How to send cards to the Bureau

IF9ZWA QSL card

Sending cards to the RSGB QSL Bureau

This section provides guidance for RSGB Members who would like to send QSL cards via the Bureau.

Members who wish to use faster alternatives should see the page that explains the Fast Track and Direct Print Services.

Responsible QSLing

To reduce waste and unnecessary cost:

Avoid sending multiple cards where one is enough
Check QSL preferences during the QSO or on QRZ.com before sending
Consider electronic confirmation where appropriate

Eligibility to send cards

Sending QSL cards via the RSGB QSL Bureau is a member-only benefit.

You must ensure that any callsign you use for sending cards is correctly recorded in your RSGB Membership Services account. Please do this by logging on via the RSGB website or contacting RSGB HQ.

Please note:

Club and special-interest group call signs must not be listed as secondary personal call signs
Special Event (GB) call signs should be listed as secondary call signs to the NOV holder
Cards must not be sent “via” another RSGB member — cards are delivered to the call sign used in the QSO

Fair usage policy

The RSGB QSL Bureau is provided as a member benefit. To ensure the service remains sustainable and fair to all users:

Individual members may send up to 15kg of cards per year (approximately 5,000 standard cards)
Affiliated Clubs may send up to 20kg of cards per year
Senders should normally send no more than 1kg of cards per DXCC entity per month. Larger quantities should be sent directly to the destination bureau
Heavy users (for example DXpeditions and some clubs) are strongly encouraged to route higher volumes of QSL cards via the Fast Track services

These limits will be kept under review as usage data becomes available from the DARC QSL Bureau.

Card specification

All cards are processed by the DARC QSL Bureau using semi-automatic sorting and mechanical bundling systems. To ensure efficient handling:

Preferred card size: 90 × 140 mm (3½ × 5½ inches)
Maximum weight: 3 grams per card
Cards should be two sided (not foldable and multiple sided)
Cards must be made of stiff paper or thin card
Each card must clearly show:
- sender’s call sign
- recipient’s call sign
- date and time (UTC)
- frequency or band
- mode
- signal report (RST)

Cards that are oversized, too thick, or contain inappropriate content (including commercial advertising) may be rejected.

Bundling and packing

Foreign cards must be sorted in order by DXCC country prefix
Bundles of QSL cards must be clearly labelled with the country or bureau name (eg “France – REF”, “USA – ARRL”).
Secure bundles with rubber bands or paper straps only
Do not use adhesive tape, plastic wrapping, staples or metal clips
Cards from different call signs must not be mixed

Short Wave Listeners (SWLs) and overseas members

Listener (SWL) members may use the Bureau, provided reports contain sufficient detail to be of value
Overseas RSGB Members in countries without an IARU-affiliated QSL bureau may send cards via the RSGB QSL Bureau