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The Basics About Copyright Registration

The procedure for copyright registration.

By Mary Bellis, About.com Guide

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To copyright register a work in the United States via paper registration you have to send three things in the same envelope or package to:

Library of Congress
Copyright Office
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20559-6000

Copyright Registration - The Three Things You Must Send In The Same Envelope

For a properly completed application using paper forms. Generally, to register literary works and computer programs, use Form TX; for performing arts, use Form PA; for single issue serials/periodicals, use Form SE; for a group of issues of serials/periodicals, use Form SE/Group; for a group of daily newspapers or newsletters, use Form SE; for sound recordings, use Form SR; for visual arts, use Form VA.
Where To Get An Application Form - Paper or Electronic
A nonrefundable filing fee of for each application. As of 2011 the fee is thirty-five dollars, and up depending on how you file. Check to see what the current fee is.
A nonreturnable deposit of the work being registered. The deposit requirements will vary in particular situations. A deposit is usually one copy (if unpublished) or two copies (if published) of the work to be registered for copyright.
Learn More About Deposits

Applications and fees received without appropriate copies, phonorecords, or identifying material will not be processed by the Copyright Office and are not returned.

Always submit the best edition of your published work as your deposit.

Look for the "deposit requirements" that apply to your work (i.e. painting, novel etc) described in detail for every category of work listed under Copyright Registration Procedures.