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 letters and numbers (think of it as a special bar code for each song).

Example: US-ABC-08-12345.  US stands for the country of origin.  ABC is the Agent Code, and is the unique identifier of the song owner.  08 is the year of the release.  The last five numbers is the designation code that the agent (song owner) assigns
to a song for identification (tracking) purposes.

To become an agent and obtain ISRC codes, you'll need to apply to the RIAA.  There is no charge for this application.

How to get ISRC codes for your music.
 • Visit the RIAA web site at: http://www.riaa.com and click on the "What We Do Link."
 • Click on the "ISRC Codes Link."
 • To get your codes, click on "Download Registrant Application in PDF"
 • Print the form (you must have Adobe Acrobat, Preview or other PDF viewer)
 • Fill out the form, sign it, and fax it to the number listed at the bottom of the page (202-775-7253).
 • You will get your code from the RIAA by email or fax.

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: -08) and the 5 digit number (Example: -00001) you want to assign to a song.

Note:  Once you assign the five digit designation code to a song, that number cannot be used again until the year in the ISRC Code changes (Example: from 08 to 09).  Once the year in the code changes, you may use previous designation numbers.

When you receive your code from the RIAA, you will also receive an ISRC handbook.  It will explain everything in further detail.

When you have your CD mastered, be sure to give your mastering engineer the ISRC code for each of your songs so he can encode them on your CD.