Step 1: Understand What You're Protecting
What is Copyright?
Copyright gives you exclusive legal rights to your original music. Once registered, you can:
- Sue for infringement in federal court
- Collect statutory damages up to $150,000 per work
- License your music for films, TV, commercials
- Prove ownership with official government documentation
Two Types of Music Copyright
Composition Copyright (PA Form)
Protects the written music:
- Melody and harmony
- Lyrics
- Musical arrangement
Sound Recording Copyright (SR Form)
Protects the recorded performance:
- The actual recording
- Performance elements
- Production choices
Pro Tip: Register both types for complete protection. You can often do this with a single application if you're the songwriter and performer.
Step 2: Gather Required Materials
What You'll Need
📁 Digital Files
- Audio files: MP3, WAV, or FLAC of your songs
- Sheet music: PDF if you have written notation
- Lyrics: Text document with complete lyrics
📋 Basic Information
- Your legal name and contact information
- Song titles (exactly as you want them registered)
- Creation dates (when you finished each song)
- Co-writer information if applicable
💳 Payment Method
- $35 per application (credit card or bank transfer)
- Single song: $35
- Album/EP: $35 (all songs together)
Step 3: Create Your Copyright.gov Account
Registration Process
- Visit the official site:
- Click "Register a New Account"
- Fill in your personal information:
- Legal name (must match your ID)
- Email address
- Phone number
- Mailing address
- Verify your email and log in
- Navigate to "Register a New Claim"
Important: Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your ID. This cannot be easily changed later.
Step 4: Choose Your Application Type
Select the Right Form
Form PA (Performing Arts)
Choose this for:
- Songs you wrote (composition)
- Lyrics and melodies
- Musical arrangements
Most Common for Songwriters
Form SR (Sound Recording)
Choose this for:
- Your recorded performances
- Master recordings
- Production elements
For Recording Artists
💡 Pro Strategy: Register Both
If you wrote AND recorded the song, you can often register both copyrights in a single SR application by checking "Yes" when asked if you're also claiming the underlying composition.
Step 5: Complete Your Application
Fill Out Required Fields
📝 Work Information
- Title: Exact name of your song/album
- Year of completion: When you finished the work
- Publication: Date first made available to public (if applicable)
- Nature of work: "Musical work" or "Sound recording"
👤 Author Information
- Author name: Your legal name
- Work made for hire: Usually "No" for independent artists
- Author's contribution: "Entire work" or specify parts
- Citizenship: Your country of citizenship
🏢 Claimant Information
- Copyright owner: Usually same as author
- Address: Where copyright notices should be sent
Tip: Save your application frequently. The system will time out after periods of inactivity.
Step 6: Submit Files and Pay
Upload Your Work
📤 File Upload Requirements
- Audio files: MP3, WAV, FLAC (up to 500MB total)
- Multiple songs: Can upload as separate files or combined
- Sheet music: PDF format if available
- Lyrics: Text document or PDF
💳 Payment Process
- Fee: $35 per application (non-refundable)
- Payment methods: Credit card, debit card, ACH transfer
- Processing: Payment must clear before review begins
⏱️ What Happens Next
- Confirmation: You'll receive an email confirmation
- Processing time: 3-6 months for standard applications
- Certificate: Official copyright certificate mailed to you
- Effective date: Protection starts from your submission date
🎉 Congratulations! What's Next?
Once you've submitted your copyright application, your music is officially protected! Here are your next steps: