How to get QSL Cards from this Bureau
To receive incoming DX cards via the bureau,
amateur radio operators need an "account" established with
this bureau. This can be in the form of
Self-Addressed-Stamped-Envelopes (SASEs) on file at the
bureau, or in some cases by establishing a cash account with
the appropriate letter manager. The three options are:
These options have been been updated with a new
fee schedule effective 11 November 2024.
Option 1. Send SASEs to the Bureau.
This is the option most frequently chosen by
operators to get their incoming cards from the Bureau.
A letter manager is assigned to each call sign
based upon the first letter following the number in the call
sign. The letter manager for NQ4K is the "K" letter
manager. The Bureau's letter managers receive incoming QSL
cards, sort them by call sign, and either put them into a
Self-Address Stamped Envelope (SASE) or into an unclaimed QSL
file. When the SASE is fill, the letter manager puts it
into the USPS mail.
Generally SASEs are 6 x 9 side-opening
envelopes with the operators address in the front middle,
stamps for 1, 2, or 3 ounces postage in the upper right hand
corner, and the amateur radio operator's call sign in the
upper left corner. We never send more than 3 ounces in
an envelope as that then becomes a package at a much higher
rate.
For the normal operator making a few DX
contacts, we recommend sending 2 envelopes with 1 forever
stamp each. For a heavy DX'er, we recommend maintaining
3-4 envelopes with 1 forever first class stamp on each
envelope. We will notify you when we need additional
envelopes by including a notice in your last envelope.
You prepare the envelopes and mail them to the
Bureau. Along with $1 per envelope to handle bureau
internal administrative shipping and handling.
This method ensures the address is correct on the
envelope.
4th Call Area Incoming QSL
Bureau
PO Box 599
Sterling, VA 20167
Option 2. Send
Funds for Bureau prepared SASEs.
The second option is to request SASEs from this
Bureau. We will prepare the SASEs for you if you send funds to
the Bureau.
To use this option, send $2.00
for each envelope to the above mailing address. Include
your mailing address and call sign. We will address the
SASE and apply 1 ounce of postage. Please print clearly.
Checks should be make out to Sterling Park
Amateur Radio Club with your call sign in the memo
field. Alternatively, but not necessarily recommended,
you can send cash. We currently do not support
electronic fund transfer.
Option 3. Maintain a "cash
account" with your Letter Sorter.
Some Letter Managers will accept cash and
maintain a cash account. This is entirely up to the preference
of the Letter Manager. This reduces the amount of space
required by the Letter Manager, however this also incurs the
additional risk of losing the funds and additional effort by
the letter manager to keep track of the funds.
A list of the Letter Managers that accept money
and maintain a "cash account" is available at: