Since the early 1990's, field checking has become an important resource for checking applications without sending QSL cards to HQ. Under this program, cards are checked by persons specifically approved by ARRL HQ.  

On March 31 2000, the "old" card-checking program was eliminated. Under the current rules, only one Card Checker is required. In addition, cards for all DXCC entities are eligible for checking. Only a few categories of cards may not be checked by Card Checkers.  

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Field checking is having cards checked outside of the DXCC office. This is done by appointment with an approved DXCC Card Checker. The card checker will verify the applicant's cards against a paper application. The applicant's cards are then returned to the applicant. The card checker then forwards the paperwork and fees to HQ for processing.

Yes. Card Checkers cannot check:  

Cards for 160-Meters
Cards for deleted entities

in 2007 DXCC removed the 10 years checking rule. Card checkers can now check all cards dating back to November 15, 1945 except as noted above. (See section IV rule 1(a))

Yes, regardless of whether you plan to meet with a card checker or send cards to him/her via mail. You do not need an appointment with Card Checkers at a convention, provided you do not have more than the allotted number of cards (120).

Yes. Card Checkers verify your cards against your application record sheet and then return cards to you. The Card Checker will then send the paperwork to DXCC.

If you take cards to a card checker by appointment there is no limit on the number of cards they can check. They only have the restrictions noted above.

Yes, but, only if DXCC staff is present. If DXCC staff is present there is a limit of 120 cards, per applicant. DXCC staff normally attends conventions that have higher attendance levels. The 120 card limit is to assure that no one is turned away due larger numbers of DXCC applications to be checked.

If your record sheet format matches the DXCC version of the record sheet form EXACTLY across the page, AND the listing is sorted as required above, you may use an alternative form.

No. The Checker must send all applications personally. If this happens, your application cannot be processed and will be returned unprocessed. You must provide the checker with a SASE or sufficient postage to cover all costs including mailing applications to ARRL HQ.

No. Cards cannot accompany a field-checked application under any circumstances.

You may submit non-checkable cards in a separate application, or you may simply send all of your cards in one application directly to HQ. If you send non-checkable cards separately, they will constitute a separate application, subject to the appropriate fees.

Yes.

Yes. We still need to manually enter your data from the record sheets into the computer, and the sort order is just as important as it is with seeing cards.

There is little difference in the checking procedures. If a DXCC staff person attends the convention, all restrictions are waived. When someone from DXCC staff, or certain ARRL staff who have been authorized to check applications attent the convention there is a "convention fee" of $7.00. This fee is ONLY charged when DXCC staff attends the convention or hamfest. Anytime any authorized staff person attends and check cards (where the checking restrictions are waived) the $7.00 fee applies.

When applications are checked by authorized DXCC card checkers and no DXCC staff is present, this fee is not charged. The only additional fee a DXCC card checker is authorized to charge is a small fee to cover the postage for mailing application to the DXCC desk.

Yes, slightly. In instances where DXCC staff is attending a convention, the normal restrictions on card checking don't apply since the staff person can check all cards. At conventions where DXCC staff is present there is an additional $5 fee charged in addition to the application fees. The $5 is not charged if DXCC staff is not in attendance.

Yes. As noted in rule 15(b) applicants can have cards checked at ARRL HQ. Applicants are allowed a maximum of 120 QSO's. Application with more than 120 QSO's can be brought to ARRL, but the application may not be completed the same day. Applicants can choose to come back and pick up their cards at a later date, or ask to have us mail them back. Cards must be arranged in the proper order as noted on the record sheet. DXCC staff will enter up to 120 QSO's per applicant while you wait. Certificates and endorsement stickers will be issued upon completion of the application. Processing time while you wait may be anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.

Yes, but all paperwork must be properly prepared and all fees must accompany the application.

No. This is often referred to as the "General Certification Rules" among IARU member societies. DXCC is not part of this program.

See the details of the Section IV rule

QSL Card Checkers must : 

Have a DXCC award endorsed to at least 150 entities
Be nominated by a Section Manager, DX club or their Division Director. (Each Director is allowed one nomination)
Be personally known to the person making the nominating
Be an ARRL member
Complete an open book test
Have Internet and e-mail capability
Be willing to serve as reasonable times and places, i.e. conventions.