How do I upgrade my general membership to an amateur membership?

If you have a general or lifetime membership, you can upgrade to an amateur membership to compete in AQHA amateur classes.

To compete in the AQHA amateur division, a general or life membership must be upgraded to amateur status. To upgrade your membership, you must sign an AQHA amateur agreement. (Read the agreement terms here.)

You can upgrade your general membership in myAQHA.com and the AQHA.com member portal. View the step-by-step myAQHA User Guide.

Here’s how to upgrade to an amateur membership online via our member portal:

  1. Log in to your AQHA.com account.
  2. Go to the “Membership” section of your member portal.
  3. Click “Join or Renew.”
  4. Click “Join as Amateur Member.”
  5. You will be taken to a page to select a membership type.
    1. “Amateur 12-month Upgrade” is $10.
    2. “Amateur 36-month Upgrade” is $30.
  6. Review the Amateur Membership Agreement and select “I Accept” under the Amateur Membership Agreement section.
  7. If you intend to compete in Level 1 classes, you can fill out the Level 1 Application below the Amateur Membership Agreement section and submit along with your membership upgrade.
    1. If you do not need to submit a Level 1 Application, proceed to cart.
  8. Proceed to cart and finish your transaction. Once you have paid for your upgrade, you will receive a new AQHA membership card in the mail and as well as an email confirming your upgrade.

Another option is to email, fax, or mail a PDF version of your Membership Application to our Member Experience team. Email at generalinfo@aqha.org, fax to 806-349-6404 or mail to:

Attn: Membership

P.O. Box 200.

Amarillo, TX 79168

For additional questions, contact Member Experience at 806-378-4811, Option 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central, Monday through Friday.