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Community Blog International SMS Sender ID (SID) Guide

International SMS Sender ID (SID) Guide

Guide to Sender ID (SID) for international SMS: types, country rules, registration, and benefits like brand visibility and stable delivery.

Common questions:

  • Is India's Sender ID Alphabetic or Numeric? How to Apply?
  • What Documents Are Needed to Apply for a Singapore Sender ID?
  • How to Prominently Display Our Brand in International SMS?

As more businesses expand into overseas markets, international SMS has gained tremendous momentum. We frequently receive customer inquiries about international SMS, with questions about "Sender ID" being particularly common. For example: What is a Sender ID? What does a dynamic Sender ID mean? Why are some Sender IDs numeric while others are alphabetic? How can I apply for a Sender ID?

We’re here to answer all your questions. This article addresses key concerns about International SMS Sender ID (SID) .

What is a Sender ID?

A Sender ID is the name displayed as the sender of an SMS message on the recipient’s device. It is an effective way to identify your brand to recipients. In domestic markets, businesses typically use an SMS signature to display their company name, product name, or brand, distinguishing their messages from others and establishing quicker connections with users. In international markets, however, a Sender ID serves this purpose.

There are two types of Sender IDs:

  • Dynamic Sender ID: These are default Sender IDs provided by carriers, requiring no prior registration. Examples include France, Germany, Italy, Laos, Brunei, Cambodia, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Congo, and Ethiopia.
  • Pre-registered Sender ID: These are customized Sender IDs that must be applied for and approved based on each country’s regulations before use. Processing times vary by region. Examples include the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, and Kazakhstan.

When applying for a Sender ID, the name is usually limited to 3–11 characters, and requirements differ by country:

  • Numeric Sender IDs are supported in countries like Malaysia, South Korea, Brazil, and Uruguay.
  • Alphabetic Sender IDs are supported in countries like the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Russia, Mexico, and the UK.

Which Countries Require Sender ID Registration?

Refer to the International SMS Registration Rules and check the table for your target country or region. This list is for reference only and is continuously updated—always verify with local regulations.

For example, to check if Afghanistan requires Sender ID registration:

  1. Navigate to the Country/Region Configuration Details page.
    1
  2. Look for the Sender ID Registration field. If marked "Yes," registration is required; otherwise, it is not.
    2

How to Apply for a Sender ID?

Sender ID regulations vary by country:

  • Some countries allow dynamic Sender ID, meaning no pre-registration is needed, making it easier for businesses to use.
  • Others require pre-registration. If unregistered, neutral Sender IDs may be assigned, but this compromises message stability and brand visibility.

Pre-registration requirements differ by region:

  • Local Business License + Authorization Letter: Required in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
  • Authorization Letter Only: Required in the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
  • No Documentation Needed: Applicable in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Mexico.

Processing times after submission also vary:

  • Local License + Authorization Countries: ~2 business days for India; ~30 business days for others.
  • Authorization Letter Countries: ~7 business days.
  • No Documentation Countries: ~3 business days.

At Alibaba Cloud SMS, we streamline the Sender ID registration process, guiding customers through application, documentation, approval, and configuration for seamless global outreach. You can track your application status in the backend:
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  • Pending File Rendering: Wait for file generation.
  • File Rendering Successful: Upload required documents.
  • Approved: No further action needed.
  • Rejected: Reapply.

Why is a Sender ID Important?

  • Brand Recognition: A Sender ID reinforces your brand identity, increasing open rates and engagement.
  • Message Stability: Registered Sender IDs improve SMS delivery reliability.
  • Cost Efficiency: In countries distinguishing between international and local routes, local Sender IDs often reduce costs.
  • Prevents Content Replacement: Unregistered Sender IDs may lead to message alterations (e.g., in Vietnam, unregistered verification SMS templates retain only the code while other content is replaced).

Have more questions about Sender IDs? Feel free to leave the comments

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