Make Sure You’re Compliant as Midterms Approach!
In today’s tightly regulated messaging ecosystem, mobile carriers require clear proof that a sender is legitimate, authorized, and compliant with industry rules—and perhaps nowhere is that more important than with political campaigning. That’s where Campaign Verify tokens come in. They’re a critical credential in brand authentication for political candidates, PACs, and campaigns, plus any business or 527 tax-exempt organization that sends political messaging on their behalf.
As of February 17, 2026, the carriers now require a Campaign Verify token for all long code (10DLC), short code and toll-free political messaging campaigns.
What Is a Campaign Verify Token?
Campaign Verify tokens are issued by CampaignVerify.org, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization. A Campaign Verify token confirms that a political entity or anyone sending messaging for them has been authenticated as a legitimate messaging sender. The token is generated after a vetting process that validates identity, legal status, and authority to use messaging for outreach.
The token itself does not register a messaging campaign—but it proves the sender behind that campaign is real and authorized to send messages for a given candidate(s). Messaging registries, carriers, and providers like Commio use this credential to establish trust during onboarding and ongoing compliance monitoring.
2026 Regulatory Update: Expanded Requirements for Political Messaging
As of February 17, 2026, U.S. carriers expanded Campaign Verify requirements so that U.S. political messaging programs must use Campaign Verify authentication across all A2P messaging channels, including 10DLC, toll-free, and short code. The requirement applies to both new and existing political campaigns.
Previously, Campaign Verify tokens were primarily associated with political A2P 10DLC registration. The 2026 change extends verified sender authentication across the entire political messaging ecosystem to prevent impersonation, undisclosed sponsorship, and unauthorized outreach.
What this means for you:
- Political senders: Campaign Verify token required for every U.S. messaging channel
- Existing political programs: Must maintain verified authentication
- Commercial/business messaging: Campaign Verify remains primarily tied to political brand vetting, though broader authentication requirements are expanding
For political organizations, lack of Campaign Verify authentication can now result in message blocking, campaign suspension, or carrier enforcement regardless of channel type.
The Benefits of Campaign Verify Tokens
Campaign Verify was introduced to address major industry risks: sender impersonation, fraudulent campaigns, and unauthorized messaging. Independent brand authentication ensures that only verified entities can register messaging programs and access trusted delivery routes.
For legitimate senders…
Tokens unlock tangible benefits:
- Faster brand approval during A2P registration
- Higher messaging throughput and deliverability
- Reduced risk of carrier filtering or blocking
- Proof of authorization for agencies or affiliates
- Eligibility for political messaging across channels
For carriers and providers…
Campaign Verify tokens are now a foundational component of U.S. messaging compliance:
- They confirm the legal entity sending messages, supporting Know-Your-Customer (KYC) obligations and preventing impersonation in the messaging ecosystem.
- Tokens enable traceability for enforcement and complaint resolution.
- Verified brands receive stronger trust scores in TCR, directly affecting allowed messaging volume and speed.
- Universal authentication across channels ensures political senders are transparent and authorized.
- Campaign Verify supports carrier enforcement and industry guidelines from organizations such as the CTIA, protecting the entire ecosystem.
In short, a Campaign Verify token signals to carriers: this sender is known, vetted, and accountable.
Why You Need a Campaign Verify Token for Messaging
If you send A2P messaging in the United States, Campaign Verify plays a central role in sender authentication—especially for A2P 10DLC registration in The Campaign Registry (TCR). Without verified authentication:
- Brands may receive lower trust scores
- Campaign approvals may be delayed or rejected
- Message throughput may be limited
- Carrier filtering risk increases
- Political messaging may be blocked entirely
For political senders, Campaign Verify is now mandatory across all channels. For commercial senders, it is increasingly important for broader compliance.
How to Get a Campaign Verify Token
Obtaining a token requires verified organizational identity:
- Create a Campaign Verify account: Register your organization in the Campaign Verify portal.
- Submit identity details: Provide legal name, EIN or FEC ID (for political entities), and business address.
- Complete authorization checks: Agencies or third parties must show proof of authority to represent the sender.
- Receive your token: Once approved, Campaign Verify issues a unique token tied to the verified entity.
Most approvals occur quickly when submitted information matches official records.
Act Now
Campaign Verify tokens are now a cornerstone of compliant messaging in the United States. As of February 17, they are now mandatory for all political messaging, across all channels, and important for A2P 10DLC brand authentication—helping ensure trusted delivery, regulatory compliance, and long-term messaging success.
Need help ensuring that your messaging campaigns are compliant? Contact Commio—we’re happy to help!
