The ARRL is making some changes effective April 2, 2012 that are intended to streamline how the DXCC program operates, and encourage participation. In summary they are:
- No more hybrid applications. Each DXCC application — be it paper QSLs, LoTW or Online DXCC — will be considered separate applications with separate application fees.
- There are no limits on the number of applications that can be submitted. There will be no more surcharges added to the second or subsequent applications.
- A traditional, paper QSL application will have an application fee of $15 for ARRL members, and $25 for non-members. These applications will be allowed to include up to 101 QSOs. Additional QSOs in this sort of application will continue to cost 15 cents each.
- A DXCC application submitted using LoTW will have an application fee of $5 for ARRL members and $10 for non-members. There are no limits on the number of QSOs that can be included as part of a LoTW application. Each QSO used in LoTW for an award will cost 12 cents, down from a minimum of 15 cents in 2011. We will no longer sell LoTW “credits” in bulk. If you have credits stored, you will still be able to use them.
- DXCC staff will not mail any paperwork for LoTW applications (credit matrix or application summary), as all application information will be available online in the LoTW User account.
- An Online DXCC Application will have an application fee of $7.50 for ARRL members and $12.50 for non-members and will be allowed to include up to 101 QSOs. Additional QSOs will cost 8 cents. This application is primarily intended to be used in conjunction with field checkers, but can be used by applicants who do not have access to a card checker and are willing to ship cards to ARRL HQ.
- Certificates will still cost $14 delivered in the USA, and $16.50 delivered outside the USA. Pins will continue to cost $7 delivered anywhere.
- The fee for an initial DXCC award will now be the same as for any DXCC application.
- The free DXCC Yearbook that was sent to ARRL members will now be made available electronically, and it will appear in an edition of Digital QST. For those who want a League-printed Yearbook, it will still be available at a modest cost.
