The required fee is $45, payable to "REGISTER OF COPYRIGHTS". You can only use a credit card if you hand in your application in person at the Copyright Office. Checks are preferred. Money orders and bank drafts are acceptable if they are redeemable without service charge or exchange fee at a U.S. institution, are payable in U.S dollars., and are imprinted with American Banking Association routing numbers. International money orders and those negotiable only at a post office are not acceptable (I guess they don't want to leave the office!) Obviously, they really prefer checks. But be aware that if your check bounces, your application or registration will be cancelled. All fees are non- refundable, regardless of whether or not your application is granted. So make it right the first time!
On July 1, 2006, the Copyright Office raised the fee for all registrations from $30 to $45. If you happen upon an older copyright registration form that lists the old price, you may use it to register your work, but you must pay the new $45 fee. If you pay less, the Copyright Office will send you a letter asking for the balance, and will hold your registration until you pay it.
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