# SMS opt-in language examples and how to record consent

> Good SMS opt-in language names your business, says what you will text and how often, and explains STOP and HELP. Examples for forms, paper, calls and keywords.

Updated 2026-10-14. https://usetextually.com/guides/sms-consent-opt-in-examples

Good SMS opt-in language names your business, says what you will text, says how often, notes that message and data rates may apply, and explains how to reply STOP to opt out and HELP for help. For marketing texts in the US, add that consent is not a condition of purchase. Then record the source, date and exact wording.

Below are ready-to-adapt examples for web forms, paper sign-ups, phone calls and text keywords, the extra wording [Canada's anti-spam law](/guides/casl-text-messages-canada) requires, and what to keep on file for every person. This guide summarizes [public rules](/guides/business-texting-rules-us-canada) and carrier guidance as of October 2026. It is not legal advice, so ask a lawyer to review your own wording.

## What must SMS opt-in language include?

Three sets of rules shape the wording: the carriers' industry guidance (CTIA), the US federal rule for marketing texts, and Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). Covering all three in one form is straightforward.

| Element | Why it's there | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Your business name | People must know who will text them | [CTIA, 2023](https://api.ctia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230523-CTIA-Messaging-Principles-and-Best-Practices-FINAL.pdf), section 5.1.1; [CASL s. 10(1)](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/E-1.6/FullText.html) |
| What you'll text, in plain words | CTIA asks for "the program or product description"; CASL asks for "the purpose or purposes" | CTIA 5.1.1; CASL s. 10(1)(a) |
| How often | CTIA's confirmation asks for "the frequency of the messaging" | CTIA 5.1.2.1 |
| "Msg & data rates may apply" | CTIA asks for "clear and conspicuous language about opt-in and any associated fees or charges" | CTIA 5.1.1 |
| How to opt out and get help | STOP and HELP instructions, or customer care contact | CTIA 5.1.1 and 5.1.2.1 |
| Consent is not a condition of purchase | Required in the US written agreement for marketing texts sent with an autodialer | [47 CFR 64.1200(f)(9)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-64/subpart-L/section-64.1200) |
| The phone number and a signature | The US written agreement names the number; electronic signatures count | 64.1200(f)(9) and (f)(9)(ii) |
| Mailing address and a contact, plus "you can withdraw consent" | Required in every CASL consent request | [Electronic Commerce Protection Regulations (CRTC), s. 4](https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2012-36/FullText.html) |

CTIA also asks that opt-in details "should not be obscured in terms and conditions (especially terms related to other services)". Put the wording next to the phone field or the checkbox, in readable type.

## Which consent level do your texts need?

Match the wording to the strictest kind of text you plan to send. CTIA's guidance sets three levels:

| Level | When it applies | What CTIA expects |
|---|---|---|
| Implied (conversational) | The person texted you first and you only answer | "No verbal or written permission is expected" |
| Express (informational) | Reminders, account updates, follow-up the person asked for | Permission "over text, on a form, on a website, or verbally" |
| Express written (promotional) | Offers, sales follow-up, anything that "promotes a brand, product, or service" | The person should "sign a form, check a box online, or otherwise provide consent" |

Under federal rules, marketing texts sent with an autodialer to mobile numbers need "prior express written consent" (64.1200(a)(2)). The FCC's 2012 order says consent obtained under the E-SIGN Act counts, "including permission obtained via an email, website form, text message, telephone keypress, or voice recording" ([FCC 12-21, 2012](https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-12-21A1.pdf), paragraph 34). If you might ever send offers, collect written consent from the start.

## Opt-in language examples for web forms

Place an unticked checkbox directly below the phone field, keep it separate from your terms, and don't make it required to submit the form.

**Sales follow-up and offers (US, marketing level)**

> [ ] I agree to receive recurring texts from Northwind about my request, including follow-up, offers and reminders, at the number above. Texts may be sent using automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. [Terms] [Privacy policy]

**Account and service texts only (informational level)**

> [ ] Text me about my account, appointments and support requests from Northwind. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.

**Both countries on one form (adds what CASL requires)**

> [ ] Yes, I agree to receive texts from Northwind Inc. with follow-up on my request, product news and offers. Texts may be sent using automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. You can withdraw consent at any time. Northwind Inc., [mailing address], [email or phone].

The third example covers the US marketing disclosures and the CASL request items: purpose, who is asking, a mailing address with an email, phone or web address, and a statement that consent can be withdrawn.

## Opt-in wording for paper and in-person sign-ups

Point-of-sale and paper sign-ups are opt-ins CTIA names directly: "Signing up at a point-of-sale (POS) or other Message Sender on-site location". Canada's regulator gives "filling out a consent form at a point of purchase" as an acceptable way to get written consent ([CRTC Compliance and Enforcement Information Bulletin 2012-548](https://web.archive.org/web/20241004070342/https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2012/2012-548.htm), paragraph 26).

> Mobile number: [write number here]
>
> [ ] Text me appointment reminders and offers from Northwind at this number. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.
>
> Signature: [sign here]   Date: [date]

Keep the signed form, or a scan of it, with the date. Enter the person into your texting list with the source "paper form, front desk" and the date it was signed.

## Verbal opt-in: a phone script

Spoken permission works for informational texts under CTIA's guidance. A short script read the same way every time:

> "Can we text you at this number about your appointment and follow-up? Message frequency varies, message and data rates may apply, and you can reply STOP at any time to stop or HELP for help. Is that OK?"

Two cautions apply:

1. **Marketing texts in the US need it in writing.** After a spoken yes, send a link to a short web form or ask the person to text a keyword, so the written record exists before any offers go out.
2. **Canada asks for proof.** The CRTC accepts oral consent where it "can be verified by an independent third party" or where "a complete and unedited audio recording of the consent is retained" (Bulletin 2012-548, paragraph 23).

## Keyword opt-in: text a word to join

A printed or spoken call to action invites people to text a keyword, such as JOIN, to your number. CTIA lists "Sending a message from the Consumer's mobile device that contains an advertising keyword" as an opt-in method. The call to action carries the disclosures:

> Text JOIN to [your number] for appointment reminders and offers from Northwind. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Terms: [link]

Then send the confirmation CTIA asks for, which includes the program, how to get help, how to opt out, how often you'll text and that fees may apply (section 5.1.2.1):

> Northwind: you're signed up for reminders and offers. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out.

In Canada, the keyword route has one limit. A text asking someone to consent is itself a commercial message under CASL (s. 1(3)), and the CRTC says a "text message [...] cannot be used to elicit express consent" ([CRTC Bulletin 2012-549](https://web.archive.org/web/20241212122053/https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2012/2012-549.htm), paragraph 7). Let people text you first, and wait for their message before you send anything.

## What does CASL require in a consent request?

For Canadian recipients, an express consent request must "set out clearly and simply" the purpose and who is asking (CASL s. 10(1)). The CRTC's regulations (s. 4) fill in the details. The request must include:

1. The name you carry on business under, and the name of anyone you're asking on behalf of.
2. Your mailing address, and a phone number, email address or web address.
3. A statement that the person "can withdraw their consent".

The request can be "obtained orally or in writing". The CRTC also says consent must come from "a positive or explicit indication", so a pre-ticked box doesn't count (Bulletin 2012-549, paragraphs 5 and 6), and consent to texts can't be bundled into your general terms (Bulletin 2012-548, paragraph 16).

Related: [agency texting for clients](/guides/agency-texting-for-clients), for consent collected on a client's behalf.

## What should you record for each opt-in?

Record enough to answer "how did you get my number?" in one line, and to prove it later. In Canada, the sender carries the burden: a person who says they have consent "has the onus of proving it" (CASL s. 13). In the US, the FCC said in 2012 that "the seller will bear the burden of demonstrating that a clear and conspicuous disclosure was provided and that unambiguous consent was obtained" (FCC 12-21, paragraph 33).

CTIA lists what to keep (section 5.1.2), and the CRTC gives a similar list for web checkboxes: "the date, time, purpose, and manner of that consent" (Bulletin 2012-548, paragraph 26).

| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Phone number | +1 614 555 0142 |
| Name or other identifier | Jordan Lee |
| Source (where and how) | Demo form, northwind.com/demo |
| Date and time | 2026-10-14 10:42 ET |
| Exact wording shown | Copy of the checkbox text, or the version number of your form |
| What they agreed to | Follow-up, offers and reminders from Northwind |
| IP address (web forms) | 203.0.113.24 |
| Opt-outs, with date | STOP received 2026-11-02 |

Keep opt-outs on the same record. CTIA asks senders to "retain and maintain all opt-in and opt-out requests in their records" (section 5.1.5).

## What opt-in mistakes should you avoid?

Each of these can undo an otherwise good opt-in:

- **A pre-ticked box.** The CRTC says it can't be used to get express consent under CASL, and the US written agreement needs the person's own signature.
- **Consent hidden in terms and conditions.** CTIA and the CRTC both want the text opt-in shown on its own.
- **Email consent stretched to texts.** Agreeing to emails says nothing about texts. Ask separately.
- **Bought, rented or shared lists.** CTIA says senders "should not use opt-in lists that have been rented, sold, or shared" (section 5.1.4).
- **One opt-in reused for another brand.** An opt-in "should apply only to the campaign(s) and specific Message Sender for which it was intended or obtained" (section 5.1.2.2).
- **Wording that doesn't match the texts.** If the form says reminders and you send offers, the consent doesn't cover them. Registration reviewers check this too; see our [10DLC registration guide](/guides/how-to-register-10dlc).
- **No record.** A consent you can't show is hard to rely on.

## Where does Textually fit?

Textually builds the record into every campaign. Each lead can carry a consent source and date, and a text step won't send without that record or a campaign-wide confirmation that everyone on the list agreed. You tick a consent statement when you import a list, again when you push leads into a campaign, and again at launch. Every text carries the carrier-registered line "Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help." until the person replies, and STOP, QUIT, END, REVOKE, OPT OUT, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE and ARRET stop texts at once. Textually registers your numbers for 10DLC in the US and verifies toll-free numbers for Canada. To put consented contacts to work, read [how to text existing customers](/guides/texting-existing-customers) and [is cold texting legal?](/guides/is-cold-texting-legal), see [how the rules are built in](/texting-rules), or [apply for access](/apply).

## Questions

### What is an example of SMS opt-in language?

"I agree to receive recurring texts from Northwind about my request, including follow-up, offers and reminders, at the number above. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help." Place it beside an unticked checkbox.

### Is a checkbox enough for SMS consent?

An unticked checkbox the person ticks, with clear wording beside it, is the standard method for web forms in both countries. Store the date, time, page and wording with each tick. A pre-ticked box is not valid consent under CASL.

### Can I get SMS consent verbally?

For informational texts, CTIA's guidance accepts verbal permission. For US marketing texts, get it in writing as well, by web form or keyword reply. In Canada, oral consent needs an independent third party to verify it or a complete, unedited recording.

### What is prior express written consent?

The US federal standard for marketing texts sent with an autodialer to mobiles: a signed written agreement, electronic signatures included, that names the phone number, authorizes the texts and says consent is not a condition of purchase (47 CFR 64.1200(f)(9)).

### Do I need to say "Msg & data rates may apply"?

Carrier guidance asks for clear language about fees in the call to action and in the opt-in confirmation. This short phrase is the usual way to say it.

### How long should I keep SMS consent records?

For as long as you text the person, and afterward for as long as a complaint or claim could arise. Ask a lawyer to set the period for your business.