If you want to send Bulk SMS in India, you must register on a DLT portal. This is a rule from TRAI to stop spam. Jio TrueConnect is one of the best portals to use.

Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to getting your business ready for 2026.

Why is DLT Mandatory?

In the past, anyone could send SMS with any name. Now, the government uses Blockchain technology, which we call DLT in order to curb spam. This makes sure customers only get safe and authentic messages from verified businesses.

Step 1: Register Your Business (Principal Entity)

First, you need to tell Jio who you are.

Visit the Jio TrueConnect Portal.
Click Register Now and select Principal Entity.
Fill in your name, email, and phone number.
Upload these documents:
- Business PAN Card
- GST Certificate or Shop License
- Letter of Authorization (LOA) (Printed on company letterhead)
Pay the Fee: Jio now charges ₹5,900 (including GST) for registration. This fee is now an annual renewal to keep your account active.

Note: It takes 2–3 days for Jio to check your documents and give you an Entity ID.

Step 2: Register Your Header (Sender ID)

A “Header” is the 6-letter name (like AD-JIOINF) that shows up on a customer’s phone.

Promotional SMS: Must be 6 numbers (e.g., 456123).
Service/Transactional SMS: Must be 6 letters (e.g., DIGIML).
New 2026 Rule: All headers now get a suffix to show the type of message:
- -T for Transactional
- -P for Promotional
- -S for Service

Step 3: Register Your SMS Templates (New 2026 Rules)

This is the most important part. You cannot send free-text messages anymore. You must use “Variable Tags” for parts of the message that change (like OTPs or names).

The Old Way: Your OTP is {#var#} (This no longer works).

The New 2026 Way: You must use specific tags based on the data type:

Tag Type	What it is for	Example
`{#numeric#}`	Only numbers	OTPs, amounts, or dates
`{#alphanumeric#}`	Letters and numbers	Order IDs, Ticket numbers
`{#url#}`	Website links	Your website link
`{#urlott#}`	App links	Play Store or App Store links
`{#email#}`	Email addresses	support@yourbrand.com
`{#cbn#}`	Call back numbers	Your support phone number

Example of a 2026 Template:

“Hi {#alphanumeric#}, your order {#numeric#} is ready. Check status here: {#url#}. Team Digimiles.”

Step 4: Register Customer Consent

If you are sending Promotional SMS (sales and offers), you must prove that the customer said “Yes” to receiving them.

1. Create a Consent Template on the Jio portal.

Consent Template – This is just a short sentence that explains what the customer agreed to.

Example: “We would like to send marketing offers and new product updates to our registered customers – [Your Brand Name].”
Jio approves this template so they know your “intent.”

2. Upload your list of customer phone numbers in a CSV file.

In 2026, the DLT system uses a “Consent Ledger.” By uploading a CSV file of your customers’ numbers, you are officially telling the telecom system: “These 1,000 people gave me permission to message them.”

If you try to send a promotional SMS to a number that is not in your uploaded list, the system will block the message before it even reaches the phone.

3. Jio will verify these numbers

Jio doesn’t call your customers to check. “Verification” in 2026 works like this:

Data Check: They ensure your CSV file has the required columns (Mobile Number and Date of Consent)
Scrubbing: When you send an SMS, the Jio TrueConnect system “scrubs” your recipient list against your “Consent Database.” If a number isn’t there, or if the customer has since registered for DND (Do Not Disturb), Jio blocks the delivery.
Audit: If a customer complains to TRAI about “Spam,” Jio will look at your uploaded list. If that customer isn’t on your list, you could face heavy fines or get your Header blocked.

Pro-Tip: Don’t get overwhelmed! You only need to do this step if you are sending marketing/promotional SMS. If you only send transactional sms, you can skip the Consent Upload entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Jio DLT registration free in 2026?

No. While it used to be free, Jio now charges ₹5,900 (including GST) for registration. This is usually an annual fee, so you may need to renew it every year to keep your account active.

2. Can I use the old {#var#} tag for my templates?

No. As of 2026, you must use specific tags like {#numeric#} for OTPs or {#url#} for links. If you use the old {#var#} tag, Jio will likely reject your template or block your messages.

3. How long does it take for Jio to approve my account?

It usually takes 2 to 3 working days to approve your business (Entity). After that, getting your Headers (Sender IDs) and Templates approved can take another 24 to 48 hours.

4. Why was my SMS template rejected?

The most common reasons in 2026 are:

You didn’t include your Brand Name at the end of the message.
You used a link (URL) that wasn’t whitelisted on the portal first.
You have double spaces between words (the system is very strict!).

5. Do I need to register on Airtel and Vi if I am already on Jio?

No. You only need to register on one DLT portal. Once you are approved on Jio, your Entity ID will work across all other networks in India automatically.

Troubleshooting: Common Jio DLT Errors

If you see an error code, don’t worry! Here is what they usually mean and how to fix them:

Error / Problem	What it means	How to fix it
Invalid PAN	Your business name doesn’t match your card.	Type your name exactly as it appears on your PAN card.
Pending for Approval	Jio is still checking your documents.	Wait at least 48 hours before contacting their support team.
Template Mismatch	The SMS you sent is different from your template.	Check your variable tags. If you used `{#numeric#}`, make sure you aren’t sending letters.
Consent Not Found	You are sending a “Sale” SMS to a new number.	Upload that phone number to your Consent Ledger in a CSV file first.
Header Not Linked	Your template isn’t connected to your header.	When creating a template, make sure you select the correct 6-letter Header from the dropdown menu.

Jio DLT Support: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I contact the Jio DLT helpdesk for registration issues?

If you have problems with your Entity or Template registration, you can email the official support team at jio.ISOMCCSupport@ril.com.

2. What should I do if my registration is stuck in “Pending” for over a week?

First, check your email (including the Spam folder) for any “Query” from Jio. If there is no email, send a follow-up to jio.ISOMCCSupport@ril.com. Include your Request ID and your PAN number so they can find your account quickly.

3. Is there a WhatsApp support number for Jio DLT?

While Jio has a general support number on WhatsApp (70007-70007), it is mostly for mobile recharges. For DLT-specific technical help, it is always better to use the Email Support mentioned above, as they need to see your documents.

4. Can I visit a Jio Store for DLT help?

No. Jio Stores handle SIM cards and mobile phones for regular customers. DLT is a business service handled entirely online through the Jio TrueConnect Portal.

5. How do I fix a “Document Mismatch” error after talking to support?

If support tells you your documents don’t match, you must re-upload them. Make sure the name on your Letter of Authorization (LOA) is exactly the same as the name on your PAN Card. Even a small spelling mistake will cause a rejection.

Still Need Help?

DLT can be confusing, but it’s the only way to send SMS in India. If you need a reliable Bulk SMS Provider to help you with the API integration, we are here to help.