Preparing a Complete Registration Package

Last Updated: July 21, 2008

Message from the Director of Compliance on Registration.

All manufacturers, exporters, and brokers of defense articles, defense services, or related technical data, as defined on the United States Munitions List (Part 121 of the ITAR) , are required to register with DDTC. Registration is primarily a means to provide the U.S. Government with necessary information on who is involved in certain manufacturing and exporting activities. Registration does not confer any export rights or privileges, but is a precondition for the issuance of any license or other approval for export.

Registration Form, Guidelines, and Other Documents

Download Helpful Hints on submitting a complete registration package and material changes to registration. A complete package consists of a DS-2032, Transmittal Letter, Legal Documentation and other attachments as needed.

Download a Form DS-2032, Registration as Exporter, Manufacturer, or Broker. (Note: Until the DS-2032 form is updated, the mailing address in the instructions is superseded by the address information provided in Helpful Hints).

Download a Transmittal Letter. (Note: The transmittal letter suggested format must be modified, as applicable, regarding a conviction, indictment, ineligibility or foreign ownership and control.)

Download a standard registration incomplete letter.

Registration Fees

Registration fees are $1,750 per year.

Additional Information:

The registration code includes a letter prefix M (designating a manufacturer and/or exporter) or K (designating a broker) before the registrant's four- or five-digit registration number (e.g., K-1234 or M12345). The code no longer includes a four-digit prefix containing the month and day on which the registration expires.

Registration Review Times

New and renewal registrations that are determined to be complete submissions are generally reviewed and action taken in 3-4 weeks. Incomplete submissions may take longer to review as the registrant must be contacted to provide additional information and registrant must respond by supplying the additional information. Alternatively, we may return your incomplete submission and fee.

Renewal registration packages (pursuant to ITAR §122.3), must be submitted and received by this Office at least 30 days prior to expiration date. We would recommend, however, that packages be submitted and received by this office at least 60 days prior to expiration date. Registration must be current to apply for export licenses or other approvals, or to use export exemptions. A current registration also means notifying DDTC of any changes to your transmittal letters or material change in the information contained in your Registration Statement (ITAR §122.4).

Lapse in Registration. A registrant who fails to renew a registration and, after an intervening period, seeks to register again must pay registration fees for any part of such intervening period that the registrant has been in the business. Please contact the Registration and Compliance Division prior to submitting your registration package to determine the exact amount owed.

General Questions on Registration

For general questions on registration including preparation of registration forms and status, please contact the Response Team at (202) 663-1282 or by e-mail at DDTCResponseTeam@state.gov.