A sender ID, also called an SMS header, is the name shown as the sender of a business text message, like "HDFCBK" or "URBNTH", instead of a phone number. In India, sender IDs used for commercial SMS must be registered on DLT and linked to the business that owns them.
Why it matters
- Recognition: customers identify who's messaging them
- Trust: a consistent, registered header is harder to fake than a random number
- Compliance: unregistered headers are blocked in India
Rules of thumb
- Keep it close to your brand name so it's recognisable
- Register it under your own principal entity on DLT
- Use it consistently across message types
- Don't use headers that imitate other brands
Sender ID vs RCS agent
An SMS sender ID is just text. An RCS agent goes further, showing your logo, brand colours, description and a verified badge. That's why many brands are adding RCS for promotions and critical alerts.
Example
A bakery chain registers "BAKEHS" as its header. All order confirmations and festive offers arrive from BAKEHS, so customers instantly know who's texting.
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