What Is SHAKEN/STIR and How to Enable It

By Sparkforge Support Team ·Last reviewed May 3, 2026

SHAKEN/STIR uses digital certificates to authenticate that you actually own the number you're calling from, which can boost answer rates. An EIN is required, and A2P-registered numbers are enrolled automatically.

SHAKEN/STIR is a set of telecom protocols that authenticates caller ID. Carriers use the digital certificate to confirm you own the number, which makes them more likely to deliver the call as a Trusted Call rather than spam.

Why SHAKEN/STIR Matters

Boosts call completion and answer rates.
Helps prevent caller ID spoofing and fraud.
May display a Trusted Call label on outgoing calls.
Does not remove existing nuisance labels on its own.

Requirements

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is required.
If you don't have an EIN, register your number with the Free Caller Registry instead.

How to Enable SHAKEN/STIR

If you've already registered for A2P SMS

Your numbers are enrolled in SHAKEN/STIR automatically. This applies to all A2P applications submitted after April 23, 2025, and older sub-accounts are being updated automatically too.

If you haven't registered for A2P SMS

You can enable SHAKEN/STIR manually for your numbers from the Trust Center.

Benefits at a Glance

Feature	What It Does	Benefit
SHAKEN/STIR	Authenticates caller ID with digital certificates.	Increases trust, improves answer rates, prevents spoofing.

Pair It With CNAM

SHAKEN/STIR works best alongside CNAM registration. SHAKEN/STIR proves the call is legitimate; CNAM displays your business name on the recipient's caller ID.

Note: SHAKEN/STIR doesn't remove existing nuisance labels, but the Trusted Call label can lift answer rates over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EIN for SHAKEN/STIR?

Yes. An EIN is mandatory for SHAKEN/STIR registration. Without one, register with the Free Caller Registry instead.

Will SHAKEN/STIR remove the spam label on my number?

Not directly. It authenticates your caller ID, which can improve answer rates over time, but it doesn't strip existing nuisance labels.

Do I need to do anything if I'm already registered for A2P SMS?

No. Your numbers are enrolled in SHAKEN/STIR automatically for new A2P applications after April 23, 2025, and older sub-accounts are being updated automatically.

Should I use SHAKEN/STIR or CNAM?

Use both. SHAKEN/STIR authenticates that you own the number, and CNAM displays your business name on caller ID. They solve different problems.

Where do I enable SHAKEN/STIR manually?

Open the Trust Center inside your sub-account and start the SHAKEN/STIR registration from there.