You're setting up SMS campaigns. Your provider asks: "What's your PE ID? Have you registered your Header? Do you have Template IDs?"
You stare blankly. PE ID? Header ID? Template ID? What are these? Where do I get them? Are they all different?
DLT registration throws three confusing IDs at you. This guide explains each one in 2 minutes.
By the end, you'll know exactly what PE ID, Header ID, and Template ID are, why all three are mandatory, and how they work together to send compliant SMS in India.
The Three DLT IDs You Need (Visual Overview)
💡 Think of It Like Sending Mail
PE ID = Your business registration with the post office (proves you're allowed to send mail). Header ID = Your return address (who the mail is from). Template ID = The stamp of approval on each letter format (proves the content is permitted).
1. PE ID (Principal Entity ID) - Your Business Identity
What it is: PE ID (also called Entity ID or Telemarketer ID) is your unique business identifier in the DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) system. It's a 13-character code starting with "TM-".
Format: TM-XXXXXXXXXX (10 alphanumeric characters after TM-)
What it proves: You are a legitimate business registered as a commercial SMS sender in India. TRAI recognizes you as authorized to send bulk SMS.
How to Get Your PE ID:
- Register on a DLT portal (Airtel SmartPing, Vi VILpower, Jio DLT, BSNL DLT)
- Submit business documents (PAN, GST, Incorporation Certificate, signatory ID)
- Wait for approval (1-3 days if documents are correct)
- Receive PE ID via email notification
Where you use it: Every time you register a Header or Template, you select your PE ID. It's your master account that owns all your other registrations.
⚠️ One PE ID Per Business
You register your business ONCE and get ONE PE ID. This PE ID then owns all your Headers and Templates. Don't try to register multiple PE IDs for the same business—it causes confusion and rejections.
2. Header ID (Sender ID) - Your Brand Name
What it is: Header ID (also called Sender ID or just "Header") is the name that appears as the sender in SMS messages. Like "HDFCBK", "AMAZON", "UNIQUE".
Format: 6 characters (for transactional) or 10 digits (for promotional)
UNIQUE (your brand)
SHOPNW (e-commerce)
9876543210 (promotional 10-digit)
What it proves: This sender name is registered to your PE ID. When recipients see "UNIQUE" as sender, they know it's from your business.
Two Types of Headers:
- Transactional (6-char alpha): Used for OTPs, order confirmations, alerts. Can reach DND numbers. Must be alphabetic. Example: UNIQUE
- Promotional (10-digit numeric): Used for marketing campaigns. Blocked on DND numbers. Must be numeric. Example: 9876543210
How to Get Your Header ID:
- Log into DLT portal where you have PE ID
- Go to "Header Registration" section
- Select your PE ID
- Choose Header name (must be unique and related to your business)
- Select type (Transactional or Promotional)
- Submit for approval (1-2 days)
- Header is linked to your PE ID and activated
Where you use it: Every SMS you send must include a registered Header. Your SMS API passes the Header with each message.
3. Template ID - Your Message Approval Code
What it is: Template ID is the unique approval code assigned to each message format you want to use. It's a 19-character alphanumeric code.
Format: 19 digits (varies by DLT portal)
What it proves: This exact message content has been reviewed and approved by TRAI. You're allowed to send this specific message format.
Why Templates Are Required:
To prevent spam, every commercial SMS in India must match a pre-approved template. You can't just type any message and send—it must be approved first.
Template Example:
When you send an actual SMS, variables are replaced:
How to Get Template IDs:
- Log into DLT portal
- Go to "Template Registration"
- Select your PE ID and Header
- Choose category (Transactional, Promotional, Service)
- Write your message with {#var#} for dynamic parts
- Submit for approval (1-3 days)
- Receive Template ID when approved
Where you use it: Every SMS API call must include the Template ID. This tells the system "I'm sending message format #1107168574123456789 which is approved."
⚠️ One Template ID Per Message Format
If you send 5 different types of messages (OTP, order confirmation, shipping alert, payment receipt, promotional offer), you need 5 separate Template IDs. Each unique message format requires its own template approval.
How They Work Together (The Complete Flow)
If ANY check fails—wrong PE ID, unregistered Header, missing Template ID, content doesn't match template—the message is blocked. This is called "DLT scrubbing."
Common Confusions Cleared
Confusion 1: "Do I need all three IDs?"
Yes. PE ID, Header ID, and Template ID are all mandatory. You cannot send SMS with just one or two of them. All three must be registered and passed with every API call.
Confusion 2: "Can I use someone else's PE ID?"
No. You must register your own business and get your own PE ID. You can't borrow or share PE IDs. Each business needs its own DLT registration.
Confusion 3: "Do I need a new Template ID for each SMS?"
No. You need a new Template ID for each MESSAGE FORMAT. If you're sending 10,000 OTPs, they all use the same OTP template. But if you also send order confirmations (different format), that needs a separate Template ID.
Confusion 4: "My SMS provider asks for these IDs. Do they register them for me?"
It depends. Some providers (like Unique Digital Outreach) handle the entire DLT registration for you. Others just provide the platform and you must register yourself. Always clarify with your provider.
Where to Find Your IDs After Registration
- PE ID: In your DLT portal dashboard (usually displayed at top after login). Also in approval email.
- Header ID: In "Headers" or "Sender IDs" section of DLT portal. List shows all your approved headers.
- Template IDs: In "Templates" section. Each approved template shows its unique ID. Copy this ID when configuring SMS campaigns.
Keep these IDs handy—you'll need to provide them to your SMS platform or developer for integration.
🚀 Unique Digital Outreach Handles All DLT IDs for You
We register your PE ID, secure your Headers, create and approve Templates—all included with our platform. You focus on your business, we handle the compliance complexity. India's best pricing with complete DLT management included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PE ID in DLT?
What is the difference between Header ID and Template ID?
How many Template IDs do I need?
Can I use the same Template ID for different businesses?
What happens if I send SMS without proper DLT IDs?
How long does it take to get all three IDs?
Does Unique Digital Outreach handle DLT registration?
Get DLT Compliant in 3-5 Days
We handle your PE ID, Headers, and Templates—complete DLT registration included with our platform. Expert guidance, fast approval, zero hassle. India's best SMS pricing with full compliance management.
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