# Alphanumeric

An Alphanumeric Sender ID is a recognizable business or brand name, such as `MyBrand`, that appears instead of a phone
number in one-way A2P SMS messages. It must contain 2 to 11 characters and may include only letters (`a-z` and `A-Z`)
and numbers (`0-9`).

## Common uses

Use an Alphanumeric Sender ID when recipients should recognize the sender and do not need to reply directly. Common uses
include:

- Authentication and security notifications.
- Account and service alerts.
- Appointment or delivery updates.
- Transactional notifications.
- Marketing messages that meet the applicable requirements.

## How messages appear

Recipients usually see the approved Sender ID instead of a phone number. Its exact appearance may vary by mobile
carrier, device, and messaging application. Use a value that clearly matches the business or brand sending the message.

[![Example message from an Alphanumeric Sender ID with a link for help or opting out.](../../../_images/alphanumeric.webp)](../../../_images/alphanumeric.webp)


**Fig. 1.** Example message from an Alphanumeric Sender ID.

## Messaging and replies

Recipients cannot reply directly to an Alphanumeric Sender ID because it is not a phone number. If recipients need to
contact you or opt out, include a supported contact or opt-out method in the message.

## Relationship with DID numbers

An Alphanumeric Sender ID is not linked to a DID number. You do not need to purchase, port, or assign a DID number to
the DIDWW account to use this Sender ID type.

## Availability

Alphanumeric Sender ID availability varies by country.

Check current availability on the [DIDWW website](https://www.didww.com/services/two-way-sms/a2p-messaging) or view the
available verification options in the [DIDWW User Panel](https://my.didww.com/#/sender_id_verifications/get_started).

## Verification requirements

An Alphanumeric Sender ID must be verified before use. The verification links the Sender ID to the business, target
countries, and messaging use case submitted for review.

The Sender ID and messages sent with it must match the approved verification details. For required submission fields,
see [Alphanumeric verification](../sender-id-verification-reference.html#alphanumeric-verification-reference).

To submit a verification, see [Create Alphanumeric Sender ID
Verification](../how-to-guides/create-alphanumeric-verification.html).

## Using a verified Sender ID

After the verification becomes [Active](../sender-id-verification-reference.html#sender-id-verification-statuses),
associate it with an outbound SMS trunk. Use that trunk to send messages that match the approved business, destination
countries, and messaging use case.

For sending instructions, see [Send SMS using verified Sender
ID](../how-to-guides/send-sms-using-verified-sender-id.html) or the [HTTP
Specification](../../sms-trunks/technical-data/http-specification.html).

## Related resources

- [Create Alphanumeric Sender ID Verification](../how-to-guides/create-alphanumeric-verification.html)
- [Sender ID Verification reference](../sender-id-verification-reference.html)
- [Sender ID content requirements](../compliance-content-requirements.html)
- [Sender ID types](index.html)

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