The FCC Will Let Callers Pick How You Opt Out, Starting Nov. 25

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Starting November 25, 2026, the FCC’s new consent revocation rules let a caller designate one specific way for people to opt out of robocalls and texts, like replying STOP. Here’s what changed, what stayed the same, and what’s still undecided.

Nov. 25
2026 effective date, the day before Thanksgiving
3
opt-out methods a caller can designate as the only one
Jan. 31
2027 date this replaces for part of the old rule

What do the FCC’s consent revocation rules change?

The FCC published its final rule in the Federal Register on October 26, 2026. According to the notice, the order was adopted September 30 and released October 1. It makes three main changes.

One designated way to opt out

Until now, the rule said callers had to honor revocation requests made “using any reasonable method.” Under the new rule, a caller may designate one of three methods as the exclusive way to revoke consent: an automated voice or key-press option on a call, specific standardized words in reply to a text, or a website or phone number the caller provides.

Opt-outs by category

For informational robocalls only, a caller may treat a revocation as covering just that category. The FCC’s example: someone who opts out of payment reminders can still get fraud alerts or appointment reminders.

Fraud alerts from banks

A financial institution’s exemption for fraud-alert calls is widened. A number from a “reliable source” can now count, such as one from an authorized family member on the account or one obtained when the customer calls in.

What does a caller have to do to use the exclusive method?

Picking a method isn’t enough on its own. The FCC says the caller has to clearly and conspicuously disclose the designated method on the call or in the text. A caller that doesn’t designate one still has to honor revocation requests made in any reasonable way.

Texts get a small break. The notice says text senders don’t have to list all seven standardized words in every message. Naming one, like “stop,” meets the disclosure requirement. But the sender still has to honor a revocation made with any of the standardized words.

The FCC says its change for category-specific opt-outs affects informational robocalls only. A revocation in response to a robocall that contains an advertisement or is telemarketing revokes consent to all future robocalls of that kind from that caller. The notice also says the change doesn’t alter the existing opt-out methods for calls made under an exemption, or for prerecorded calls that advertise or telemarket.

What’s still undecided?

The FCC also put out a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. One question in it is whether callers should have to offer a one-step way to revoke consent to all future robocalls. It’s a proposal and a request for comment, not a rule. Law firm commentary, like this note from Troutman Pepper Locke, points to it as the next thing to watch.

Key dates

  • September 30, 2026FCC adopts the order (released October 1).
  • October 26, 2026Published in the Federal Register.
  • November 25, 2026New rule takes effect, ahead of the earlier January 31, 2027 date for the relevant part of 47 CFR 64.1200(a)(10).

The change moves some weight onto the disclosure. If a caller designates an exclusive method, how clearly it tells people about that method may matter as much as the method itself. Many companies will likely review their message templates and opt-out wording before the date. If that’s you, run the wording past a TCPA attorney. Rules like this often get tested in the cases that follow.

Frequently asked questions

When do the new FCC revocation rules take effect?

November 25, 2026, according to the Federal Register notice.

Do people still have to be able to opt out of texts?

Yes. The rule is about how. A caller that designates an exclusive method still has to disclose it, and still has to honor revocations that use the standardized words in a reply text.

Does this apply to marketing texts and calls?

The category-specific piece does not. The FCC says it covers informational robocalls only, and that a revocation in response to a marketing or telemarketing robocall revokes consent for all such robocalls from that caller.

Where consent starts

Opt-out rules are about how consent ends. The record shows how it began.

ExpressConsent records exactly what a person saw when they agreed to marketing calls or texts, then stores it as a Certified Digital Record. Our guide covers what goes into one, and what it can’t do.

Talk to ExpressConsent

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Sources

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Disclaimer: TCPA Today is an independent news and educational resource powered by ExpressConsent. This post is general information and is not legal advice. Allegations in legal proceedings are not findings of wrongdoing unless established by a court.