Opt-in Compliance

Last updated: January 1, 2026

Note: Compliance with legal frameworks may vary by state. The information on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

SMS Opt-In Compliance for Government Agencies

While many SMS and email compliance rules do not apply to governmental or non-marketing entities, we recommend enabling self-service opt-out options for non-emergency or non-court-ordered use cases.

How to Ensure Recipients Are Opted-In

Recipients are considered opted-in if:

  • They initiate contact by texting your phone number
  • They have an existing and active case with your agency
  • They provide their contact information via a web or physical form
  • They give written consent

Government Exemptions

Government agencies generally operate under exemptions to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) for non-commercial, informational communications. Court reminders, case notifications, and public safety alerts typically fall under these exemptions.

Best Practices

  • Include opt-out instructions: Even when not legally required, include "Reply STOP to opt out" in initial messages
  • Honor opt-out requests immediately: The platform automatically processes STOP requests and prevents further messaging
  • Maintain consent records: Keep documentation of how and when consent was obtained
  • Use clear sender identification: Every message should clearly identify the sending agency
  • Limit message frequency: Send only relevant, necessary communications to avoid recipient fatigue

CTIA-Compliant Opt-In Forms

CTIA represents the U.S. wireless communications industry and publishes best practices for obtaining recipient consent, emphasizing clear opt-ins and opt-outs. The eCourtDate self-enroll portal features fillable forms, including options for offline use, with secure data management aligned to these standards.

Your agency can create custom opt-in forms for online use, offline use, or both, and generate QR codes that can be printed on forms or displayed on digital screens so recipients can opt in. Following the CTIA best practices for trusted messaging, including clear program details, explicit opt-ins, and recipient privacy, is not required, but it improves transparency and recipient confidence.

Carrier Compliance and Registration

Mobile carriers require every entity that sends SMS to register its messaging campaigns. eCourtDate is an approved Campaign Service Provider with The Campaign Registry. See Carrier Registration to learn how to register your agency and keep court reminders deliverable.

Federal Resources

For compliance questions, contact info@ecourtdate.com.