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Setup Guide
Beginner Friendly

P.R.O. Registration Setup Guide

Set up your Performing Rights Organization account to start collecting royalties when your music is played publicly. Choose between ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC and get registered in under 30 minutes.

Setup Guide by Artispreneur
20-30 minutes to complete
4 setup steps
Free Guide
Quick Start Checklist
Step 1: Choose Your P.R.O.

Compare the Big Three

ASCAP

Cost: $50 writer fee

Founded: 1914

Members: 900,000+

Best for: Traditional songwriters

Join ASCAP

BMI

Cost: Free for writers

Founded: 1939

Members: 1.3 million+

Best for: Independent artists

Join BMI

SESAC

Cost: Invitation only

Founded: 1930

Members: 30,000+

Best for: Established artists

Apply to SESAC

💡 Quick Decision Guide

  • New to music? Choose BMI (free to join)
  • Have some success? Consider ASCAP (more traditional)
  • Established artist? Apply to SESAC (invitation only)
Step 2: Gather Required Information

What You'll Need

📋 Personal Information

  • Legal name (as it appears on tax documents)
  • Professional name (your artist/stage name)
  • Social Security Number or Tax ID
  • Date of birth
  • Contact information (address, phone, email)

🏦 Banking Information

  • Bank account number for royalty payments
  • Routing number
  • Account type (checking or savings)
  • Bank name and address

🎵 Music Information

  • List of your songs (titles and completion dates)
  • Co-writer information (if applicable)
  • Publisher information (if you have one)
  • Music genres you work in
Step 3: Complete Your Registration

Registration Process

1. Create Your Account

  • Visit your chosen P.R.O.'s website
  • Click "Join" or "Sign Up"
  • Choose "Writer" membership (not publisher)
  • Fill in all required personal information

2. Verify Your Identity

  • Upload government-issued ID
  • Confirm your Social Security Number
  • Verify your email address
  • Complete any additional verification steps

3. Set Up Payment Information

  • Enter your banking details for royalty payments
  • Choose payment frequency (quarterly is standard)
  • Set up direct deposit
  • Confirm all payment information is accurate

4. Pay Membership Fee (if applicable)

  • ASCAP: $50 writer membership fee
  • BMI: Free for writers
  • SESAC: No fee (invitation only)

Processing Time: Account approval typically takes 1-3 business days. You'll receive an email confirmation when approved.

Step 4: Start Adding Your Songs

Register Your First Songs

📝 Song Registration Process

  1. Log into your new P.R.O. account
  2. Navigate to "Add Works" or "Register Songs"
  3. Enter song title exactly as you want it registered
  4. Add completion date and first performance date
  5. Include any co-writers and their P.R.O. affiliations
  6. Set ownership percentages (must total 100%)
  7. Submit for registration

⚠️ Important Registration Tips

  • Exact titles: Use the exact song title (spelling matters)
  • Co-writer splits: Confirm percentages with all writers first
  • Publisher info: Leave blank if you're self-published
  • Multiple versions: Register each unique arrangement separately

🎯 What Happens Next

  • Processing: Songs typically process within 1-2 weeks
  • Confirmation: You'll receive confirmation when songs are active
  • Royalty collection: Starts immediately for future performances
  • Statements: Quarterly royalty statements and payments
🎉 You're All Set! What's Next?

Congratulations! Your P.R.O. account is set up and you're ready to collect royalties. Here's what to do next:

Learn how to add more songs to your P.R.O. accountDistribute your music to streaming platformsCopyright your music for full protection
Back to Setup GuidesNext Guide: Add Songs to P.R.O.