> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.beem.africa/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sender ID registration

> Register and activate a Sender ID before sending SMS through the API.

Every outbound SMS must use an **active Sender ID** registered on your Beem account. The default Sender ID **INFO** is deactivated and cannot be used.

***

## Register a Sender ID

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign in to the Beem Dashboard">
    Log in at [login.beem.africa](https://login.beem.africa/).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open SMS → Sender IDs">
    Navigate to **SMS** in the main menu, then open **Sender IDs** (or **Sender Name**).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit a new Sender ID">
    Create a new Sender ID and provide the required details. Sender IDs are typically alphanumeric (up to 11 characters) and must comply with local regulator requirements.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for approval">
    Sender IDs are reviewed and activated by the Beem team or automatically where supported. You can only use a Sender ID in API requests once its status is **active**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Use the exact approved Sender ID string in the `source_addr` field of your Send SMS request. An unregistered or inactive Sender ID returns error code **111** — see [API responses](/guides/sms/api-responses).
</Info>

***

## Related

* [Prerequisites](/guides/sms/prerequisites) — account and credential requirements
* [Authentication](/guides/sms/authentication) — API Key and Secret setup