License Holders > License Manual

The Church Copyright License is the most comprehensive, convenient, and cost effective means of copyright clearance available for songs used in congregational singing. As a license holder, you have the advantage of creating your own worship aids, custom tailored to your church's specific needs. Also, the Church Copyright License covers a vast selection of song titles to keep your worship services fresh and creative. For an additional fee, you can add SongSelect, giving you the ability to print and download lyrics from over 85,000 songs in our database and listen to thousands of 30-second sound samples (Basic/Advanced) plus print and download up to 200 lead sheets per year (Advanced).

What You Can Do (What the License covers)

Print songs, hymns and lyrics in bulletins, programs, liturgies and songsheets for use in congregational singing.
Create your own customized songbooks or hymnals for use in congregational singing.
Create overhead transparencies, slides, or use any other format whereby songs are visually projected (such as computer graphics and projection) for use in congregational singing.
Arrange, print and copy your own vocal or instrumental arrangements of songs for congregational use, where no published version is available.
Record your worship services by audio or video means, provided you only record "live&" music (instrumental and vocal). Accompaniment tracks cannot be reproduced. You may also charge up to $4.00 (U.S.) / $5.00 (CAN) each for audio tapes and CDs, and $12.00 (U.S.) / $15.00 (CAN) each for video tapes and DVDs.

The quantity of recorded copies allowed per service cannot exceed 15% of the maximum number of your church size category.

What You Cannot Do (What the License does not cover)

Photocopy or duplicate octavos, cantatas, musicals, handbell music, keyboard arrangements, vocal scores, orchestrations or other instrumental works.
Translate songs from one language to another. This can only be done with the approval of the respective copyright owner.
Rent, sell, lend, or distribute copies made under the Church Copyright License to individuals or groups outside the church, or to other churches. However, you may distribute tapes to shut-ins, missionaries, or others outside the church.
Assign or transfer the Church Copyright License to any other church or group without CCLI's approval.

Essential Information

This Is An Annual License

All terms are in effect only when the license is active. If the license is not renewed, all rights are terminated effective on the expiration date, and all song copies made under the license agreement must be destroyed. For more details, see the Terms of Agreement . Should you have questions or desire further information regarding the Church Copyright License, please email Customer Service at support@ccli.com

Important:

This license does not convey the right to photocopy octavos, cantatas, musicals, orchestrations, vocal scores, handbell music or other instrumental arrangements.

Congregational Single Song Sheet (CSS)

A CSS is a single song which is found in a compilation of songs intended for congregational use (i.e., a hymnal or chorus book). These songs can be photocopied into bulletins, congregational songbooks, congregational songsheets, or placed on a slide or transparency. However, the above activity only applies if the song owner is covered under the Authorized Catalog List, and only if the purpose is to assist the congregation in singing.

Customer Support

If you have any questions or comments concerning the Church Copyright License, please feel free to email Customer Service at support@ccli.com or call 1-800-234-2446.

Recording Your Services

One of the rights granted to you with the Church Copyright License is the right to record your worship service. This right includes recording your meditations, preludes, postludes, interludes, fanfares, plus handbell, vocal and instrumental specials. Please be sure to report these when it is your time to complete a Copy Report.

Rehearsal Tapes

If you would like to make rehearsal tapes for the purpose of having your choir or orchestra learn the music, you must contact the administrator directly for this activity. There are no exceptions regarding this issue.

Copyright Notice

License Holders are responsible for including a copyright notice on all songs reproduced under the Church Copyright License. The copyright notice should include song title, writer credit(s) and copyright information as follows:

Accompaniment Tracks

In order to record an accompaniment track, you will need permission from the producer of the accompaniment track. An accompaniment track has two copyright owners - the owner of the song on the track, and the company that produced the accompaniment track. Your Church Copyright License covers the song if it is from the Authorized Catalog List , but it does not cover the copying of the actual accompaniment track itself. Permission would need to be obtained from the producer of the accompaniment track.

Visual Layout

We have provided a sample layout of a projection (slide or transparency) print, bulletin or songsheet for your convenience. Please be sure to list the copyright information of the song at the bottom of your copy as shown.

Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let heaven and earth sing Hallelujah
Glory to the Risen King, Hallelujah
Words and music by John Doe
© 2000 Good Music Co.
CCLI License #000000

License Holder Duties

The following requirements are the responsibility of the License Holder as stated under the terms of the Church Copyright License agreement.

Song Editing
The following activities are prohibited under the terms of the license agreement: altering or changing the lyrics, melody or fundamental character of any song covered under the Church Copyright License.
Copyright Notice
License Holders are responsible for including a copyright notice on all songs reproduced under the Church Copyright License. The copyright notice should include song title, writer credit(s) and copyright information as follows:
"Hallelujah" words and music by John Doe
©2000 Good Music Co.
CCLI License #
Copy Report
As a License Holder, you will be required to report your song copying activity once every 2 1/2 years. A letter of notification will precede your designated report period. The letter will explain how to complete the Copy Report online. Your completed Copy Report is a vital element of the Church Copyright License, as it allows us to accurately process and distribute royalties to songwriters and copyright owners.
License Renewal
The Church Copyright License is an annual agreement. To ensure continuous coverage, the license must be renewed yearly, prior to the expiration date. A renewal notice will be sent 75 days before expiration for your convenience.
Terms of Agreement
Please be sure to read the Terms of Agreement for complete information on the Church Copyright License coverage. This official document that details the rights and restrictions of the license agreement. If you have any questions regarding the Terms of Agreement or the information above, please feel free to email Customer Service at support@ccli.com or call 1-800-234-2446.

Full Terms of Agreement.