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HEADER ID PAGE HEADING

Introduction to Header IDs Or SENDER ID'S

A Header ID (or Sender ID) is a unique alphanumeric or numeric string like “NUTUKI” or “565690” that appears as the sender name in business SMS.

It acts like a verified caller ID for your messages, ensuring customers know exactly who’s reaching out.

 As per TRAI rules, every Header ID must be registered on the DLT platform—no exceptions.

It’s your brand's digital signature for trusted, spam-free communication.

Why Are Header IDs Important?

  • Clear ID, No Confusion: Your Header ID tells people it’s you texting—not some sketchy imposter. Like your name tag at a conference, but cooler.

  •  Mandatory Business 101: Want to send any kind of SMS—promo, transactional, or service? No Header ID, no entry. TRAI’s rules, not ours!

  •  Plays by the Book: DLT-compliant Header IDs keep you on TRAI’s good side. (And trust us, you want to stay there.)

  •  Bye-Bye, Spam: Registered senders = fewer scams. It’s like putting caller ID on your texts—stops the junk before it hits the inbox. Builds Brand Credibility: When customers see a legit name instead of a random number, they’re more likely to open, trust, and engage. It’s a little thing that makes a big impression.

Types of Header IDs

Promotional Headers- 6-digit numeric strings used exclusively for sending promotional messages. The first digit represents the category of the header.

 

Categories

  1. Banking/Insurance/Financial products/Credit cards

  2. Real Estate

  3. Education

  4. Health

  5. Consumer Goods and Automobiles

  6. Communication/Broadcasting/Entertainment/IT

  7. Tourism and Leisure

  8. ​Food and Beverages​

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Transactional Headers -

  • Format: Alphanumeric (3–6 characters)

  • Purpose: For time-sensitive and essential messages like OTPs, payment confirmations, or banking alerts.

  • No consent required.

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Service Implicit Headers-

  • Format: Alphanumeric

  • Purpose: Triggered by customer actions or ongoing services—like delivery updates, login alerts, or appointment reminders.

  • Based on customer relationship; no explicit consent needed.

Service Explicit Headers-

  • Format: Alphanumeric

  • Purpose: Messages with marketing or informational value—like offers or policy updates—only sent after getting customer consent.

  • Consent is mandatory.

Importance of Registering a Header ID

  • Regulatory Compliance
    Meets TRAI norms and avoids penalties.

  • Transparency & Trust
    Builds credibility by showing a verified sender name.

  • Spam Prevention

       Ensures only authorized entities send messages, reducing fraud.​

  • Seamless Communication:

       Minimizes chances of messages being blocked or flagged.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Header ID

1. Login to the TSP DLT Portal:

Use your Principal Entity credentials to access the portal.

 

2. Navigate to Header SMS Registration:

Navigate to SMS Headers > Header SMS Registration.

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3. Enter Header Details:

   Choose the type:

  • Promotional

  • Transactional

  • Service Implicit

  • Service Explicit
    Then select the appropriate category.

4. Submit for Approval:

Submit the header registration request for approval.

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5. Validation by the Registrar:

The TSP registrar verifies and either approves or rejects your request.

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6. Notification of Registration Status:

You’ll receive an email/SMS with the status or any required corrections.

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​7. Reuse Across Operators:

Once approved by one operator, the same header can be used across all other operators.

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