ISRC codes are assigned to songs and encoded onto a CD for tracking purposes (royalties, etc.).  Each song will have a unique code that's a series of 12 letters and numbers (think of it as a special bar code for each song).

Example: US-ABC-11-12345.  US stands for the country of origin.  ABC is the Agent Code, and is the unique identifier of the organization or person registering the song.  11 is the year of the release (2011).  The last five numbers is the designation code that the agent (organization or person) assigns to a song for identification (tracking) purposes.

FYI - It appears there will be a new country code for the US beginning sometime in 2011.  The new code will be QM.

Note:  Once you assign the five digit designation code to a song, that number cannot be used on another song until the year in the code changes (Example: from 11 to 12).  Once the year in the code changes, you may use previous designation numbers.

To become an agent and obtain an ISRC code, you'll need to apply to the RIAA.  The RIAA charges a one time fee of $75.00 to register.

How To Get AN ISRC Code For Your Music
To get your code, visit the RIAA Web Site to register.

The RIAA will assign the country of origin and your Agent Code (Example: US-ABC).  Once you have that, you simply add the year of the release (Example: -11) and the 5 digit number (Example: -00001) you want to assign to a song.

When you visit the RIAA web site at the above link, you'll find a FAQ and other information regarding the use of ISRC codes.

When you have your CD mastered, be sure to give your mastering engineer the ISRC code for each song so he can encode it
on your CD.  The codes can be encoded by most CD replicators at the time of replication.  However, they usually charge extra for that service.  We will encode them free if you provide us with the codes on the Project Submission e-form