What is a DLT Template ID?
A Template ID is a unique identifier assigned to pre-registered message templates on the DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) platform. As per TRAI's TCCCPR 2018 regulations, all commercial communications must use registered templates to ensure compliance and protect consumers from spam.
Key Point: Every SMS sent for commercial purposes must match a registered template. This ensures transparency, traceability, and consumer protection.
4
Template Categories
2-3
Max Variables Allowed
2000
Max Character Length
2
Working Days TAT
Why Template Registration Matters
✅ Regulatory Compliance: Mandatory as per TRAI TCCCPR 2018
✅ Spam Prevention: Reduces unsolicited commercial communications
✅ Message Delivery: Unregistered templates will be blocked
✅ Brand Protection: Ensures authentic communication
✅ Consumer Trust: Builds credibility with verified messages
Template Registration Process
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Register your Entity: Complete PE (Principal Entity) registration on DLT
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Register Header/Sender ID: Get approved alphanumeric or numeric headers
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Create Template: Draft your message with fixed and variable parts
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Select Category: Choose appropriate template type (Transactional/Service/Promotional)
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Submit for Approval: Wait for operator verification (2 working days)
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Receive Template ID: Use this ID for all matching communications
Template Categories
Understanding the four categories is crucial for compliance and optimal message delivery.
Transactional Templates
🏦
Purpose: Banking OTPs only
Use Case: Net banking, card transactions
Header Type: Alphanumeric
Variables: 4-5 allowed
Criteria:
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Contains OTP (One Time Password)
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Required to complete a banking transaction
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Initiated by bank customer
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Only for banks, digital wallets (RBI approved)
Dear Customer, {#var#} is your OTP for completing net banking transaction of Rs.{#var#}. Valid for 10 minutes. Do not share. - YourBank
*
Service Implicit Templates
Purpose: Relationship-based messages
Use Case: Order confirmations, delivery updates
Header Type: Alphanumeric
Variables: 4-5 allowed
Criteria:
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Arises from customer action or relationship
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Not promotional in nature
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In customer's interest to receive
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Examples: delivery updates, appointment reminders, bill alerts
Your order #{#var#} has been dispatched and will be delivered by {#var#}. Track: {#var#} - YourStore
*
📬
✉️
Service Explicit Templates
Purpose: Consent-required service messages
Use Case: Offers to existing customers
Header Type: Alphanumeric
Variables: 4-5 allowed
Criteria:
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Requires explicit digitally-verified consent
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May contain promotional elements
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Sent to opted-in customers
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Examples: renewal reminders with offers, upgrade notifications
Dear {#var#}, You are eligible for a pre-approved loan of Rs.{#var#} at {#var#}% interest. Apply now - YourBank
*
Promotional Templates
📢
Purpose: Marketing communications
Use Case: Sales, promotions, offers
Header Type: Numeric only
Variables: 2-3 allowed
Criteria:
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Arises from customer action or relationship
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Not promotional in nature
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In customer's interest to receive
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Examples: delivery updates, appointment reminders, bill alerts
Mega Sale! Get {#var#}% OFF on all products. Valid till {#var#}. Shop now at www.example.com - 567890
*
Template Validation Rules
⚠️ Critical Validation Points
Organization Name: Must be reflected in the template
Maximum Length: 2000 characters per template
Variables Format: Use {#var#} only (each allows 30 characters)
Variable Limits: Maximum 2-3 variables (3rd requires justification)
Non-Consecutive: Variables must be separated by text, not spaces/commas
Category Match: Header and template categories must align
No Full Variables: Template cannot be entirely {#var#}