A do-not-call list, alternatively known as a do-not-call registry, is a compilation of personal phone numbers that are prohibited for use by telemarketers in various countries. Additionally, companies may uphold their private do-not-call lists, specifying numbers they refrain from contacting.

Congress passed the Telephone Consumer Protection Act in 1991 in response to consumer concerns about the growing number of unsolicited telephone marketing calls to their homes and the increasing use of automated and prerecorded messages.

National Do Not Call List

The United States federal government maintains the National Do Not Call Registry, which contains the phone numbers of individuals and families that have requested not to be contacted by telemarketers. Federal law mandates that specific callers must adhere to these requests. Separate laws and regulations govern robocalls in the United States.

Register Your Number in the Do Not Call Registry

Visit DoNotCall.gov or dial 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236) from the phone you wish to list. There’s no charge for this service.

Upon registering your number at DoNotCall.gov, you will receive an email containing a link that must be clicked within 72 hours to register your phone number in the do not call registry.

If you are still receiving spam calls, check out this alternative: how to block phone numbers.