Quick Answer
Yes. Crossref requires a valid print or online ISSN to identify your journal before it will approve DOI registration, whether you apply directly or through a sponsor. If you don't have an ISSN yet, apply for one first - it typically takes 2-4 weeks - and use that waiting period to prepare your website, editorial board page, and peer-review policy, since Crossref also expects those before approving a journal.
Why Crossref Requires an ISSN
Crossref registers DOIs at the article level, but it needs a stable, internationally recognized identifier for the journal each article belongs to - that's exactly what an ISSN provides. Without one, Crossref has no reliable way to group your articles under a single, verifiable publication record, and metadata deposits referencing your journal will be rejected.
Does This Apply to Both Direct and Sponsored Membership?
Yes, without exception. Whether you're applying for direct Crossref membership or going through an authorized sponsor like GetDOI/SRND, the ISSN requirement is set by Crossref itself, not by the sponsor. No sponsor can bypass it.
Don't Have an ISSN Yet? Here's What to Do
- Apply through your country's national ISSN center (or the international ISSN Centre in Paris if no national center exists for your country). In India, this is handled through the Raghunath Kabra ISSN center / National Science Library process.
- Prepare your journal's basic details: title, publisher, first issue date, and a working website with at least one published article.
- Expect 2-4 weeks for ISSN issuance, though this varies by country and how complete your application is.
- Start your DOI registration application in parallel - most sponsors, including GetDOI/SRND, can begin the requirements review while your ISSN is pending, so you're ready to move the moment it arrives.
What Else Does Crossref Check Alongside the ISSN?
| Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Valid ISSN | Uniquely identifies your journal |
| Functional website | DOIs must resolve to real, accessible content |
| Published content | Shows the journal is an active publishing operation |
| Editorial board | Demonstrates a professional publishing structure |
| Peer-review policy | Signals academic quality standards |
Print ISSN, Online ISSN, or Both?
Crossref accepts either a print ISSN or an online (e-ISSN), or both if your journal has them. If your journal is online-only, an e-ISSN alone is sufficient - you do not need a print ISSN as well.