What you need before you start
A US business line works from any country with an internet connection. Before you order, have these ready:
- A photo ID, and business documents if you order as a company. US telecom rules require us to know who uses each number.
- The phone you want calls to ring on, with its country code, if you plan to forward calls.
- An idea of where your customers are: that decides between a local and a toll-free number.
Step 1: choose a local or toll-free number
A local number has a city or state area code, such as 212 for New York or 307 for Wyoming. It looks familiar to customers in that area and suits companies registered in a specific state.
A toll-free number (800, 888, 877 and similar) is free for the caller anywhere in the US and reads as a national brand. It costs a little more per month. See our area code guide to pick one.
Step 2: order and pay within 30 minutes
Search by state, area code or digits, choose a number and we hold it for 30 minutes while you pay the first invoice: the first month plus a one-time setup fee. If the invoice is not paid in time the order fails, the number is released and nothing is charged.
Step 3: verify once
Upload a clear photo ID from the Verification page. Our team reviews it, usually the same business day, and you only do this once: later numbers go live as soon as they are paid.
Step 4: forward calls and send your first text
When the line is active, open it in the dashboard:
- Call forwarding: enter the destination with its country code and switch it on. Call your number from another phone to test it.
- Texts: open the Inbox and choose New to send a message from your new number. Replies arrive in the same conversation.
- Notifications: click the bell to get a browser notice for new texts and calls.
Optional extras
Voicemail, online fax, a caller ID name and emergency calling (E911) are add-ons you can switch on per number at any time. You pay only the rest of the current month when you add one.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. All guides