About the ACMA Sender ID Register

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has introduced the SMS Sender ID Register to help reduce SMS impersonation scams and improve trust in business messaging.

If your clinic sends SMS messages using a branded sender name such as MYCLINIC, HEALTHCARE, or your clinic name, that sender ID must be registered and approved before it can continue to be used in Australia. From 1 July 2026, unregistered sender IDs may be replaced with “Unverified” when messages are delivered to patients. (ACMA)


On this page: 

  • What is a Sender ID? 
  • Why has ACMA introduced the register? 
  • What happens if a Sender ID is not registered? 
  • How does SimpleClinic help? 
  • What information is required to register a Sender ID?
  • Does every clinic need to register? 
  • Can multiple clinics use the same Sender ID?
  • How long does approval take?
  • Where can I get help? 


What is a Sender ID?


A Sender ID is the name that appears at the top of an SMS message instead of a mobile phone number.


Examples include:


* MYCLINIC

* ACMEHEALTH

* SMITHNATURO

* WELLNESS


Sender IDs help patients recognise who a message is from and make appointment reminders and notifications easier to identify. (ACMA)


Why has ACMA introduced the register?


The SMS Sender ID Register is part of Australia’s efforts to reduce SMS scams and prevent criminals from impersonating legitimate organisations. The register allows approved businesses and organisations to verify their right to use a Sender ID before messages are sent. (ACMA)


What happens if a Sender ID is not registered?


From 1 July 2026, messages sent using an unregistered Sender ID may be delivered with the sender name replaced by “Unverified”. Messages from unverified senders may also be grouped together by mobile devices, making them appear less trustworthy to recipients. (ACMA)


How does SimpleClinic help?


SimpleClinic integrates with approved messaging providers that participate in the ACMA Sender ID Register.


What information is required to register a Sender ID?


The exact requirements may vary depending on your organisation and messaging provider, however registration generally requires:


* Your business name

* Australian Business Number (ABN)

* The Sender ID you wish to use

* Evidence that the Sender ID is linked to your business, brand, domain name or trademark

* Contact details for an authorised representative


ACMA requires Sender IDs to be clearly connected to the organisation requesting them. For example, a clinic named “Townsville Wellness Centre” may be able to register a Sender ID such as “TWELLNESS” or “TOWNSVILLE”. (ACMA)


Frequently Asked Questions


Does every clinic need to register?


Only clinics that send SMS messages using an alphanumeric Sender ID need to register. If messages are sent from a standard mobile number, registration is generally not required. (ACMA)


Can multiple clinics use the same Sender ID?


ACMA assesses Sender IDs based on legitimate use and ownership rights. In some circumstances, a Sender ID may be approved for multiple organisations where each organisation can demonstrate a valid connection to that Sender ID. (ACMA)


How long does approval take?


Approval times vary depending on the information supplied and verification requirements. We recommend submitting registration requests as early as possible to avoid disruption to patient communications. (ACMA)


Where can I get help?


If you have questions about your Sender ID status or registration requirements, please contact the SimpleClinic support team.