# Apply for a sender ID (/guides/sms/sender-ids)

Your **sender ID** is the name recipients see instead of a phone number — for example `MySchool`. Many networks only deliver messages from registered sender IDs, so you need an approved one before you can send.

<Callout type="info" title="Country-specific notes">

Sender ID rules differ by country. The application form in the app covers the Kenyan networks (Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom), and the documents and steps below are the Kenyan requirements. To send with your sender ID in other countries, [contact us](https://cloudmetis.com/contact) and we'll tell you what each country needs.

</Callout>

## Before you start [#before-you-start]

Have these ready as **PDF, JPG or PNG** files:

| You are | Documents |
|---|---|
| A company | Certificate of Registration / Incorporation, KRA PIN certificate (Kenya's tax registration), ID or passport of an authorised representative |
| An individual | National ID or passport, KRA PIN certificate |

Optional: a letter of authorisation, a description of your service with sample messages, and any regulator-specific form.

## Apply [#apply]

1. Go to **SMS → Sender IDs** and click **New Application**.
2. **Sender ID Details**
   - **Sender ID** — up to 11 letters and numbers. This is exactly what recipients will see.
   - **Message Type** — *Transactional* (receipts, OTPs, alerts) or *Promotional* (offers, marketing).
   - **Purpose** — a short explanation of what you'll send.
3. **Telco Selection** — tick the networks you need (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom). The price for each is shown.
4. **Owner Information & Documents** — choose *Company* or *Individual* and upload the documents.
5. **Telco Letters** — click **Download Letters**. Print each letter, sign and stamp it, scan it, and upload it for each network you selected.
6. Add any **Additional Notes**, check the **Cost Summary**, and click **Submit & Pay**.

![Apply for Sender ID — details and telco selection](</_next/static/media/sms-01.18nko0_yn3n-p.png>)
![Telco Letters — download, sign and upload](</_next/static/media/sms-02.26jl0s0pujo29.png>)

Payment opens in a secure window (card, bank transfer or mobile money such as M-Pesa). If you close it, your application is still saved — pay later from **Management → My Invoices**.

## Track your application [#track-your-application]

Open **SMS → Sender IDs** and click your application. The progress bar shows each step:

**Payment → Under Review → Sent to Telcos → Approved**

{/* Screenshot sms-03 pending (needs a real sender ID application): Application detail with the progress bar and telco status */}

Each network approves separately, so you may see Safaricom approved before Airtel or Telkom. Approval times are set by the networks.

If your application is **rejected**, the reason is shown at the top. Fix the issue and click **Resubmit** — you can change the sender ID, but you'll need to sign the telco letters again.

## Choose your default sender ID [#choose-your-default-sender-id]

If you have more than one, set the one used by default in **SMS → SMS Settings** with **Set Default**. You can still pick another one when sending.