If you are a business owner, a startup founder, or a marketing head looking to send Bulk SMS in India, you have likely encountered the term DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology). Under the latest TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) guidelines, DLT registration is no longer optional—it is a mandatory requirement for any entity sending commercial communication.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about DLT registration, including the step-by-step process, approved portals, and a detailed list of documents required for every business type.

What is DLT Registration?

DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) is a blockchain-based registration system introduced by TRAI to curb spam and fraudulent SMS. Every business (Principal Entity) must register its brand, its Headers (Sender IDs), and its Message Templates on this ledger.

Key Rule: If your SMS content and Header are not registered and “scrubbed” against the DLT database, the telecom operators will automatically block your messages.

Here’s the Required Documents List for Different Entity Types:

In Case of a Proprietor

  1. Personal PAN Card
  2. Business Registration Proof (Any One):
    • Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
    • Partnership Deed
    • Trade License
    • Shops & Establishment Registration Certificate
  3. GST Certificate – 3 Pages (If Available – Not Mandatory)
  4. Your Aadhaar Card
  5. LOA Letter – Download LOA (Print on Your Company’s Letterhead)

In Case of a Partnership

  1. Company PAN Card
  2. Business Registration Proof (Any One):
    • Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
    • Partnership Deed
    • Trade License
    • Shops & Establishment Registration Certificate
  3. GST Certificate – 3 Pages (If Available – Not Mandatory)
  4. Authorized Person Aadhaar Card
  5. LOA Letter – Download LOA (Print on Your Company’s Letterhead)

In Case of a Private Limited or Limited Company

  1. Company PAN Card
  2. Business Registration Proof (Any One):
    • Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
    • Partnership Deed
    • Trade License
    • Shops & Establishment Registration Certificate
  3. GST Certificate – 3 Pages (If Available – Not Mandatory)
  4. Authorized Person Aadhaar Card
  5. LOA Letter – Download LOA (Print on Your Company’s Letterhead)

In Case of Trust / Society or School Running Under Trust

  1. Trust / Society PAN Card
  2. Business Registration Proof (Any One):
    • Certificate of Incorporation / Registration
    • Partnership Deed
    • Trade License
    • Shops & Establishment Registration Certificate
  3. Authorized Person Aadhaar Card
  4. LOA Letter – Download LOA (Print on Your Company’s Letterhead)

How to Register for DLT: Step-by-Step Process

The registration process is divided into three critical phases. You must complete them in this specific order:

1. Entity Registration (Principal Entity)

Register your business as a “Principal Entity” (PE) on any one of the telecom portals (Jio, Airtel, Vi, etc.).

  • Timeline: 48–72 hours for approval.

  • Outcome: You receive a unique PE ID (Entity ID).

2. Header (Sender ID) Registration

Once your Entity is approved, you must register your 6-character alphabetic Sender ID (e.g., XYZBNK for a bank or SHOPCL for a store).

  • Rule: Headers must relate to your brand name.

3. Template Registration

Every message you send must follow a pre-approved template. You must define “Variables” using the format {#var#} for dynamic data like OTPs or names.

Where to Register: Approved DLT Portals

You only need to register on one of the following portals. Once approved, your Entity ID will work across all networks.

Telecom Operator Portal Link
Jio (TrueConnect) https://trueconnect.jio.com/
Airtel (DLT Connect) https://dltconnect.airtel.in/
Vodafone Idea (Vi) https://www.vilpower.in/
BSNL https://www.ucc-bsnl.co.in/
Videocon (SmartPing) https://smartping.live/

Fees and Charges (2026 Update)

While some operators initially offered free registration, most now charge a one-time fee to maintain the blockchain infrastructure.

  • Registration Fee: Approx. ₹5,900 (One-time, non-refundable).

  • Renewal Fee: Some portals may require a nominal annual renewal fee (check your specific portal for details).

Common FAQs on DLT Registration

  • Is DLT registration free? No, there’s a one-time fee.
  • Can I register on multiple portals? No need—one is enough.
  • What if my registration is rejected? Resubmit with corrections; common issues are name mismatches or expired docs.
  • Do I need DLT for WhatsApp Business? No, only for SMS/voice.