How to Register with a PRO: ASCAP, BMI & SESAC

A Performance Rights Organization (PRO) collects performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers. If you write music and it's being streamed, played on radio, or performed live, you should be a member of one.

Which PRO Should You Join?

In the United States, you can only be a member of one PRO at a time. Here's how they compare:

ASCAP

• Cost: $50 one-time fee
• Open to: All songwriters and publishers
• Known for: Large membership, strong film/TV representation
• Payment schedule: Quarterly, with a 2.5% processing fee deducted

BMI

• Cost: Free to join (no registration fee)
• Open to: All songwriters and publishers
• Known for: Largest US PRO by membership, strong representation across genres
• Payment schedule: Quarterly, no processing fee

SESAC

• Cost: Free, but invitation-only
• Open to: By application/invitation only
• Known for: Smaller, selective roster, higher average payout per member

Global Music Rights (GMR)

• Cost: Invitation-only
• Known for: Premium, smaller roster

Recommendation for most independent artists: Start with BMI (free to join) or ASCAP ($50). Both are reputable and cover all genres.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Create Your Account

Go to your chosen PRO's website (ascap.com or bmi.com) and sign up as a writer. You'll need:

• Legal name and address
• Social Security Number or Tax ID (for royalty payments)
• Your publishing company name (if you have one — if not, you can self-publish)

Step 2: Register as a Publisher (Optional but Recommended)

If you don't have a publishing deal, you can register as your own publisher. This lets you collect the publisher's share of performance royalties (50% of the total) in addition to your writer's share.

• ASCAP: Separate publisher application, $50 fee
• BMI: Separate publisher application, free

Step 3: Register Your Songs

This is the step most people miss. Being a PRO member isn't enough — you must register each composition with:

• Song title
• Writer name(s) and split percentages
• Publisher name(s) and split percentages
• ISWC (if you have one — optional at registration)

Step 4: Submit Setlists for Live Performances

If you perform your original songs live, submit your setlists to your PRO. ASCAP's system is called "ASCAP OnStage" and BMI's is "BMI Live." This ensures you get paid for live performances of your own material.

Step 5: Keep Your Catalog Updated

Every time you release a new song, register it with your PRO. Unregistered songs earn nothing — the PRO can't pay you for songs they don't know you wrote.

Common Mistakes

• Joining but not registering songs — membership alone doesn't trigger payments.
• Not registering as a publisher — you're leaving 50% of your royalties uncollected.
• Wrong splits — if co-writers register different percentages, the PRO holds the money until it's resolved.
• Not submitting live setlists — live performance royalties are real money, especially for touring artists.

International Writers

If you're outside the US, you likely have a local PRO (PRS in the UK, SOCAN in Canada, GEMA in Germany, etc.). These organizations have reciprocal agreements with US PROs, so your songs are tracked globally. Register with your home country's PRO — they'll collect from the US on your behalf.

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This article is for educational purposes. Visit your PRO's website for the most current fee and registration details.