What Are ISRC and UPC Codes? How to Get Them for Your US Release
By Written by Peter McVeigh
Use your distributor's, go through a manager, or pay for your own prefix. Here's how to decide.
An ISRC identifies a recording. A UPC identifies a release. A five-track EP has five ISRCs and one UPC. In the US, you can get ISRCs through your distributor, an approved ISRC Manager, or your own prefix for a one-time $95 fee.
I checked the details in this guide on 4 November 2026. Fees and rules change, so check each organization's own page before you rely on them.
What an ISRC is
The US ISRC Agency describes it as a unique, permanent identifier for a recording, whatever the format and whoever owns the rights. It has 12 characters split into four parts: country, registrant, year and designation.
Each ISRC stays with a recording for life, even if it changes ownership or distributor. Never give the same code to two recordings, and never give a new one to a recording that already has one.
Three ways to get one
Route: Cost: Good for
Distributor or label: Ask them: First releases
Approved ISRC Manager: Depends on the company: A one-off without running your own codes
Your own Rights Owner Prefix: $95, one time: Regular releases, or wanting control
First check whether your label or distributor has already assigned a code. If you get your own prefix, only use it for recordings you own. If you're working on someone else's recordings, they should apply themselves.
Applying for your own prefix
Step 1: Go to usisrc.org and click Apply.
Step 2: Complete the application as a US-based rights owner.
Step 3: Pay the $95 one-time fee by credit card.
Step 4: Number your recordings using your prefix, the year and a designation number.
Step 5: Record each code. The agency's account page includes a locker service for this, though it's not an official registry.
How the numbering looks
Here's a made-up example, not a real code: XX-XXX-26-00001. The first two parts are your prefix, 26 is the year of reference, and 00001 is the designation number for that recording. A four-track EP in 2026 could run from 00001 to 00004.
Which route should you choose?
Releasing occasionally: your distributor is usually simplest. Ask what happens to your codes if you move.
Releasing regularly or running a label: your own prefix gives you control, and $95 is a one-time cost.
Working on someone else's recording: don't use your prefix. They should apply, or use a manager.
Tell SoundExchange
You don't have to tell the agency what you assign, but it recommends registering recordings with SoundExchange. SoundExchange also has a public ISRC search, which is handy for checking a code.
What a UPC is
A UPC is the barcode identifying a release. Distributors often supply one. If you're selling physical product widely, you may want your own through GS1 US. Check its current pricing, and be careful with cheap barcode resellers.
Common mistakes
Using two ISRCs for the same recording through two distributors.
Reusing an ISRC on a remix or live version.
Not knowing what happens to your codes when you leave a distributor.
Keeping no records.
Try this on the site
The ISRC Code Tracker keeps every title, code and release together.
Sources
US ISRC Agency: https://usisrc.org/
US ISRC Agency, How it works: https://usisrc.org/how-it-works/
SoundExchange, All about ISRCs: https://www.soundexchange.com/2024/01/09/all-about-isrcs/
The MLC, What is an ISRC?: https://help.themlc.com/en/support/what-is-an-isrc-how-do-i-get-an-isrc
Disclaimer
General information, not legal or financial advice.