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How to Fill Out QSL Cards

The exchange of QSL cards is part of the enjoyment of amateur (ham) radio. The cards serve as a record of contacts made with other stations. The card can be initiated by you or, it can be in response to a card received. Some hams use QSL cards to verify contacts to earn certificates like the DX Century Club (DXCC), Worked All States (WAS), worked all provinces (Canada), or other awards. Accurately preparing your QSL card is an important part of good amateur radio practice.

Things You'll Need

Appropriately designed card Your contact log book Permanent marker or pen Large security envelope Self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) Postage IRC (International Reply Coupon) or currency for return postage

Instructions

Steps in Completing a QSL Card
- 1
  Order or design your own QSL cards with the required information. Include your call sign, name and address, other important contact information, and the contact information for your QSL manager or QSL bureau, if you have one. You can include membership and award information if desired. And, include previous call signs you have held. Include spaces for each of the information reports required.
- 2
  Locate the information about the contact from your log book. Note the call sign, date of contact, time of contact in UTC time, the band or frequency, the mode used, and the signal report you gave.
- 3
  Prepare a self-addressed stamped envelope that includes your country. Get International Reply Coupons (IRCs) at the post office to enclose in mail going outside the United States. Dollar bills ("green stamps") can be used in place of IRCs, if necessary.
- 4
  Address a security-lined envelope to the contact (direct mailing) or to the designated QSL manager or bureau ("Buro") designated by the contact. Direct addresses can be located in callbooks published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) or online callbooks such as Buckmaster or QRZ (see Resources).
- 5
  Personalize the card by adding a thank you if a QSL has been received or a polite request to QSO if one has not, along with your signature.
- 6
  Place the QSL card and an SASE or IRC in the security envelope. Add sufficient postage for the final destination and mail.

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