Photocopying Music Publications at Church

Licences: Church Copyright Licence (CCL) and the Music Reproduction Licence (MRL)

Photocopiers are commonplace in many churches today making it easy for worship leaders to photocopy from a wide variety of song books.

If you photocopy from song books you must first ensure that you have obtained permission from the copyright owner.

However, the prospect of contacting every copyright owner each and every time you wish to reproduce one of their songs can be daunting. It was for this reason that CCLI introduced the Music Reproduction Licence (MRL), ensuring that copyright owners are properly rewarded for the use of their work and giving churches the freedom to use songs without the hassle of having to contact many different copyright owners.

The MRL permits you to photocopy words and music directly from authorised music publications such as Songs of Fellowship, The Source and Mission Praise.

If you have both the CCL & MRL you can:

• Photocopy the words and music of hymns and worship songs from authorised music books.
• Type song words into your computer and store them for later use.
• Include song words on service sheets and handouts for your congregation.
• Create your own OHP acetates.
• Create your own song words database for use with projection software.
• Create customised musical arrangements of songs where no published version is available

The number of publishers covered by these licences increases continually. Click here to view the lists.

Licence Fees:

Licence fees are based on the average aggregate attendance at your main service.

See the fees for all our licences.

Using your MRL:

• Copyright lines - At the bottom of each photocopy you must write: Copied by permission. MRL Licence No. [Your Licence No.]

• Reporting - Under the Terms of Agreement of your licence you are also required to report which songs you photocopy. Click here for CopyReport.

• Contact Details - As your licence is held by your church you are required to provide CCLI with contact details so we can contact you with updates to your licence.

Not sure which licences you need?

Check the Quick Guide Licence Table

Links to: Licence Fees / Apply Now / SongSelect / Create / FAQs / Terms of Agreement