QRZ.com
Amateur radio callsign lookup and community website.
QRZ.com serves as a central hub for amateur radio operators, offering a searchable directory of nearly every global callsign. Its name comes from the Q code meaning "Who is calling me?"—a fitting reference to the site’s core function of helping hams identify each other across countries. The platform pulls its data from the U.S. FCC database and, where possible, from other nations’ online records. Registered users can update their own entries for accuracy, often adding details about their station, antennas, or personal interests. The site also hosts discussion forums and personal pages where operators can share photos of their radio shacks, contact information for QSL cards, and listings of equipment for sale. The project began in 1992, when founder Fred L. Lloyd used FCC data to create a CD-ROM of all U.S. callsigns. A copy of that disc now resides on the International Space Station, and another was once aboard the Russian Mir station.
- Founder
- Fred L. Lloyd
- Year founded
- 1992
- Data source
- FCC database and online databases of other nations
- Notable copies
- A copy of the CD-ROM is carried on board the International Space Station and one was also aboard the Russian Mir space station
Lore & Background
QRZ.com was founded in 1992 by Fred L. Lloyd, who accessed data from the FCC database to create a CD-ROM containing all call signs issued in the United States. A copy of that CD-ROM is carried on board the International Space Station, and one was also aboard the Russian Mir space station. The name QRZ is derived from the Q code meaning 'Who is calling me?', reflecting the site's purpose of assisting amateur radio operators with callsign lookup from every country.
Reader's Guide
QRZ.com is significant as a central resource for amateur radio operators worldwide, providing a comprehensive lookup of callsigns from every country. Its data is pulled directly from the FCC database and from online databases of other nations when available, ensuring broad coverage. Registered users can edit their own data for accuracy and currency, and many list additional information about their station, antennas, and other life interests. The website also features online discussion forums and personal web pages where operators can post pictures of their ham radio shack, share facts about themselves, and provide contact information for QSL cards or equipment sales. Its recognition as one of the most visited amateur radio websites underscores its role in the community.
Did You Know?
- QRZ.com lists almost every callsign in the world.
- The name QRZ is the Q code for 'Who is calling me?'.
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