SMS sender ID registration required from 1 July

Pharmacies that send messages using a business name (rather than a phone number) will need to ensure their sender ID is registered.

What this means for your pharmacy

Many pharmacies use branded SMS messages for patient communications, such as reminders and alerts.

If sender IDs are not registered:

• Messages may appear as “Unverified” to patients
• Trust and recognition of pharmacy communications may be reduced

What you should do now

Pharmacy owners should take the following 9 steps ahead of 1 July:

1. Know what name patients see: Check the exact pharmacy name or branded sender ID appearing on your patient text messages.
2. Find every system sending texts: Identify all pharmacy systems, platforms and vendors that send SMS/MMS to patients.
3. Ask who is registering it: Confirm whether your SMS provider, telco or messaging software vendor will register the sender ID for you.
4. Have your pharmacy business details ready: Make sure your ABN, pharmacy business name and contact details are accurate and current.
5. Check the sender ID matches your pharmacy: Ensure the name used in SMS/MMS clearly links to your legitimate pharmacy business or brand.
6. Confirm your pharmacy's messaging provider is ready: Ask whether your messagingprovider is approved, or has a compliant pathway, before the deadline.
7. Cover all providers: If you use more than one telco, vendor or messaging service, check registration requirements with each one.
8. Protect critical patient messages: Have a backup option, such as sending from a phone number, if registration is delayed.
9. Act before 30 June 2026: Complete registration early so patient messages do not appear as “Unverified” from 1 July 2026.

Download Factsheet

If you can’t register in time

If registration is not completed before 1 July, pharmacies should work with their provider to understand alternative messaging arrangements and any interim options available.