Yes (Required as noted in DXCC Rule 1). DXCC handles close to 8,000 applications annually.The DXCC application form tells us what you are applying for and provides us with your current mailing address.

On the DXCC forms page you will find the DXCC application form and record sheet. Also, please review the help instructions on this page. These should guide you through the application process. Please note that the application process has changed over the years, so reviewing these instructions will help resolve any questions you may have on the process.

Application forms more than two years old cannot be accepted.

If you do not have web access send an SASE with 3 stamps or $3.00 to:
 

ARRL DXCC
225 Main Street
Newington, CT USA 06111

 
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Yes. It is good idea to keep a copy of this PDF for your personal records. Also, while Rule 1 requires that a DXCC application form be sent along with QSL cards, if you submit a hybrid application (cards along with LoTW) this form can be used in lieu of the standard DXCC application form.

This is the part of the application form that tells DXCC staff whether you are applying for a new award (certificate) or an endorsement.

• NEW indicates that a certificate is expected from the submission.
• More than one NEW award (certificate) can be applied for on a single application.
• If you checked NEW, and this was not your intent, once it is processed it cannot be undone.
• Also, next to NEW please be sure to indicate the band(s)and/or mode(s) certificates you are requesting.
• If an award is not requested, and NEW is checked, DXCC will issue a Mixed award only.
• Please DO NOT use this section of the DXCC application if you want a replacement for an old certificate.

•  ENDORSEMENT indicates that an applicant is building credits on an existing award(s).
• Please do not use the ENDORSEMENTblock if you do not have an award on the bands or modes. If you are building totals towards future awards, leave this blank.
• If you qualify for an award, but do not want a certificate, please DO NOT check off NEW.
• If you check this box, a certificate will be issued and you will be charged the appropriate fee(s). Again, this cannot be undone. If you leave this blank the DXCC system will automatically issue an endorsement for any award(s) for which a new endorsement level has been reached. (Even if you qualify for an endorsement but forget to check it).
• But, if you want a certificate and do not note NEW here, DXCC will not automatically issue it.

One of the most important things you can do in the application process is to sort your cards properly. The manual data entry of QSL cards, or QSOs noted on applications checked in the field, is the most costly and time-consuming part of the process. Everything applicants do to prepare applications according to these instructions goes a long way to:

• Reducing the turnaround time
• Reduce costs
• Helping DXCC get your return back to you quickly
• Reduce or eliminate errors

Your cards must be arranged:

Single QSO cards:

• First by band
• Then by mode within each band

Multi-QSO cards:

• Cards with more than one QSO should be placed at the end.

The sort order for multi-QSO cards does not matter. Cards must not be sorted alpha-numerically by call sign or by entity name.

If you are familiar with databases and data entry, you will understand how the sorting process helps expedite processing.

The most labor intensive and costly part of the DXCC program is the manual data entry of the QSO information. In the data-entry process DXCC staff must change the call sign and date with virtually every entry. When bands and modes are properly sorted, these fields will not have to be re-entered with each entry, as they are retained from the previous entry. If cards are properly arranged, DXCC can process an application in almost half the time it normally takes, it keeps costs down and helps reduce the chance for errors.

In some cases, DXCC may return the application to the applicant, at cost to the applicant, for proper sorting. This may happen for especially for larger applications.

Applications logged into the DXCC computer system are listed on the DXCC Web site. You can find the list of applications receved <here>. After clicking this link wait a few seconds to allow the entire list to load then search for your call sign. Call signs are listed alpha-numerically. Next to the call sign is the date the application was logged into the DXCC computer (This date can be as much as 4-7 days after actual receipt from the post office). Remember, the date noted is not necessarily the date it was recevied by ARRL, it only reflects that date it was logged into the DXCC cmputer. It will not reflect the date that a registered mail delivery was signed for.

At the top of this listing is a note on the current DXCC turnaround period. Averaging this date against the date your application was logged into the DXCC computer will tell you the approximate turnaround time it may take to complete your application. The estimated period is also noted here, within 1-2 weeks.