Application Process
-
Do I need an application form with each submission?-
Yes (Required as noted in DXCC Rule 1). DXCC handles +/- 12,000 to 14,000 applications annually. The DXCC application form tells us what you are applying for and provides us with your current email and mailing address. If you have moved since submitting a previous application, or if you fail to submit an updated application form with your cards, all DXCC will have on file is the last address we used; attaching a current form with each submission guarantees that DXCC will have the latest information about you, which will ensure that all paperwork, certificate(s), and cards will be mailed to the proper location.
On the DXCC Forms page, you will find the DXCC application form and record sheet.Note: The instructions will guide you through the application process. Please use current appliction forms.
Go Now -
What do "NEW" and "ENDORSEMENT" mean on the application?+
This part of the application form tells DXCC staff whether you are applying for a new award (certificate) or an endorsement (building totals on existing award(s).
- NEW award indicates that a certificate is expected from the submission.
- More than one NEW award (certificate) can be applied for in a single application.
- If you checked NEW award and this was not your intent, once it is processed it cannot be reversed.
- Be sure to indicate the type of certificate(s) you are requesting next to NEW award.
- Please DO NOT use this section of the DXCC application if you want a replacement for an old lost or damaged certificate. Replacement certificates can be ordered by calling 860-594-0200 or by completing our DXCC Item Order form available from the DXCC Forms section on the main page. If you qualify for an award, but do not want a certificate, please do not check off NEW.
- Fees for certificates are NOT included with application fees. Fees for certificate(s) and shipping are separate and be located from: http://www.arrl.org/dxcc-forms
ENDORSEMENT indicates that an applicant is building credits on an existing award.
- Please do not use ENDORSEMENT 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 leave this area blank, the DXCC system will automatically issue an endorsement for any award(s) for which a new endorsement level has been reached.
-
Is there a specific way my cards must be sorted?+
Card sorting is only required when submitting a Traditional Paper Application and Record Sheet:
Single QSO cards:
• First by band
• Then by mode within each bandMulti-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.
-
Why do I have to sort cards by band then mode?+
If cards are properly arranged, DXCC staff can process an application in almost half the time it normally takes, keeping costs down and helping reduce the chance for errors.
The manual data entry process is the most costly and time-consuming part of processing applications. Everything applicants do to prepare their application according to the posted instructions will help DXCC staff process applications quickly. -
-
How can I verify that my application has been received at HQ?+
Applications logged into the DXCC system are listed on the DXCC Applications Received page. Call signs are listed alpha-numerically. Next to the call sign is the date the application was logged into the DXCC system. The date noted may not be the date the application was received by ARRL, as our Accounting Department records all incoming mail before it is delivered to the DXCC Department. This only reflects the date that it was logged into the DXCC program..
-
Is there a way to determine the current turnaround time for processing DXCC applications?+
Basically, yes.
As noted in the previous question regarding the DXCC Applications Received page, this page contains important information that will give you a pretty good estimate of the turnaround time.
After opening the DXCC Application Received page, read the two opening paragraphs at the top. The first paragraph gives you an estimate of the current period DXCC is processing. Now, look down at the date your application was logged into the DXCC program. If you compare these two dates, this should give you an approximate turnaround time.
Send an e-mail to dxccrules@arrl.org if you have any questions.
