Music Copyright Registration Guide

Copyright attaches automatically when you create an original work. Registration is a separate step — but a critical one, because it controls what remedies you can seek if someone infringes.

What you can register

• Form PA — the musical composition (the underlying song, lyrics + melody).
• Form SR — the sound recording (the specific recorded performance).
• Group registrations — multiple unpublished works or an album of published sound recordings, filed together at a discounted fee.

Why timing matters

• Registration before infringement (or within 3 months of publication) unlocks statutory damages and attorney's fees in federal court.
• Registration after infringement still lets you sue in federal court, but generally limits you to actual damages.
• The Copyright Claims Board accepts claims for works with a completed or pending registration.

How to file

1. 1
   Set up an eCO account

   The Copyright Office's Electronic Copyright Office (eCO) is the online filing system.
2. 2
   Choose the right form

   PA for compositions, SR for sound recordings, GRAM for album groups, GRUW for groups of unpublished works.
3. 3
   Upload a deposit copy

   Digital audio and lyric sheets typically satisfy the deposit requirement.
4. 4
   Pay the filing fee

   Fees vary by form and group type — see our Copyright Registration Costs guide.
5. 5
   Wait for the certificate

   Processing times range from a few months to over a year. Your effective date is your submission date.