Paperwork
IPI number format check
An IPI number identifies a songwriter, composer or publisher across performing rights organizations and is usually 9 to 11 digits. Check the format below, then find yours in your PRO account.
Key takeaways
A public ID for writers and publishers
Usually 9 to 11 digits. Share it with co-writers and collect theirs before you register a song.
One per name
You get a separate IPI name number for each name or pseudonym, and different numbers for writer and publisher memberships.
Not your member ID
Your IPI is public; your ASCAP member ID is for your own business and should be kept confidential.
- Leading zeros. Padding. Services may ask for 9, 10 or 11 digits, so add or remove leading zeros as asked.
- Your number. The digits assigned to you on behalf of CISAC. This example is invented.
What the number is for
Most of the world’s performing rights organizations use IPI numbers to link you to your musical works, so performances can be tracked and royalties paid to the right person. It also tells you apart from other writers with the same name. IPIs are assigned on behalf of CISAC, not by ASCAP or BMI themselves. ASCAP: What’s an IPI number? · checked October 20, 2026
You get a separate IPI name number for each name or pseudonym on file, and a writer membership and a publisher membership have different numbers. Share yours with co-writers and collect theirs before you register a song.
Digits and leading zeros
ASCAP says the number is typically 9 to 11 digits. If a distributor or rights agency asks for a set length, add leading zeros to make it longer or remove them to make it shorter. The checker shows your number padded to 11 digits.
Where to find yours
ASCAP: in Member Access under the Profile section, or on the IPI Card in Member Access or the ASCAP mobile app. ASCAP: IPI FAQ · checked October 20, 2026
BMI: BMI’s public Songview database shows an IPI # for writers and publishers; search your name there. BMI Songview: FAQ · checked October 20, 2026
Questions people ask
What is an IPI number?
An Interested Party Information (IPI) number is a unique international identification number, usually 9 to 11 digits long, assigned to songwriters, composers and music publishers. Most performing rights organizations use it to link you to your works.
Is my IPI number the same as my ASCAP member ID?
No. They are separate. ASCAP says your IPI number is public and should be shared with collaborators, while your member ID is for your own ASCAP business and should be kept confidential.
Where do I find my IPI number?
ASCAP members find it in Member Access under Profile, or on the IPI Card in Member Access or the ASCAP app. BMI’s Songview database lists an IPI # for writers and publishers.
Do I get a new IPI number if I change PRO?
Generally no. ASCAP says IPI numbers are not specific to one PRO and your existing number will typically follow you if you switch societies.
Does this checker confirm my IPI is real?
No. It only checks the length and that it is digits. It cannot tell whether the number was issued or is yours.