What is a Campaign Verify token?
A Campaign Verify (CV) Authorization Token is a credential that confirms a political organization has verified its identity through Campaign Verify — a non-partisan, nonprofit service. US wireless carriers use these tokens to validate political senders before allowing bulk messaging across A2P (application-to-person) channels.
As of February 17, 2026, a CV token is required across three A2P messaging channels: 10DLC, short code, and Toll-Free.
Who needs a Campaign Verify token?
Any 527 tax-exempt political organization sending A2P messages in the US must have a CV token. This includes:
Federal, state, local, and tribal candidates
Political parties
PACs and Super PACs
Any Campaign Service Provider (CSP) sending messages on behalf of a political committee
Note: The CV token requirement applies to both new and existing political senders. If you're currently sending political messages over any channel without a token, you're out of compliance.
Token validity
Authorization Tokens issued after November 15, 2024 are valid through January 31, 2027 — covering the full two-year election cycle.
How to get a Campaign Verify token
Verification is a one-time process per entity, per election cycle. The fee is $95 billed by Campaign Verify.
Find your filing record. Campaign Verify looks up your registration with the FEC or your state/local election authority.
Submit a verification request at campaignverify.org.
Receive a secure PIN. Delivery options include text, email, phone call, or US mail (allow 5–10 business days for mail).
Generate your Authorization Token. Once your PIN is confirmed, your token is issued in your Campaign Verify account.
Submit the token to Bandwidth when registering your brand or campaign.
Campaign Verify typically approves or rejects submissions within minutes to two business days.
Channel-specific guidance
10DLC
The CV token requirement for 10DLC political campaigns has been in place since 2021. For political use cases, a valid CV token unlocks the Uncapped throughput policy on T-Mobile — a significant advantage over standard campaigns.
When registering a political brand in the Bandwidth App, enter your CV token on the Brand page to associate it with your 10DLC campaign registration. This will unlock the ability to select a Political use case for your campaign.
Short code
As of February 17, 2026, carriers now require a CV token for all political short code senders. Campaign Verify began issuing short code tokens on November 5, 2025.
If your committee is new to short code messaging, submit a verification request at campaignverify.org to obtain a token before provisioning your short code. When requesting a new short code, you'll be asked to provide the CV token if your submission is for a political entity. Unlike 10DLC, a CV token does not allot additional messaging throughput on short code. Contact your account manager if you require additional throughput.
Toll-Free
Political Toll-Free messaging now requires a CV token, effective February 17, 2026. The process for obtaining a Toll-Free token is the same as 10DLC — there's no separate application and no additional cost. When requesting toll-free verification, select the Political use case and include your CV token. Your submission will be rejected if the entity requires a CV token and the token included is omitted or incorrect. Unlike 10DLC, a CV token does not allot additional messaging throughput on toll-free. Contact your account manager if you require additional throughput.
Already have a 10DLC token?
If your committee already holds a 10DLC token, you don't need to start over.
Log in to your Campaign Verify account.
Open your existing verification request.
Generate a new token for Toll-Free or short code.
This takes about one minute.
What happens without a token?
If a political organization sends bulk messages without a CV token, wireless carriers may block the traffic or issue fines. Bandwidth enforces carrier requirements — campaigns without a valid token will not be able to send political messaging over any A2P channel.
Questions?
Open a ticket with your Bandwidth Registration Support Team or call us at (855) 864-7776.