How to Get a USA ISSN for Your Journal? Complete Step by Step Guide for Publishers
Complete guide on applying for USA ISSN for academic journals. Learn eligibility criteria, required documents, step-by-step application process, and tips to increase approval success with ScholarJMS.
However most new publishers are confused about how to obtain an ISSN in the United States. The process involves eligibility checks, sample publication proof, portal registration, documentation submission and waiting period. In this detailed guide we will walk through how to apply for a USA ISSN correctly with zero confusion so that your journal registration is accepted without delay.
You will also learn how ScholarJMS can help you prepare and configure your journal website in a format that aligns with ISSN requirements. A compliant website layout increases approval success because the ISSN assigning authority verifies publication structure, continuity and accessibility before approval.
This blog is crafted to serve as a reference guide for new publishers, universities, research institutes and independent journal owners.
What is ISSN? Understanding the Basics, Types and Format
ISSN stands for International Standard Serial Number. It is an eight-digit unique identifier assigned to serial publications and continuing resources such as academic journals, conference proceedings, magazines, newsletters, annual reports, and online research publications.
The primary purpose of an ISSN is to distinguish one publication from another and to help libraries, indexing bodies and cataloging systems track journal identity accurately across digital and print platforms.
Unlike ISBN which is used for books, ISSN is dedicated only to regularly published serials. Once assigned, the ISSN does not change unless the journal title itself changes.
Types of ISSN
There are generally two types:
ISSN (Print)
Assigned to printed or physical copies of a journal
eISSN (Online)
Assigned specifically for online digital-only versions
Important: If a journal is published both in print and online, two separate ISSNs are required. One for print and one for electronic publication.
Some journal types may also require:
ISSN-L (Linking ISSN)
Used to link all formats (print + online) under one family identity
ISSN for continuing resources
For evolving databases, directories or updating platforms
Note: Most research journals applying for USA ISSN will typically need eISSN first unless they supply print copies for evaluation.
ISSN Format
The ISSN format is fixed and globally recognized:
ISSN 1234-5678Basic characteristics include:
- ✓ Contain eight digits divided into two groups of four
- ✓ The final digit may be a number from 0 to 9 or the letter X
- ✓ A hyphen separates the first four digits from the last four
Example formats:
ISSN 2984-8830ISSN 2348-1269ISSN 2456-4184ISSN 2984-889X
(where X acts as a checksum value)
Once issued, the number becomes permanent and is globally used to identify the publication.
What is USA ISSN? and Who Provide USA ISSN?
Journal that have base organization from USA, they can have USA ISSN. In the United States, ISSN assignment, is managed by the U S ISSN Center through ISSN Uplink, the official submission portal for publishers.
Why ISSN is important?
The ISSN confirms that your journal is a serial publication and qualifies it for academic identification in libraries, indexing databases, discovery services and research repositories.
Indexing Eligibility
Required for indexing eligibility
Library Tracking
Helps libraries and universities track publications
Journal Identity
Supports journal identity in cataloging systems
DOI Linking
Required for Crossref DOI linking in many cases
Credibility
Enhances academic credibility and publication authority
Must Have
Any journal planning long term publishing must apply for ISSN at the earliest
Eligibility to Apply for USA ISSN
Before beginning ISSN registration ask whether your journal qualifies. The U S ISSN Center reviews applications based on strict criteria. Your journal must fall under any of these categories:
✓ A serial publication issued in parts with issue numbers or dates
✓ Expected to continue indefinitely, not a one-time release
✓ Can be print or fully online publication
✓ Can be journals, magazines, newspapers or academic blogs
✓ Conference proceedings are also eligible
✓ Updating resources such as databases and online directories qualify
⚠️ Important for Open Access Journals
The journal must publish minimum five articles before applying for ISSN. This policy exists to ensure that the publication is active and sustainable.
Important Restriction for USA ISSN Application
🚨 Critical Requirement
The U S ISSN Center assigns ISSN only to journals located within the United States or its territories.
This means:
If your journal is operated from any country outside the US you need to contact the ISSN office in your country instead.
Documents and Information Required for ISSN Application
Based on the ISSN Uplink instructions a publisher must prepare the following details before submitting:
⚠️ Incorrect or missing details lead to delays so prepare everything in advance.
How to Apply for USA ISSN Step by Step
Follow this process carefully:
Create an Account on ISSN Uplink
Sign up on the official U S ISSN submission portal via direct link https://locexternal.servicenowservices.com/issn_app?id=issn_app_registration. This will be your dashboard for future documentation and communication.
Submit Application for Journal Title
Each journal requires a separate application form. If you have more than 20 titles special approval is needed.
Upload Supporting Documentation/Screenshot
You must provide samples. For online journals add published articles. For print journals, samples must be mailed physically.
Verification in Progress
Wait for Verification
ISSN review team evaluates journal layout, publishing history and accessibility.
Receive ISSN Allocation
Once approved you will receive an eight digit ISSN code. You must display it on your journal website homepage and articles.
Success!
⏰ Processing Time
Normal processing time is up to six weeks
⚠️ Important Note
Applications with incorrect data or missing materials experience delays so accuracy saves time
How ScholarJMS Helps You Get ISSN Fast
One of the biggest challenges publishers face is preparing a professional website that ISSN reviewers can verify and approve. If the site lacks structure, empty pages or broken navigation your ISSN application may face delay.
This is where ScholarJMS provides a major advantage.
ScholarJMS offers:
✓ ISSN Compliant Design
ISSN compliant journal design layout
✓ Recognized Structure
Homepage structure recognized by ISSN approval
✓ Ready Sections
Ready sections for Editorial Board, About and Policy Pages
✓ Quick Publishing
Quickly publish five articles to meet ISSN requirement
✓ Zero Technical Setup
Zero technical setup for launching journal in one day
✓ DOI Ready
Crossref DOI ready system to activate post ISSN
When a journal looks well-structured active and publication ready approval becomes easier. ScholarJMS reduces workload by giving you a complete publishing environment from day one.
Instead of coding, waiting for developers or modifying templates, you start with a system built for ISSN and indexing readiness.
Tips to Increase USA ISSN Approval Success
To improve approval speed, follow this checklist:
If all the above items are fulfilled your ISSN approval probability increases significantly.
Conclusion: ISSN is the First Step Toward International Indexing of your journal
Getting a USA ISSN is not difficult when you understand the process clearly. The key requirement is a complete journal website and published articles. Once your ISSN is granted you unlock opportunities for DOI registration, indexing submission, library listing and global research recall.
ScholarJMS makes this journey simple. With a ready to launch ISSN friendly architecture, AI powered submission workflow, transparent peer review via Scholar9 and Crossref DOI integration, your journal can become publication ready in one day without coding or IT staff.
Smart Strategy for Journal Registration
If you are planning to register a new academic journal in USA the smart strategy is simple. Build it on ScholarJMS first, publish five articles, submit to ISSN Uplink and progress to indexing with confidence.
Your ISSN is the beginning. ScholarJMS makes everything that comes after even better.
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