---
"@context": https://schema.org
"@type": TechArticle
"@id": https://www.twilio.com/docs/api/errors/60251#article
headline: "60251: Invalid Templates parameter"
url: https://www.twilio.com/docs/api/errors/60251
inLanguage: en
dateModified: 2026-08-19T08:26:11.000Z
author:
  "@type": Organization
  name: Twilio Developer Education Team
publisher:
  "@type": Organization
  name: Twilio
---

# 60251: Invalid Templates parameter

Log Type: APPLICATION

Log Level: ERROR

## Description

The `Templates` parameter in your request to create a verification is not structurally valid. Twilio rejected the request before attempting to resolve any template.

`Templates` is a JSON-encoded array of template configurations, sent as a string because the Verify API uses `application/x-www-form-urlencoded`. Each entry requires a `sid` and may include an optional `substitutions` object.

HTTP status: 400

### Possible causes

* The `Templates` value is not valid JSON, or is valid JSON but not an array.
* An entry in the array is missing the required `sid` field.
* A `sid` value is not a valid template SID. Template SIDs start with `HJ` followed by 32 hexadecimal digits.
* An entry's `substitutions` value is not an object of key-value pairs.
* The array contains more than the maximum number of entries allowed.

### Possible solutions

* JSON-encode the `Templates` value as an array before URL-encoding it into the request body.
* Give every entry a `sid`, and copy each SID directly from the Twilio Console or from a Templates API response rather than typing it by hand.
* Send `substitutions` as an object, for example `{"sid": "HJ...", "substitutions": {"title": "Sign in"}}`.
* Reduce the number of entries so the list stays within the allowed maximum.
* Validate the `Templates` payload in your application before calling the Verify API.

### Related errors

* [Template was not found](/docs/api/errors/60228)
* [Missing substitutions for selected template](/docs/api/errors/60224)
* [The selected channel for template is not supported](/docs/api/errors/60227)

#### Additional resources

* [Start New Verification](/docs/verify/api/verification#start-new-verification)
* [Verify Templates API](/docs/verify/api/templates)
* [Getting Started with Verification Templates](/docs/verify/verification-templates)