eCO Online System
File a copyright registration for your work through the Copyright Office online system.
Before using the service, we recommend you first read eCO Acceptable File Types, eCO Tips, eCO FAQs, or eCO Tutorial (PowerPoint) eCO Tutorial (PDF). For recently added features, see eCO Updates.
Advantages include:
- Lower filing fee of $35 for a basic claim (for online filings only)
- Fastest processing time
- Online status tracking
- Secure payment by credit or debit card, electronic check, or Copyright Office deposit account
- The ability to upload certain categories of deposits directly into eCO as electronic files
- Available 24 hours a day, except for routine maintenance every Sunday from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 AM Eastern Time
Processing Time: Ninety percent of online filers should receive a certificate of registration within six months of submission. One-third should receive a certificate within ten weeks of submission. Whatever time is needed to issue a certificate, the effective date of registration is the day the Copyright Office receives a complete submission in acceptable form. You do not need to wait for a certificate to proceed with publication.
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Alternate Methods:
1) Registration with Fill-In Form CO
The next best option for registering basic claims is the new fill-in Form CO, which replaces Forms TX, VA, PA, SE, and SR. Using 2-D barcode scanning technology, the Office can process these forms much faster and more efficiently than paper forms completed manually. Simply complete Form CO on your personal computer, print it out, and mail it along with a check or money order and your deposit. The fee for a basic registration on Form CO is $50.
Processing Time: Ninety percent of Form CO filers should receive a certificate within eight months of submission. One-third should receive a certificate within five months. Whatever time is needed to issue a certificate, the effective date of registration is the day the Copyright Office receives a complete submission in acceptable form. You do not need to wait for a certificate to proceed with publication.
2) Registration with Paper Forms
Paper versions of Form TX (literary works); Form VA (visual arts works); Form PA (performing arts works, including motion pictures); Form SR (sound recordings); and Form SE (single serials) are still available. The fee for a basic registration using one of these forms is $65 payable by check or money order. Form CON (continuation sheet for applications) is also still available in paper. These paper forms are not accessible on the Copyright Office website; however, staff will send them to you by postal mail upon request. Remember that online registration through eCO and fill-in Form CO (see above) can be used for the categories of works applicable to Forms TX, VA, PA, SR, and SE.
Processing Time: Ninety percent of paper filers should receive a certificate within eighteen months of submission. One-third should receive a certificate within twelve months. Whatever time is needed to issue a certificate, the effective date of registration is the day the Copyright Office receives a complete submission in acceptable form. You do not need to wait for a certificate to proceed with publication.