How to affiliate with a PRO — BMI vs ASCAP vs SESAC

A PRO (Performing Rights Organization) collects performance royalties whenever your song is played on terrestrial radio, in venues, on streaming services, on TV, or in films. The three US PROs are BMI (free, instant), ASCAP ($50 lifetime fee, ~30-day review), and SESAC (invite-only). You can only affiliate with one PRO at a time. Affiliation gives you an IPI number — the unique ID that links your works to every royalty collected on them globally.

Steps

1. Decide between BMI and ASCAP (SESAC is invite-only) — BMI: free to join, instant approval, slightly faster payout cycle. ASCAP: $50 lifetime fee, member-elected board, slightly stronger sync placement reputation. For most independents the choice is a wash — pick BMI for instant signup.
2. Apply on bmi.com/songwriter or ascap.com/join — Fill out the songwriter application with legal name, address, SSN/EIN (or international equivalent), and bank account info.
3. Get your IPI/CAE number — After approval (instant for BMI, ~30 days for ASCAP), you receive your IPI (Interested Party Information) number — a 9-11 digit code that follows you across every PRO/MLC/CMO globally.
4. Register your works on your PRO portal — Add every song you have written or co-written, with title, performers, writers, splits, ISWC if known, and original release info.
5. Set up direct deposit — PROs pay quarterly. Configure ACH for US accounts or wire for international.

FAQ

Can I be affiliated with both BMI and ASCAP?

No. You can only be affiliated with one US PRO at a time. You can switch later (BMI → ASCAP or vice versa) but it requires terminating your existing affiliation and re-registering your catalog.

Do I need a PRO if Producer Tour collects my royalties?

Yes. PROs only deal directly with songwriters — Producer Tour collects on your behalf but you still need a PRO affiliation under your name + IPI. We help you affiliate as part of onboarding.

What is an IPI/CAE number?

IPI (or CAE — same thing) is your unique songwriter ID. Every work registration in every country uses it to match your songs to the royalties owed to you. Without an IPI you cannot reliably collect international royalties.