--- title: Getting Permission to Text Someone description: You need to have permission from a contact to text them. Here’s what we mean by “permission.” --- [Skip to content](https://help.textrequest.com/getting-permission-to-text-someone#main-content) [![favicon-256.png\]](https://help.textrequest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/favicon-256.png?width=30&height=30&name=favicon-256.png)](https://help.textrequest.com/?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Back to textrequest.com](https://www.textrequest.com/) [Back to textrequest.com](https://www.textrequest.com/) Hi! How can we help you today? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Text Request Help Center](https://help.textrequest.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Messages](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en) 3. [Conversations](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#conversations) # Getting Permission to Text Someone ## Learn the legal requirements for TCPA compliance, understand the difference between expressed and implied consent, and maintain proper opt-in records. ### **Why Permission Matters** Under TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act) and mobile carrier regulations, businesses must have explicit permission from contacts before sending text messages. Obtaining consent protects your business reputation, prevents carrier spam filtering, and ensures high message deliverability. **Note:** Permission is mandatory for both individual text conversations and bulk group broadcasts. You must confirm you have permission to text recipients before dispatching a group message.  ### **Types of Consent: Expressed vs. Implied** There are two primary types of legal consent required for texting customers: **Expressed Consent** and **Implied Consent**. You must have at least one type of consent on record before texting a contact. | **Consent Type** | **Definition & Agreement Format** | **Common Example** | | --- | --- | --- | | **Expressed Consent** | A direct, documented agreement where a contact explicitly opts in to receive text messages. | - Filling out a web form with an SMS check box. - Texting an opt-in Keyword (e.g., texting JOIN). - Signing a paper opt-in sheet or contract. | | **Implied Consent** | A direct, documented agreement where a contact explicitly opts in to receive text messages. | - A customer texts your number first. - A client hands you their business card. - A contact includes their phone number in an email inquiry | **Tip:** As a general rule, if a customer **voluntarily provides their contact information** during a business transaction, **you have implied permission to text them** regarding that service until they express otherwise.     ### **Toll-Free Number Requirements (Proof of Opt-In)** If your business uses a toll-free number, mobile carriers require verifiable **Proof of Opt-In** for 10DLC and toll-free verification. You can establish proof of opt-in through three main channels: - **Website SMS Chat Widget:** Include an explicit disclosure at the bottom of your chat widget - *"By texting us, you agree to receive text messages at the number provided. Standard message and data rates may apply."* - **Web Form Checkbox:** Include an un-checked SMS opt-in checkbox on your contact or checkout forms. - **Keywords:** When a contact texts an opt-in **Keyword**, Text Request automatically sends your autoresponse along with a compliance notice: - *"You have been subscribed to \[Keyword\] list. To opt out of this list: text STOP \[KEYWORD\]."* **Warning:** Canadian toll-free numbers cannot be used for group messaging until your toll-free verification is fully approved by mobile carriers.     ### **Managing Opt-Outs** A contact's permission remains active until they request to stop receiving messages. - **Automatic Opt-Outs:** Every time you text a contact for the first time, Text Request automatically appends an opt-out notice (`Text STOP to opt out`). If a contact replies with **STOP**, **UNSUBSCRIBE**, **CANCEL**, **END**, or **QUIT**, Text Request automatically blocks future messages to that number. - **Manual Opt-Outs:** If a customer verbally asks to stop receiving texts or emails a request, use our [Suppressing a Contact guide](https://help.textrequest.com/suppressing-a-contact?hsLang=en) to manually prevent future outbound texts. - [Basics](https://help.textrequest.com/basics?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Account Essentials](https://help.textrequest.com/basics?hsLang=en#account-essentials) - [Profile Settings & Preferences](https://help.textrequest.com/basics?hsLang=en#profile-settings-preferences) - [Messages](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Conversations](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#conversations) - [Messaging Features](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#messaging-features) - [Group Messages](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#group-messages) - [Sequences](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#sequences) - [Peer to Peer](https://help.textrequest.com/messages?hsLang=en#peer-to-peer) - [Contacts](https://help.textrequest.com/contacts?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Individual Contacts](https://help.textrequest.com/contacts?hsLang=en#individual-contacts) - [Groups](https://help.textrequest.com/contacts?hsLang=en#groups) - [Managing Contacts](https://help.textrequest.com/contacts?hsLang=en#managing-contacts) - [Payments](https://help.textrequest.com/payments?hsLang=en) - [Settings](https://help.textrequest.com/settings?hsLang=en) - [Reports](https://help.textrequest.com/reports?hsLang=en) - [Integrations](https://help.textrequest.com/integrations?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Text Request Extras](https://help.textrequest.com/integrations?hsLang=en#text-request-extras) - [Third-Party Integrations](https://help.textrequest.com/integrations?hsLang=en#third-party-integrations) - [Mobile App](https://help.textrequest.com/integrations?hsLang=en#mobile-app) - [Users](https://help.textrequest.com/users?hsLang=en) - [Dashboards](https://help.textrequest.com/dashboards?hsLang=en) - [Account](https://help.textrequest.com/account?hsLang=en#main-content) - [10DLC Registration](https://help.textrequest.com/account?hsLang=en#10dlc-registration) - [Reviews](https://help.textrequest.com/reviews?hsLang=en) [![TR Esendex Footer](https://help.textrequest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Help%20Center/TR%20Esendex%20Footer.png?width=225&height=45&name=TR%20Esendex%20Footer.png "TR Esendex Footer")](https://www.textrequest.com) Copyright © 2026, Text Request