Mechanical License Application Forms Under the United States Copyright Act, the right to use copyrighted, non-dramatic musical works in the making of phonorecords for distribution to the public for private use is the exclusive right of the copyright owner. Please see the Statutory Royalty Rates for additional information. It should be noted that a mechanical license does not include the right to reproduce an already existing sound recording. That is a separate right, which must be procured from the copyright owner of such sound recording.
Mechanical licenses are available only to U.S. manufacturers or importers with U.S. addresses.
To complete a license application, simply use the online form and follow the instructions provided there. You must have a credit card to obtain a license online . Print these forms on plain white paper . Only typewritten or neatly printed, block letter style requests will be accepted. A complete application consists of an Application for New Licensing Account and the Mechanical License Request Form .