Custom SMS Sender ID for your business in Tanzania
Send every SMS under your own business name. A custom Sender ID replaces the phone number on your messages with a name your customers recognise, such as your company, school or shop name. Register it from your DARSMS dashboard.
Why businesses use a custom Sender ID
Instant recognition
Recipients see your brand, such as your school, shop or company name, before they open the message.
More trust, fewer ignored messages
People are more likely to read and act on a message from a name they know than from an unknown number.
Consistent branding
Every campaign, reminder, receipt and OTP arrives from the same name, whether sent from the dashboard or the API.
How to register a Sender ID with DARSMS
- 01
Request your name
Open Sender IDs in your DARSMS dashboard and enter the name you want, 3 to 11 letters or numbers.
- 02
Review and approval
Our team reviews the request and submits it for approval. You are notified by email when a decision is made, and by SMS once it is approved.
- 03
Start sending
Once approved, choose your Sender ID when sending campaigns or pass it in your SMS API requests.
Sender ID requirements
- 3 to 11 characters long.
- Letters and numbers only, with single spaces between words.
- No symbols such as &, -, @ or punctuation.
- Clearly related to your registered business or brand.
- Must not imitate a bank, government body or another company's brand.
- Must not contain misleading or restricted words.
Requests that do not meet these requirements, or that are rejected during review, are returned with a reason so you can adjust the name. Approval is subject to review and is not guaranteed.
Choosing a good Sender ID
Pick the name your customers already use for you. Short forms work well when your full name is longer than 11 characters, for example STJOSEPH for St. Joseph Secondary School or MAKAZI for Makazi Properties. Avoid generic words like INFO or PROMO that do not identify you.
Use the same Sender ID for all your messages so customers learn to recognise it. If you run separate brands, request one Sender ID for each. For a step-by-step walkthrough, read our guide on how to register a Sender ID in Tanzania.
Sender ID FAQ
What is a Sender ID?
A Sender ID is the name that appears as the sender of an SMS on the recipient's phone, for example DARSMS, instead of a mobile number. It is also called an alphanumeric sender or sender name.
How much does a Sender ID cost?
A custom Sender ID costs a one-time fee of TZS 5,000, paid with mobile money when you submit the request. There is no monthly fee for keeping it.
Can I send SMS before my Sender ID is approved?
Yes. Every new account includes the approved DARSMS sender, so you can test and send messages while your own Sender ID is being reviewed.
How long does approval take?
Approval time depends on the review by our team and the networks. You can follow the status in your dashboard, and you are notified as soon as a decision is made.
Can customers reply to a Sender ID?
No. Alphanumeric Sender IDs are one-way. Include a phone number or WhatsApp contact in your message if you want customers to respond.
Can I have more than one Sender ID?
Yes. You can request several Sender IDs, for example one per brand or branch. Each one is reviewed and charged separately.
Request your Sender ID today
Create a free account, submit your sender name and start sending with the default DARSMS sender while it is reviewed.