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Phone System

How to Purchase a Phone Number

Learn how to purchase a phone number in GHL Customer Care, complete required verification, resolve purchase errors, and prepare your number for calls and SMS.

9 min read2,047 words8 explained imagesUpdated Thu, 3 Sep at 7:19 PM
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On this page
  1. Key Benefits of Purchasing a Phone Number
  2. Before You Purchase a Phone Number
  3. Confirm Your Phone Provider
  4. Review Number Availability and Costs
  5. Complete Identity Verification When Required
  6. Check Regulatory Requirements
  7. Use the Appropriate Process for a Number You Already Own
  8. How to Purchase a Phone Number
  9. Step 1: Open Phone System
  10. Step 2: Add a Phone Number
  11. Step 4: Choose an Available Number
  12. Step 5: Complete the Purchase
  13. After Purchasing Your Phone Number
  14. Complete Messaging Registration When Required
  15. Troubleshooting Phone Number Purchase Errors
  16. Purchase Error Checklist
  17. Information to Provide GHL Customer Care Support
  18. Frequently Asked Questions
  19. Related Articles

Purchasing a phone number in GHL Customer Care gives a sub-account a dedicated number for supported voice and messaging activities. This guide covers the LC Phone purchase process, including number selection, identity and regulatory requirements, and troubleshooting when a purchase cannot be completed. It also explains what to check after purchasing so the new number is ready for the calling and messaging activities you plan to use.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


What is Purchasing a Phone Number in GHL Customer Care?

Purchasing a phone number adds a new business number to a specific GHL Customer Care sub-account. The number can then be configured for supported calling, messaging, routing, voicemail, user assignment, and automation based on your business needs. Phone numbers are managed at the sub-account level, so purchasing from the intended location helps ensure the number is available where it will be used.

The in-app purchasing steps in this guide apply to LC Phone-managed sub-accounts. If your agency uses its own Twilio account connected to GHL Customer Care, purchase the number from the Twilio sub-account associated with the intended GHL Customer Care location instead. For instructions, see  Buying a Twilio Number in Your Connected Twilio Account .


Key Benefits of Purchasing a Phone Number

A dedicated business number gives you greater control over how calls and messages are managed inside the sub-account. After purchase, the number can be configured according to the communication needs of an individual user, team, department, or business workflow.

  • Two-Way Communication: Use supported phone numbers for inbound and outbound voice and messaging.
  • Local or Toll-Free Options: Search for supported local or toll-free numbers based on country, number type, and current availability.
  • Centralized Communication: Manage phone activity alongside contacts, conversations, workflows, and other GHL Customer Care tools.
  • Flexible Call Routing: Configure how incoming calls reach individual users, multiple team members, forwarding numbers, or voicemail.
  • Business and Personal Separation: Use a business number instead of relying on a team member's personal phone number.

Before You Purchase a Phone Number

Checking the phone provider, number requirements, and intended use before purchasing helps prevent common purchase errors. Availability, verification, pricing, and regulatory requirements can differ by country and number type.

Confirm Your Phone Provider

The phone provider determines where a new number should be purchased. Using the correct purchasing workflow helps ensure the number is associated with the intended GHL Customer Care sub-account.

Review Number Availability and Costs

Phone number inventory changes regularly, so a supported country or number type may not always have the exact number or area code you want. Availability can depend on the country, area code, number type, supported capabilities, regulatory requirements, and current provider inventory.

Purchased phone numbers also have recurring monthly rental charges. Pricing varies by country and number type, and additional usage or registration charges may apply depending on how the number is used. For current rates, see the  Phone System Pricing & Billing Guide .

Complete Identity Verification When Required

Persona identity verification helps verify the person responsible for an LC Phone-managed sub-account before certain phone-number purchases and compliance actions. Persona is required when purchasing an eligible +1 number for the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico, or a +972 number for Israel if the sub-account has not completed Persona verification before.

Persona is generally a one-time process per sub-account. For eligibility requirements and troubleshooting, see  Identity Verification for Phone Number Purchases (US/CA/PR/IL) .

Check Regulatory Requirements

Some countries and number types require an Address Bundle, Regulatory Bundle, supporting documentation, or other regulatory information before a phone number can be provisioned. Requirements vary by country and number type, so complete any regulatory prompts displayed during the purchase process. For setup instructions, see  Regulatory Bundle and Address Creation for Sub-Accounts .

Use the Appropriate Process for a Number You Already Own

Purchasing is intended for obtaining a new phone number. If you already own the number you want to use, the correct process may involve porting, importing, moving, or hosting the existing number instead of purchasing another one. If the number is currently with another provider, see  Porting Options: US In-App vs International Manual Process .


How to Purchase a Phone Number

Purchasing the number from the intended LC Phone-managed sub-account ensures it is added to the location where it will be used. Complete any identity, address, or regulatory requirements that appear during the purchase process before finalizing the transaction.

Step 1: Open Phone System

Opening Phone System from the intended sub-account ensures that the new number is purchased for the correct location.

  1. Log in to the GHL Customer Care sub-account where you want to purchase the number.
  2. Click Settings.
  3. Select Phone System.
Step 1: Open Phone System (image 1 of 8) What this shows Log in to the GHL Customer Care sub-account where you want to purchase the number. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 1: Open Phone System" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". This screenshot appears in the "Step 1: Open Phone System" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". The text alongside this image reads: Log in to the GHL Customer Care sub-account where you want to purchase the number. Click Settings. Select Phone System. Immediately after, the guide continues: If Persona verification is required for the purchase, GHL Customer Care may prompt you to complete verification during the purchase flow. Image 1 of 8 What to chooseLog in to the GHL Customer Care sub-account where you want to purchase the number. Click Settings. Select Phone System.
Buttons and menus referenced sub-accountSettingsPhone System
Next stepIf Persona verification is required for the purchase, GHL Customer Care may prompt you to complete verification during the purchase flow.
All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. Log in to the GHL Customer Care sub-account where you want to purchase the number.
  2. Click Settings.
  3. Select Phone System.

If Persona verification is required for the purchase, GHL Customer Care may prompt you to complete verification during the purchase flow.

Step 2: Add a Phone Number

The + Add Number menu contains the options for adding phone resources to the sub-account. Select the phone-number option to begin searching for a new number.

  1. From Phone System, open the Phone numbers tab.
  2. Click + Add Number.
  3. Select Add Phone Number.
Step 2: Add a Phone Number (image 2 of 8) What this shows From Phone System, open the Phone numbers tab. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 2: Add a Phone Number" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Add a Phone Number" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". The text alongside this image reads: From Phone System, open the Phone numbers tab. Click + Add Number. Select Add Phone Number. This part of the guide covers 5 fields, listed below. Immediately after, the guide continues: Select the Country and Search Filters. Image 2 of 8 What to chooseFrom Phone System, open the Phone numbers tab. Click + Add Number. Select Add Phone Number.
Fields in this part of the guide Digits or phrases within the phone numberVoice capabilitySMS capabilityMMS capabilityLocal or toll-free number type
Buttons and menus referenced + Add NumberPhone SystemPhone numbersAdd Phone NumberCountryFilter
Next stepSelect the Country and Search Filters
Example values
Digits or phrases within the phone number
+1 312 847 1928

Illustrative values showing the expected format. They are not read from the screenshot.

All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. From Phone System, open the Phone numbers tab.
  2. Click + Add Number.
  3. Select Add Phone Number.
Step 3:  Select the Country and Search Filters

Choosing the country determines the available phone-number inventory and applicable purchasing requirements. Filters help narrow the available results to numbers that match your preferred digits, capabilities, or number type.

  1. Select the desired Country.
  2. Click Filter to refine the available results.
  3. Apply the filters that are relevant to your needs.

Available filters can include:

  • Digits or phrases within the phone number
  • Voice capability
  • SMS capability
  • MMS capability
  • Local or toll-free number type
Step 2: Add a Phone Number (image 3 of 8) What this shows Digits or phrases within the phone number Voice capability SMS capability MMS capability Local or toll-free number type What this shows Illustrates the "Step 2: Add a Phone Number" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Add a Phone Number" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". The text alongside this image reads: Digits or phrases within the phone number Voice capability SMS capability MMS capability Local or toll-free number type. This part of the guide covers 5 fields, listed below. Immediately after, the guide continues: Reviewing the available inventory lets you compare phone numbers, capabilities, number type, address requirements, and displayed pricing before making a selection. Image 3 of 8 What to fill inDigits or phrases within the phone number Voice capability SMS capability MMS capability Local or toll-free number type
Fields in this part of the guide Digits or phrases within the phone numberVoice capabilitySMS capabilityMMS capabilityLocal or toll-free number type
Buttons and menus referenced + Add NumberPhone SystemPhone numbersAdd Phone NumberCountryFilter
Next stepReviewing the available inventory lets you compare phone numbers, capabilities, number type, address requirements, and displayed pricing before making a selection.
Example values
Digits or phrases within the phone number
+1 312 847 1928

Illustrative values showing the expected format. They are not read from the screenshot.

All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. From Phone System, open the Phone numbers tab.
  2. Click + Add Number.
  3. Select Add Phone Number.

Step 4: Choose an Available Number

Reviewing the available inventory lets you compare phone numbers, capabilities, number type, address requirements, and displayed pricing before making a selection.

  1. Review the available phone numbers.
  2. Select the number you want to purchase.
  3. If you want to view different inventory, click Refresh Results.
  4. If necessary, adjust your filters or search another appropriate area code.
Step 4: Choose an Available Number (image 4 of 8) What this shows Review the available phone numbers. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 4: Choose an Available Number" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". This screenshot appears in the "Step 4: Choose an Available Number" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". The text alongside this image reads: Review the available phone numbers. Select the number you want to purchase. If you want to view different inventory, click Refresh Results. If necessary, adjust your filters or search another appropriate area code. Immediately after, the guide continues: If no suitable number is available, try broader filters, a nearby or overlay area code, or another supported number type. If you still cannot find a suitable number, see How to Request a Number That's Not Available. Image 4 of 8 What to chooseReview the available phone numbers. Select the number you want to purchase. If you want to view different inventory, click Refresh Results. If necessary, adjust your filters or search another appropriate area code.
Buttons and menus referenced Refresh Results
Next stepIf no suitable number is available, try broader filters, a nearby or overlay area code, or another supported number type. If you still cannot find a suitable number, see How to Request a Number That's Not Available.
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Review the available phone numbers.
  2. Select the number you want to purchase.
  3. If you want to view different inventory, click Refresh Results.
  4. If necessary, adjust your filters or search another appropriate area code.

If no suitable number is available, try broader filters, a nearby or overlay area code, or another supported number type.
If you still cannot find a suitable number, see  How to Request a Number That's Not Available.

Step 5: Complete the Purchase

Reviewing the selected number and any required compliance information before confirming the transaction helps prevent failed purchases and unexpected setup requirements.

  1. Select the desired phone number.
  2. Review the displayed capabilities, number type, address requirement, and monthly price.
  3. Click Proceed to Buy.
Step 5: Complete the Purchase (image 5 of 8) What this shows Select the desired phone number. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 5: Complete the Purchase" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". This screenshot appears in the "Step 5: Complete the Purchase" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". The text alongside this image reads: Select the desired phone number. Review the displayed capabilities, number type, address requirement, and monthly price. Click Proceed to Buy. Immediately after, the guide continues: Depending on the selected country and number type, GHL Customer Care may require an approved address or Regulatory Bundle before the transaction can be completed. Complete the requested information before proceeding. Image 5 of 8 What to fill inSelect the desired phone number. Review the displayed capabilities, number type, address requirement, and monthly price. Click Proceed to Buy.
Buttons and menus referenced Proceed to Buy
Next stepDepending on the selected country and number type, GHL Customer Care may require an approved address or Regulatory Bundle before the transaction can be completed. Complete the requested information before proceeding.
All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. Select the desired phone number.
  2. Review the displayed capabilities, number type, address requirement, and monthly price.
  3. Click Proceed to Buy.

Depending on the selected country and number type, GHL Customer Care may require an approved address or Regulatory Bundle before the transaction can be completed. Complete the requested information before proceeding.

Step 5: Complete the Purchase (image 6 of 8) What this shows Depending on the selected country and number type, GHL Customer Care may require an approved address or Regulatory Bundle before the… What this shows Illustrates the "Step 5: Complete the Purchase" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". This screenshot appears in the "Step 5: Complete the Purchase" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". The text alongside this image reads: Depending on the selected country and number type, GHL Customer Care may require an approved address or Regulatory Bundle before the transaction can be completed. Complete the requested information before proceeding. Immediately after, the guide continues: Complete any required identity, address, Regulatory Bundle, or confirmation prompts. Confirm the purchase. Image 6 of 8 What to fill inDepending on the selected country and number type, GHL Customer Care may require an approved address or Regulatory Bundle before the transaction can be completed. Complete the requested information before proceeding.
Buttons and menus referenced Proceed to Buy
Next stepComplete any required identity, address, Regulatory Bundle, or confirmation prompts. Confirm the purchase.
All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. Select the desired phone number.
  2. Review the displayed capabilities, number type, address requirement, and monthly price.
  3. Click Proceed to Buy.
  1. Complete any required identity, address, Regulatory Bundle, or confirmation prompts.
  2. Confirm the purchase.

After a successful purchase, GHL Customer Care displays the newly purchased number and may identify additional configuration or registration requirements based on how the number will be used.

Step 5: Complete the Purchase (image 7 of 8) What this shows After a successful purchase, GHL Customer Care displays the newly purchased number and may identify additional configuration or registration… What this shows Illustrates the "Step 5: Complete the Purchase" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". This screenshot appears in the "Step 5: Complete the Purchase" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". The text alongside this image reads: After a successful purchase, GHL Customer Care displays the newly purchased number and may identify additional configuration or registration requirements based on how the number will be used. Immediately after, the guide continues: Registration required notice for the newly purchased US local number. Image 7 of 8 What this coversAfter a successful purchase, GHL Customer Care displays the newly purchased number and may identify additional configuration or registration requirements based on how the number will be used.
Buttons and menus referenced Proceed to Buy
Next stepRegistration required notice for the newly purchased US local number.
All 3 steps in this procedure
  1. Select the desired phone number.
  2. Review the displayed capabilities, number type, address requirement, and monthly price.
  3. Click Proceed to Buy.

 Registration required notice for the newly purchased US local number.


After Purchasing Your Phone Number

A successful purchase adds the number to the sub-account, but additional configuration or messaging registration may still be required before the number is ready for its intended use. Confirm the number appears in Phone System, configure its call behavior, and complete any applicable messaging requirements.

  1. Go to Settings → Phone System → Phone numbers.
  2. Confirm that the newly purchased number appears in the list.
After Purchasing Your Phone Number (image 8 of 8) What this shows Go to Settings → Phone System → Phone numbers. What this shows Illustrates the "After Purchasing Your Phone Number" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". This screenshot appears in the "After Purchasing Your Phone Number" section of "How to Purchase a Phone Number". The text alongside this image reads: Go to Settings → Phone System → Phone numbers. Confirm that the newly purchased number appears in the list. Immediately after, the guide continues: Open the number's configuration. Configure the appropriate routing, forwarding, voicemail, or user settings. Make a test call to the number from another phone to confirm inbound calling works as intended. Complete any messaging…. Image 8 of 8 Where to goGo to Settings → Phone System → Phone numbers. Confirm that the newly purchased number appears in the list.
Buttons and menus referenced Settings → Phone System → Phone numbers
Next stepOpen the number's configuration. Configure the appropriate routing, forwarding, voicemail, or user settings. Make a test call to the number from another phone to confirm inbound calling works as intended. Complete any messaging registration or verification required for the number before relying on it for SMS or MMS.
All 2 steps in this procedure
  1. Go to Settings → Phone System → Phone numbers.
  2. Confirm that the newly purchased number appears in the list.
  1. Open the number's configuration.
  2. Configure the appropriate routing, forwarding, voicemail, or user settings.
  3. Make a test call to the number from another phone to confirm inbound calling works as intended.
  4. Complete any messaging registration or verification required for the number before relying on it for SMS or MMS.

For detailed routing, forwarding, voicemail, and phone-number settings, see  Overview of Phone Number Configuration Options.

Complete Messaging Registration When Required

Messaging capability on a phone number does not automatically mean that all business messaging traffic is ready to send. Registration requirements depend on the number type and the recipients you plan to message.


Troubleshooting Phone Number Purchase Errors

A failed purchase can be caused by identity verification, regulatory requirements, changing inventory, restrictive search criteria, or the phone provider connected to the location. Checking these items in order can help determine whether the issue can be resolved directly or requires assistance from GHL Customer Care Support.

Purchase Error Checklist

If Proceed to Buy does not complete the transaction, a number cannot be processed, or GHL Customer Care displays a message directing you to contact Support, use the checks below before repeatedly attempting the purchase.

  1. Confirm the sub-account: Make sure you are purchasing from the location where the number should be used.
  2. Confirm the phone provider: The in-app workflow in this article is for LC Phone. Agencies using their own connected Twilio account should purchase the number from the appropriate Twilio sub-account.
  3. Check Persona verification: If you are purchasing an eligible +1 or +972 number, complete any Persona identity-verification prompt that appears.
  4. Check address or regulatory requirements: If the selected country or number type requires an Address Bundle or Regulatory Bundle, complete the required information and approval before retrying the purchase.
  5. Refresh the inventory: The selected number may no longer be available. Click Refresh Results and try another available number.
  6. Broaden the search: If suitable numbers do not appear, adjust restrictive filters or try a nearby or overlay area code.
  7. Contact GHL Customer Care Support if the error continues: If GHL Customer Care specifically directs you to Support, or the purchase still fails after completing the checks above, contact Support and provide the error details. See  24/7 Customer Support Options .

Information to Provide GHL Customer Care Support

Providing the exact purchase details and error information helps Support distinguish between an inventory issue, compliance requirement, and account-specific purchase failure.

Include:

  • Sub-account name
  • Location ID
  • Country
  • Number type
  • Selected phone number, if applicable
  • Exact error message
  • Screenshot or screen recording of the error
  • Persona verification status, if applicable
  • Regulatory Bundle or Address status, if applicable
  • Troubleshooting steps already attempted

Important: Do not provide passwords, payment-card information, government-issued identity documents, or other sensitive credentials unless GHL Customer Care provides an approved secure method for submitting the required information.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the monthly price in my account differ from the price shown in a screenshot?
A: Phone-number pricing varies by country and number type, and pricing can change over time. The screenshots in this article illustrate the purchasing workflow and should not be treated as a pricing quote.

Q: Is Persona verification the same as A2P 10DLC or Toll-Free Verification?
A: No. Persona verifies identity for eligible LC Phone compliance actions. A2P 10DLC and Toll-Free Verification are separate messaging-registration processes that apply to specific number types and messaging use cases.

Q: Can one LC Phone number route calls to multiple team members?
A: Yes. A number can be configured as a dedicated inbound line for one user or use shared routing to ring multiple team members. For setup options, see  How to Assign LC Phone Numbers to Users .

Q: Does SMS or MMS capability mean I can start sending messages immediately?
A: Not necessarily. Capability indicates that the number supports that type of communication, but applicable carrier registration or verification requirements must still be completed before messaging can be used as intended.

Q: Can I purchase another number if a specific area code is unavailable?
A: Yes. You can search another available area code or number type. If you specifically need an unavailable number or area code, follow the unavailable-number request process.


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