alphanumeric Sender IDs must comply with the following rules:

  • Be 3–11 characters in length
  • Begin with a letter
  • Contain letters (numbers and approved symbols may be included)
  • Not contain non‑Latin characters
  • Not be numbers only
  • Not start or end with a space or underscore
  • Only use the following symbols: + - _ &
  • Not include restricted or misleading terms

If any existing Sender IDs do not meet these requirements, consider updating them in advance.

3. Confirm ABN details and authorised contacts

Sender ID registration will be verified against the Australian Business Register (ABR).

Ensure your ABR record is accurate and up to date, including:

  • Authorised contacts
  • Business name and details
  • Active ABN status

This will help avoid delays during the verification process.

4. Inform relevant internal teams

We recommend notifying relevant stakeholders, including marketing, IT, and compliance teams, so they are aware of upcoming requirements and timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this affect numeric‑only Sender IDs?

No. The registration requirement applies only to alphanumeric Sender IDs. Numeric Sender IDs are not affected.

Is there a cost to register Sender IDs?

ACMA has indicated there may be no initial registration fees, although final pricing has not yet been confirmed.

Can organisations without an ABN register a Sender ID?

ACMA is still finalising guidance for non‑ABN entities. Early indications suggest these organisations may need to follow a separate registration process.