Surge

Toll-Free Verification

Toll-free numbers (800, 822, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, 880–889 area codes) go through a separate verification process from standard 10DLC local number registration. The two processes are independent — you can have both a local campaign (10DLC) and a verified toll-free number on the same account.

Toll-free vs 10DLC

Toll-free verification10DLC (standard)
Number typeToll-free (8xx area codes)Local 10-digit numbers
RegistrationPer-number verificationBrand + campaign, then attach numbers
Use caseHigh-volume transactional, customer careAny messaging use case
API supportDashboard only (API coming soon)Full API support
Review timeVaries by carrier24–48 hours typical

How to verify a toll-free number

  1. Purchase a toll-free number via POST /accounts/:account_id/phone_numbers with type: "toll_free".
  2. In the dashboard, navigate to Phone Numbers and find the number.
  3. Click Verify to open the toll-free verification form.
  4. Complete the form with your business information, opt-in description, and sample messages.
  5. Submit and wait for carrier review.

The number is marked as verified once the carrier approves. Until then, the number has restricted throughput.

Changes-needed on toll-free

If the carrier requests changes, Surge sends you a notification with details. Use the verification form in the dashboard to update and resubmit.

The types of issues reviewers flag for toll-free are similar to 10DLC: opt-in flow clarity, business identity, and sample message quality. See Avoiding Rejection for the full breakdown.

API support

Full toll-free verification via API is planned. Until then, use the dashboard for the verification step. Purchasing toll-free numbers via API is supported today.