A Copyright Office search costs at least $400
If you ask the Copyright Office staff to search its records for you, the fee is $200 an hour with a 2 hour minimum, so at least $400. Certifying records is also $200 an hour. You can search the public records online for free yourself.
Search, retrieval and copy fees
| Search report from official records, per hour (2 hour minimum) | $200 |
|---|---|
| Estimate of search or retrieval fee (credited to the fee) | $200 |
| Certification of records, per hour | $200 |
| Retrieval of paper records, per hour (1 hour minimum) | $200 |
| Retrieval of digital records, per hour (half hour minimum) | $200 |
| Copying of records by staff | $12 |
| Extra certificate of registration | $55 |
| Minimum search report | $400 |
|---|---|
| 3 hour search report | $600 |
The $200 estimate fee is credited toward the search if you go ahead. In March 2026 the Copyright Office proposed raising its fees. That is only a proposal. The fees on this page are the ones in effect today. Sources: US Copyright Office, Fees.
What this price covers
Staff searches are used for legal matters, sales of rights and old records that are not online.
What changes your price
- Hours. Each hour is $200, with a 2 hour minimum.
- Certification. Certified results add $200 an hour.
Ways to pay less
- Search the Copyright Public Records portal yourself first. It is free.
How we got these numbers
Every fee on this page comes from the US Copyright Office, the agency that sets it. Where we show a total, we only add up the agency's own listed fees so you can see the full amount in one place. We do not add our own guesses, and lawyer or filing service fees are not included. Fees can change, so check the agency's website before you pay. We last checked on September 26, 2026.
Common questions
How much does a Copyright Office search cost?
$200 an hour, at least $400.
Can I search for free?
Yes, online in the public records portal.