How Do I Register an Artist Name With ASCAP?

Composers can join ASCAP and register their songs.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers does not register artist names, but it does register titles of songs and other works. If you have composed a piece of music that has been recorded, published or performed in a public venue, you are eligible to join ASCAP and register your work with them. ASCAP distributes royalties to its members, protects the copyright of registered works and supports artists as they develop their careers. It is member-owned, so membership does not conflict with membership in a performers' or writers' union.

Instructions

1. Gather the relevant information for your application: your social security number, the title of the piece that qualifies you for membership, who performed it and when and where, the name of the company that published it and the date it was released. Omit any information that does not apply.

2. Go to the "Join ASCAP" link on the ASCAP homepage. Click "Apply Now" under the "Writer" heading. A pop-up window will appear. Fill out the eligibility questionnaire.

3. Fill in the six-page application. It requests your personal information (including your social security number), contact information, member information, substantiation of your claim of eligibility, and your legal information.

4. Pay the membership fee on the final page of the application. The fee is one-time only and non-refundable.

5. Wait five days after receiving your ASCAP member ID. Then, go to the ASCAP homepage and select the link on the right side of the screen that says "Register Titles." Click the link that says "Activate Your Title Registration Account!" and fill in the form. When the activation has processed, you will be able to register titles of your compositions with ASCAP.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are under 18 years old, you cannot apply online and must acquire a paper application.

• ASCAP also registers music publishers. If you self-publish, complete the publisher application as well.

References

• ASCAP: Join ASCAP
• ASCAP: Register Titles

Resources

• The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers