The Complete Guide to the DLT Registration Process in India (2026)

If you want to send Bulk SMS in India (like OTPs, transaction alerts, or promotional offers), you must complete DLT Registration. DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) is a blockchain-based registration system mandated by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) to stop spam and SMS fraud.

Without a registered DLT entity, your SMS gateway will block 100% of your messages.

In this guide, we break down the exact DLT registration process for startups in India, what documents you need, and how to avoid the dreaded "rejection" email.

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Step 1: Choose a DLT Portal

You do not register directly with TRAI. Instead, you must register your business as a "Principal Entity" on any one of the major telecom operator portals. Once approved on one portal, your ID syncs across all operators.

• VilPower (Vodafone Idea) - Generally considered the most user-friendly.
• Jio TrueConnect - Fast approval times for Jio users.
• Airtel DLT
• BSNL / MTNL

Cost: Registration typically costs ₹5,900 (₹5,000 + 18% GST).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

This is where 90% of rejections happen. You must ensure the name on your PAN card exactly matches the name on your business proof. If there is a spelling mistake, the AI will reject it.

Documents required for DLT registration of Sole Proprietorship:

• Entity PAN Card: (If you don't have a business PAN, you can use the Proprietor's personal PAN).
• Proof of Identity: Aadhar Card, Passport, or Voter ID of the proprietor.
• Business Proof: GST Certificate, Shop & Establishment Certificate, or MSME/Udyam Certificate.
• Letter of Authorization (LOA): Even as a sole proprietor, you must sign an LOA stating you are authorizing yourself to register the entity. Write it on your company letterhead.

For Private Limited Companies:

• Company PAN Card
• Certificate of Incorporation (CIN)
• Letter of Authorization: Signed by a Director on company letterhead, authorizing a specific employee (or themselves) to manage DLT.
• Identity Proof of the Authorized Person

Step 3: Submit and Get Your Entity ID

Upload all documents to your chosen DLT portal. Approval usually takes 2 to 5 business days. Once approved, you will receive a unique Principal Entity ID (PE ID).

Step 4: Register Headers (Sender ID)

A "Header" is the 6-character alphabetic sender ID that appears on your customer's phone (e.g., `AMZNIN` or `HDFCBK`).

• Promotional Headers: Must be 6 numeric digits.
• Transactional/Service Headers: Must be exactly 6 letters (e.g., `NEXRAL`).

Tip: Your Header must match your registered company name or brand name. If your company is "XYZ Tech" and you request the header "SWIGGY", it will be rejected unless you provide trademark proof.

Step 5: Register Content Templates

Finally, you cannot send random text. You must submit your SMS templates for approval. Use variables {#var#} for data that changes (like OTPs or names).

Example OTP Template:
Dear {#var#}, your OTP for login is {#var#}. Do not share this with anyone. - Nexra Link

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