Why confirm contacts

Contact confirmation proves that a two-way communication actually occurred. Confirmed contacts count toward awards like DXCC (100+ countries), WAS (50 states), VUCC (VHF/UHF grid squares), and contest results. Without confirmation, the contact is claimed but unproven.

Confirmation methods

Logbook of the World (LoTW)

The standard. ARRL's electronic confirmation system. Both operators upload their logs to LoTW, and the system automatically matches contacts. Confirmed contacts count toward ARRL awards (DXCC, WAS, VUCC). Free to use. Requires a digital certificate for security.

Setup: Create a LoTW account at lotw.arrl.org. Request a digital certificate (callsign validation via postcard or online). Install TQSL software. Upload logs in ADIF format after each operating session.

The #1 tip: Upload your logs promptly. The sooner you upload, the sooner the other station's upload can match.

QSL cards (traditional)

Physical postcards exchanged between operators confirming a contact. Include both callsigns, date, time, frequency, mode, and signal report. QSL cards count toward DXCC and other awards when submitted to the ARRL card checking program.

How to exchange:

Direct: Mail your QSL card directly to the other station with a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) or green stamp ($1 bill for return postage). Fastest but most expensive.
Bureau: Send cards through the ARRL outgoing QSL bureau ($2/lb for ARRL members). The bureau sorts and forwards cards to other countries' bureaus. Slow (months to years) but cheap.
QSL manager: Some DX stations and DXpeditions use a QSL manager who handles incoming and outgoing cards. Check QRZ.com for the station's QSL manager.

eQSL

An electronic QSL card system. Both stations upload logs, and the system generates electronic QSL cards. eQSL confirmations count toward the eQSL awards program but are NOT accepted for ARRL awards (DXCC, WAS).

QRZ logbook

QRZ.com offers a logbook with contact confirmation similar to eQSL. QRZ confirmations count toward QRZ-specific awards but are NOT accepted for ARRL awards.

The practical approach

Upload every log to LoTW. This is free and automatic. Do it for every contact.
Use eQSL or QRZ logbook if you want electronic QSL images.
Send paper QSL cards for special contacts (DXpeditions, rare countries, memorable QSOs).
Check your LoTW matches periodically — you may have DXCC credit you do not know about.

QSL and contact confirmation guide