Mandatory SMS Sender ID Registration
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is introducing new regulations to strengthen SMS security and reduce scams. If your organisation uses alphanumeric SMS Sender IDs through GoFax, you’ll need to be registered and compliant by 1 July 2026.
Registration will be available soon through GoFax. The steps below outline what you can do right now to make sure you’re ready when registration opens.
Why ACMA are implementing mandatory registration?
SMS scams remain a major threat in Australia, with fraudsters frequently impersonating trusted brands using fake Sender IDs such as “myGov” or “AusPost.” In 2024 alone, SMS scams accounted for 31% of all reported scams, causing losses of more than $14 million.
To combat this, the government has introduced the Telecommunications (SMS Sender ID Register) Industry Standard. This initiative requires businesses to register and verify their Sender IDs, ensuring consumers can trust the messages they receive.
What Is the SMS Sender ID Register?
The Sender ID Register will be a national database managed by ACMA. Its purpose is to:
- Authenticate Sender IDs used by legitimate businesses.
- Stop scammers from spoofing brand names.
- Improve consumer confidence in SMS communications.
Sender ID Format Requirements
- Length: 2–11 characters
- Allowed: Letters, numbers, and standard ASCII symbols
- Cannot be digits only
- No leading/trailing spaces or underscores
- No restricted or misleading terms
- Case-insensitive (e.g., “ABC” = “abc”)
Who must register?
Any organisation using a custom alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g. “MyBrand”) for SMS to Australian numbers.
What information is required?
- Sender ID (up to 11 characters)
- ABN or proof of business identity
- Valid use case (e.g. notifications, reminders)
What you should do now to prepare for Sender ID registration
1. Ensure your Sender IDs meet the format requirements
Start reviewing the Sender IDs you plan to register now against the character and content rules listed above. Catching issues early means fewer delays when registration opens.
2. Update your authorised contacts on the ABR
Sender ID registration requires verification against the Australian Business Register (ABR). Please ensure that:
- Your ABN details are up to date.
- Authorised contacts (public officer, director, or authorised representative) are correctly listed.
3. Set up a myID Digital ID
ACMA Sender ID registration requires authentication using myID (formerly myGovID). If an authorised person in your organisation does not already have one, we recommend setting this up in advance. Additional user guides for businesses and organisations are available on the ACMA website.
If you resell GoFax services, please prepare to inform your customers about these changes and the 1 July 2026 deadline.
Need Help? Contact our support team
We will continue to keep you informed as soon as ACMA finalises the rules and registration process. GoFax customers can expect regular updates from GoFax via email.
