E911 with VoIP is not optional. It is a legal requirement. And getting it wrong can literally cost lives. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is E911?
Enhanced 911 (E911) automatically sends your location to emergency dispatchers when you dial 911. With landlines, the phone company knows your address because the line is physically connected to your building. With VoIP, there is no physical line — so the system needs to be configured correctly.
The Legal Requirement
Kari's Law (2020): All multi-line telephone systems must allow direct dialing of 911 without requiring a prefix (no dialing 9 first). They must also provide notification to a designated person when 911 is called.
RAY BAUM's Act (2022): VoIP providers must transmit a "dispatchable location" with every 911 call. This means the specific floor, suite, or room — not just the building address.
| Requirement | What It Means | Penalty for Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Direct 911 dialing | No prefix required | FCC fines up to $10,000/violation |
| On-site notification | Alert security/front desk | FCC fines |
| Dispatchable location | Floor/suite/room level | FCC fines, liability |
The VoIP E911 Problem
With traditional phones, location is automatic. With VoIP:
| Scenario | Risk |
|---|---|
| Employee works from home | 911 dispatches to office address instead of home |
| Employee uses mobile app from hotel | 911 dispatches to office address |
| Office moves to new building | Old address still registered |
| Multi-floor office | Dispatcher knows building but not floor |
How to Configure E911 Correctly
Step 1: Register Every Location
Every physical location where a VoIP phone or softphone is used must have an E911 address registered:
- Main office address (include floor/suite)
- Branch offices
- Home addresses for remote workers
- Common areas (lobby, conference rooms on different floors)
Step 2: Enable Nomadic E911
For users who move between locations (remote workers, mobile app users), enable dynamic location updating:
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| User self-registration | User updates their address in the app when they move |
| Network-based detection | System detects which office WiFi network the user is on |
| GPS-based (mobile app) | App sends GPS coordinates with 911 call |
Step 3: Configure Kari's Law Compliance
- Remove any 9+911 dial patterns — 911 must work directly
- Set up 911 call notification to:
- Security desk
- Office manager
- IT administrator
- Include caller extension, name, and registered location in the notification
Step 4: Test Annually
Call your local PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) non-emergency number and coordinate a test. Verify:
- Call routes to correct PSAP
- Correct address is displayed
- Correct callback number is transmitted
- On-site notification fires
reliable options include VestaCall (https://vestacall.com) for businesses under 200 users handles E911 registration for every user including remote workers, with automatic Kari's Law compliance built into every plan.
