If your business uses Sender IDs to send messages, whether for OTPs, alerts, or brand communication, you must complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process before your Sender ID can be registered.
Why KYC is required to register Sender IDs
KYC is no longer optional in many countries. As part of a global push to protect mobile users from SMS fraud, mobile carriers and regulators increasingly require Sender IDs to be tied to verified, legitimate entities in order to:
Reduce phishing and impersonation attempts
Increase trust in branded messaging
Maintain high-quality delivery routes
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in message rejections, blocked traffic, or even blacklisting of your Sender ID.
Bandwidth’s KYC model
At Bandwidth, we support a broad range of destinations, which involves navigating the varying regulatory and mobile network operator (MNO) requirements. In order to meet the global compliance obligations and streamline the verification process, we operate a two-tier KYC model: KYC and KYC+.
Note: The KYC tier is determined based on the destination country and the MNO requirements. To learn more about the destinations we reach and the type of KYC required for each of them, please see our Global Messaging Carrier Reach Matrix.
KYC (Basic)
Our standard KYC level, required for most Sender ID registrations, includes:
Requested Sender ID
Brand name
Brand website
Registered business address
Valid business registration document (e.g., certificate of incorporation or VAT number)
Destination Country/Countries
Traffic type
Origin of traffic
Traffic volume
Content sample
Use case
Acknowledgement that the Bandwidth Customer submitting the Sender ID information is either the Brand Owner or is authorized to use and register the Sender ID on behalf of the Brand Owner
Note: This level of KYC is typically sufficient for most countries where baseline verification is mandated.
KYC+ (Enhanced)
KYC+ is required in jurisdictions with more stringent regulatory or carrier requirements. It includes everything from basic KYC plus one or more of the following, depending on the destination:
Letter of Authorization (LOA) and/or a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Chain of Authorization LOAs (if registering through an aggregator or reseller to confirm the relationship with the Brand Owner of the Sender ID)
Proof of brand ownership (e.g., trademark certificate, domain validation)
Website or app screenshots showing active use of the brand name
Sender-specific message templates and URLs for whitelisting or traffic use cases
Note: Since each country and MNO has its own evolving standards, the exact mix of documents required under KYC+ may vary over time. The exact requirements and registration procedures will be communicated at the time of submission to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information provided.
Sender ID registration process
When you register Sender IDs with Bandwidth, we’ll keep you informed at each step of the way and help avoid unnecessary delays by flagging potential gaps in advance:
We assess the destination country and advise whether KYC or KYC+ is required.
You submit the required information and documentation via our registration form.
We handle the submission to local carriers and regulators, and notify you once your Sender ID is approved or if further information is needed.
Questions?
If you're unsure what applies to your target countries or what qualifies as valid documentation, please reach out to your Bandwidth Compliance Team. We actively monitor registration changes worldwide so you don’t have to.