Quick answer: How to copyright a song in the US: your song is protected by copyright automatically once it’s written down or recorded. To get the full legal benefits, register it with the U.S. Copyright Office at copyright.gov. As of October 2026, electronic registration costs $45 for an eligible Single Application or $65 for a Standard Application. The Office has proposed higher fees for fall 2026, so check the current fee page before you file.
I’m a songwriter, not a lawyer. This is general information to help you understand the process. For advice about your specific situation, talk to an entertainment attorney.
How to copyright a song: is my song already copyrighted?
Yes, in the US copyright protection begins when an original work is “fixed in a tangible medium,” such as a lyric sheet, a lead sheet or a voice memo recording. You don’t need to register for the song to be protected. Registration does give you important extras, including the ability to file an infringement lawsuit in federal court for US works and, if registered in time, the possibility of statutory damages and attorney’s fees.
What’s the difference between a composition and a sound recording?
A song can involve two separate copyrights:
| Musical composition | Sound recording | |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | The melody, lyrics and music as written | A specific recorded performance |
| Usually owned by | Songwriter(s) and publisher | Artist or record label |
| Example | The song you wrote | Your demo or album recording of it |
According to the Copyright Office’s Circular 56A, you can register both on one application when the same claimant owns both and they are on the same recording. Otherwise, file separately.
How do I register a song with the U.S. Copyright Office?
- Create an account in the Copyright Office’s online registration system at copyright.gov.
- Choose the application type. The Single Application is for one work, by one author, who is also the sole owner, and not made for hire. Co-written songs typically need the Standard Application.
- Fill in the details: title, author(s), year of creation, publication status and what you’re claiming (lyrics, music, sound recording).
- Pay the fee online.
- Upload a copy (the “deposit”), such as an audio file or a lead sheet.
- Wait for the certificate. Processing times vary; check the Office’s current estimates.
How much does it cost to copyright a song?
| Registration option | Current fee (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| Single Application (one author, one work, sole owner, not for hire) | $45 |
| Standard Application (e.g., co-writers) | $65 |
| Group of works on one album | $65 |
| Group of unpublished works | $85 |
| Paper filing | $125 |
Source: U.S. Copyright Office fee schedule. A proposed schedule for fall 2026 would raise the Single Application to $55, so confirm before filing.
Can I register several songs at once?
Yes. The group registration for unpublished works lets you register a batch of unpublished songs together, and there’s a separate group option for works published on the same album. Check the eligibility rules on copyright.gov, since they’re specific.
Does mailing a song to myself protect it?
The “poor man’s copyright” isn’t a substitute for registration. It doesn’t give you the legal benefits that registration does.
What about co-writers?
When you write with someone, agree on splits (who owns what percentage) in writing, ideally right after the session. Unclear splits cause most songwriting disputes.
What should I do after registering?
- Join a performing rights organization (PRO) such as ASCAP, BMI or SESAC (in the US) to collect performance royalties.
- Register with The MLC for US digital mechanical royalties.
- For worship songs, consider CCLI so churches can report your songs.
- Keep records: drafts, voice memos, dates and split sheets.
Which application should you use? A quick decision guide
| Your situation | Likely option |
|---|---|
| You wrote the song alone and own it, and it’s not a work made for hire | Single Application (if you meet all its conditions) |
| You co-wrote the song | Standard Application |
| You wrote, performed and recorded it alone and own both | Possibly one application for both composition and recording; see Circular 56A |
| You have several unpublished songs | Group registration for unpublished works |
| You released several songs on one album | Group registration for works on an album |
These are summaries. Always read the eligibility rules on copyright.gov before filing, because choosing the wrong application can delay or cause a refusal of your claim.
What do the fees look like now vs. the proposed increase?
I re-checked the U.S. Copyright Office fee page on October 25, 2026. The current fees above are still in effect. The Office has also published a proposed fee schedule meant to take effect in fall 2026. Here’s what it proposes for the options songwriters use most:
| Opt |
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