Understanding the Texas Do Not Call List
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
The Texas Do Not Call List is a state-run registry maintained by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), designed to protect residents from unwanted telemarketing calls.
While the federal National Do Not Call Registry exists, Texas created its own version to extend coverage to both residential and wireless numbers.
“Telemarketing calls are one of the most common privacy intrusions in modern life. The Texas Do Not Call List empowers citizens to regain control over their personal communication channels.” — Public Utility Commission of Texas
The list restricts most sales calls made to Texas residents, with specific legal guidelines for compliance and penalties for violators.
What Is the Purpose of the Texas Do Not Call List?
The registry aims to:
- Reduce the frequency of unsolicited telemarketing calls.
- Prevent fraudulent sales schemes from reaching vulnerable consumers.
- Enforce consumer privacy rights under the Texas Business and Commerce Code, Chapter 44.
- Empower citizens to report noncompliant companies.
Once a number is registered, telemarketers are legally prohibited from calling it unless they have prior permission or a valid business relationship with the recipient.
Federal vs. State: Understanding the Difference
While both registries share similar goals, they differ in scope and enforcement.
| Feature | Texas Do Not Call List | National Do Not Call Registry |
|---|---|---|
| Managed By | Public Utility Commission of Texas | Federal Trade Commission (FTC) |
| Coverage | Texas residents only | U.S. nationwide |
| Includes Cell Phones | Yes | Yes |
| Registration Duration | Permanent (as long as number is active) | Permanent |
| Complaint Process | Filed with Texas Attorney General | Filed with FTC |
| Exemptions | Charities, political calls, surveys | Same |
Even if you’re already on the National Do Not Call Registry, joining the Texas list adds an extra layer of protection under state law.
Who Can Register for the Texas Do Not Call List
Any Texas resident with one of the following can register:
- Residential landline numbers
- Personal cell phones
- VoIP numbers used for personal use
Business lines are typically excluded. However, small home-based businesses may qualify if the number also serves as a personal contact.
Types of Calls Restricted by the Texas Do Not Call List
The law prohibits telemarketers from calling registered numbers for:
- Sales promotions and marketing offers
- Subscription renewals for magazines or memberships
- Donation solicitations (unless from registered nonprofits)
- Loan offers or “debt consolidation” calls
- Warranty or insurance pitches
Exemptions Include:
Some types of calls are not restricted, such as:
- Calls from political campaigns
- Charity organizations
- Survey or research firms
- Businesses you’ve had prior contact with within 12 months
“The law doesn’t stop every call, but it drastically reduces those that are purely commercial.” — Texas Attorney General’s Office
How to Register for the Texas Do Not Call List
You can register online, by phone, or by mail.
Option 1: Register Online
- Visit the Texas Do Not Call List registration page.
- Enter your full name, Texas phone number, and email address.
- Confirm your number via an email or phone verification code.
- Submit the registration form.
Your number will be added to the list during the next quarterly update (January, April, July, or October).
Option 2: Register by Phone
You can also register by calling 1-888-309-0600 (toll-free). Follow the prompts to add your number.
Option 3: Register by Mail
If you prefer traditional mail:
- Download the Texas No Call Application Form from the official website.
- Print, complete, and mail it to:
Texas No Call Program
P.O. Box 1342
Austin, TX 78767
Processing by mail may take longer, so online registration is recommended for faster inclusion.
How Long Does It Take for Calls to Stop?
After your number is added to the Texas Do Not Call List, it may take 30 to 60 days for telemarketers to update their databases.
If you still receive calls after that timeframe, you can file a complaint (covered later in this article).
How to Verify if You’re Already on the List
To check your registration status:
- Visit TexasNoCall.com.
- Click “Verify Registration.”
- Enter your number and follow the verification process.
If your number doesn’t appear, re-register using one of the three methods above.
How to Report Telemarketing Violations in Texas
If you continue receiving unwanted sales calls after registration, you can file a complaint with:
Texas Attorney General’s Office
- Website: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov
- Phone: (800) 621-0508
Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)
- File a complaint online at https://www.puc.texas.gov.
When filing, include:
- The caller’s number and date/time of the call
- The company name and call purpose
- Whether the caller used a spoofed number
Texas Penalties for Violations
Telemarketers that call registered numbers can face fines of up to $25,000 per violation under Texas Business and Commerce Code §44.107.
Violators may also face additional penalties under federal FTC law if they used robocalling technology or spoofed numbers.
How to Stop Robocalls Beyond the Texas Do Not Call List
Even with registration, robocalls may continue due to illegal or foreign operations. Here’s how to stop them:
1. Block Numbers Manually
- On iPhone: Settings → Phone → Blocked Contacts → Add New.
- On Android: Open the Phone app → Recents → Tap and hold number → Block.
2. Enable Carrier Call Protection
Major carriers offer free or paid call filtering:
- AT&T ActiveArmor
- Verizon Call Filter
- T-Mobile Scam Shield
3. Install Trusted Call-Blocking Apps
Recommended options:
- Hiya
- Truecaller
- Nomorobo
4. Use “Silence Unknown Callers” Feature
This automatically routes calls from unknown numbers to voicemail.
The Role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC enforces the National Do Not Call Registry but works closely with Texas authorities.
You can file duplicate complaints with both:
By doing so, you increase the chances of action being taken against violators.
Key Texas Laws Governing Telemarketing
- Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 44 – Governs the Do Not Call List program and penalties.
- Texas Administrative Code §26.37 – Outlines PUCT’s authority to enforce telemarketing restrictions.
- Texas Telemarketing Disclosure and Privacy Act (TTDPA) – Requires telemarketers to identify themselves, their company, and purpose of the call.
Example Code Reference
Texas Business & Commerce Code §44.101:
“No telemarketer may make or cause to be made a telephone solicitation to a telephone number published on the Texas No Call List.”
What Happens if You Move or Change Numbers?
If you move within Texas and keep your number, no action is needed.
If you change your number, you must register the new one.
Old numbers may be recycled by carriers, so it’s best to ensure your current contact information is always up to date.
How Remove Online Information Protects Your Privacy
Telemarketing calls are just one symptom of broader data exposure. Many callers get your information from data brokers, marketing databases, and public records websites.
Remove Online Information helps eliminate your data at the source.
Services Include:
- Data Broker Removal – Removing your name, address, and phone number from people-search databases.
- Reputation Management – Cleaning up search results containing personal information.
- Ongoing Privacy Monitoring – Preventing reappearances of deleted data.
- Comprehensive Support – Filing opt-out requests across 200+ major data aggregators.
“When your personal data disappears from data brokers, telemarketers lose access to your contact information—cutting off spam at its source.”
👉 Contact Remove Online Information to take control of your privacy and reduce unwanted intrusions.
How Data Brokers Impact Telemarketing Lists
Telemarketers often purchase contact lists from third-party data vendors. These lists may include phone numbers, addresses, and even income levels.
Data brokers compile this data from:
- Public records
- Online forms
- Retail loyalty programs
- Marketing opt-ins
By removing yourself from these databases, you dramatically reduce your exposure to spam and fraud attempts.
To learn how, visit How to Opt Out of Data Brokers.
How to Identify Scam Calls
Fraudulent telemarketers often use aggressive tactics or emotional manipulation. Watch for these red flags:
- Demanding immediate payment or sensitive information.
- Promising prizes or refunds in exchange for verification.
- Using spoofed caller IDs resembling government agencies.
- Refusing to provide a callback number or company address.
Never share personal or financial details unless you initiated the contact.
Example Script for Reporting Scam Calls
If you report a scam, include this template:
Date: [Insert Date]
Time: [Insert Time]
Caller ID: [Number or Name Shown]
Company Claimed: [Company Name]
Call Type: [Sales / Scam / Warranty Offer]
Details: [Brief description of conversation or threat]
Save screenshots or call logs when possible.
Practical Privacy Tips for Texans
✅ Use call-blocking features on your mobile phone.
✅ Register both your cell and landline with the Texas and National Do Not Call Lists.
✅ Avoid signing up for sweepstakes or “free trial” offers.
✅ Never confirm personal info to unsolicited callers.
✅ Use a virtual phone number for online accounts.
✅ Partner with Remove Online Information to erase your personal data from marketing databases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can verify your registration on TexasNoCall.com.
No. It only blocks legitimate telemarketers. Illegal robocalls must be reported separately.
Yes, within 12 months of your last transaction.
No. It remains active as long as your number is valid.
Yes. By removing your contact info from data brokers, telemarketers lose access to your data.
Yes. Registration is free and permanent.
Key Takeaways
- Registering for the Texas Do Not Call List is free, quick, and permanent.
- It dramatically reduces unwanted sales calls, though some exemptions apply.
- Report violations to the Texas Attorney General or PUCT for enforcement.
- For deeper privacy protection, use Remove Online Information to delete your data from online sources.
“Blocking unwanted calls starts with registration—but true peace of mind comes from removing your personal information from the web entirely.” — Remove Online Information
Works Cited
Public Utility Commission of Texas. “Texas No Call List.” PUCT.gov, https://www.texasnocall.com.
Texas Attorney General. “Consumer Protection – Telemarketing and No Call Lists.” TexasAttorneyGeneral.gov, https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.
Federal Trade Commission. “National Do Not Call Registry.” FTC.gov, https://www.donotcall.gov.
Texas Business and Commerce Code, Chapter 44. “Telephone Solicitation.” Texas Legislature Online, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov.
Federal Communications Commission. “Call Blocking Tools and Resources.” FCC.gov, https://www.fcc.gov/call-blocking.
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