--- 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 ## You need to have permission from a contact to text them. Here’s what we mean by “permission.” ### For Standard Numbers There are two types of permission you can legally get for texting customers, **expressed** or **implied** consent. You need at least *one* to protect your business’s reputation, which is why we ask you to check that permission box before you send a large group message. These different types of permission apply to your individual messages, as well as your group messages.   ![permission-to-text](https://help.textrequest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/permission-to-text.png?width=569&name=permission-to-text.png) ### Expressed Consent  A clear agreement where the contact says they’re okay with being contacted. This agreement is documented, like when a person fills out a form on your website, adds their name to a signup sheet, buys a product, etc.. ### Implied Consent This applies when it’s “reasonable to believe” you have permission to contact a person, like when a contact texts you first, includes their number in an email, or gives you their business card with their number.  **As a general rule, if someone gives you their contact info, you have “permission” to contact them until they say otherwise.** What happens when the contact says otherwise? Read our [Opt Out Messages](https://help.textrequest.com/opt-out-messages?hsLang=en) guide for more details.   ### For Toll-Free Numbers Things are a little different for toll-free phone numbers. While expressed and implied consent are both still extremely important for toll-free numbers, we need to take things one step further. To verify a toll-free number, you must have **proof of opt-in** from each of the contacts in a group message.    Proof of opt-in can be achieved in several different ways:  - SMS Chat widget with an opt-in notice at the bottom - A checkbox at the bottom of a contact form on a website or contract that customers fill out - Keywords subscriber    **Note:** Canadian toll-free numbers **cannot** be used until the phone number is verified.   #### SMS Chat Widget If your website provides a way for your contacts to reach you through messaging and you provide an opt-in notice before the contact sends a message, then you have achieved **proof of opt-in.** An opt-in notice is usually a statement of agreement, informing the contact that by using this widget or communication function, they are agreeing to receive messages from you.   The Text Request website provides an **SMS Chat Widget** with the opt-in message: *By texting us, you agree to receive text messages at the number provided. Standard message/data rates apply.* ![Text Request SMS Chat Widget](https://help.textrequest.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Help%20Center/Text%20Request%20SMS%20Chat%20Widget.png?width=235&height=450&name=Text%20Request%20SMS%20Chat%20Widget.png)   #### Checkbox Similar to a chat or messaging function, you may have a form for your contacts to fill out on your website that asks for some information from them. If you have a check box on that form allowing them to opt-in to receive SMS messages, then you have achieved **proof of opt-in.** #### Keywords Subscriber Any contact that has texted you a keyword is automatically considered opted-in. This is because keywords provide an obvious opt-in/opt-out message at the start, so if a contact is part of a Keyword subscriber list, then you have achieved **proof of opt-in** with that contact.    When a contact texts in a **Keyword** for the first time, they will automatically receive the message of that Keyword (created by you) as well as the following opt-in notice: *You have been subscribed to \[Keyword\] list. 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