How to Register for PRS

PRS for Music is the UK organisation that collects and distributes royalties to songwriters, composers and publishers.  Registering as a writer with PRS ensures you are paid whenever your music is streamed, broadcast, performed live, or used publicly, even if you aren’t signed to a label or publisher. 

Membership gives you full visibility and control over your royalties through an online dashboard, while PRS’s global network means your songs can earn income internationally as well.

Who can join

Any songwriter or composer who owns the copyright to their music—whether they are signed, unsigned, published, or independent—can join PRS for Music and begin collecting royalties.

How to join

You can join PRS for Music through their online registration form, which takes about 15 minutes to complete, 

Have the following information and documentation ready:

• Personal Details: Your full contact information, including your current address and phone number.
• Banking Information: Have your bank account details ready, as this is where your royalties will be paid.
• Proof of Identity: You’ll need a valid passport or photocard driving licence
• Credit or debit card to pay the registration fee The one-time membership fee to join as a writer is £100. If you are under 25, the fee is discounted to £30. 

Go to the PRS for Music “Join” page and select “Join as a writer.” 

Complete the online application form with your personal and contact details, provide required identity verification or documentation when requested and pay the one-time membership fee. 

Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive confirmation and a membership number (CAE/IPI), which is used to identify your rights. 

Please note that your official PRS membership becomes active:

• From 1 Jan :  if you apply between Jan–Jun
• From 1 July : if you apply between Jul–Dec

Once you have membership, you can log in to the online portal and begin registering your works. 

Registering Your Music

Once you’re a member, you can register your songs using PRS’s online “Register My Music” tool. It will guide you through essential details like the title, writers involved, and the royalty splits. The process is designed to be clear and flexible, allowing you to include additional elements such as ISRC codes or notes. After submitting a work, it usually appears in the PRS database within a couple of working days, ensuring your music is ready to generate royalties quickly and accurately. There are extensive support material in the PRS Help Portal.

Collecting Your Royalties

After your works are registered, PRS begins tracking where and how your music is used so you can earn royalties from streaming platforms, radio, TV, online content, or live performances. 

If you perform your songs live, reporting your setlists helps PRS match performances to your catalog so your earnings are distributed correctly. Royalties are paid out four times a year, and you can monitor statements and track revenue through your PRS online account at any time.

Reporting Life Performances

It is important to report your live performance setlists as soon as possible after each show – ideally within a few days. To do this simply sign into your PRS account and use the “Setlist” or “Live Performance” tool to enter the venue, date, and songs you performed. PRS will then match the performance to your registered works and include the royalties in the next distribution cycle. 

For more information visit PRS for Music.