Get LCCN for Your Book

With our help you can have an LCCN (Library of Congress Control Number) and get your book catalogued in the world’s largest book library. A Library of Congress Control Number is a unique bibliographic record identifier assigned by the Library of Congress to catalog and index books in national and global library databases.

Getting an LCCN signals to librarians, book collectors, and booksellers that your book meets professional standards. We handle the entire application process through the official Preassigned Control Number (PCN) program so you can focus on writing, formatting, and launching your title. Best of all, we offer full support for both US citizens and international authors worldwide!

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The Three Requirements for Obtaining an LCCN

Only a print book can have an LCCN (paperback or hardcover editions). The Library of Congress Preassigned Control Number (PCN) program does not issue LCCNs for digital-only formats such as ebooks or audiobooks.

Before applying, please review the three core requirements for obtaining an LCCN:

1. You must be a US citizen

   • With our help, you can get an LCCN without being a US citizen. The Library of Congress officially requires a US publishing entity and address to apply for a PCN. International indie authors often hit a wall here—but our service bridges this gap, allowing writers anywhere in the world to successfully obtain an official LCCN without having to navigate complicated US corporate bureaucracy on their own.

2. You must have your own ISBN

   • You can obtain a US-based ISBN from us at low cost; an ISBN from us is as good as an ISBN obtained directly from Bowker, a US ISBN agency. You cannot use a “free” platform ISBN (such as Amazon KDP’s free ISBN) because that designates the retail platform as the publisher of record. To be eligible for an LCCN, your print book must have its own dedicated ISBN registered to a publisher. If you do not have one yet, you can easily pair this service with our Basic ISBN or Custom ISBN options.

3. You must send a print copy of your book to the Library of Congress

   • This could be done using any print-on-demand service. Once your book is printed and published, you are legally required to deposit a physical copy of the “best edition” with the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. You do not need to ship it overseas personally—you can simply order an author copy through your preferred print-on-demand platform (such as Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu, or Barnes & Noble Press) and have it delivered directly to the Library of Congress deposit address.

Important Selection Notice: Please remember that obtaining an LCCN doesn’t guarantee the Library of Congress will select and catalogue your book. While your LCCN creates an official pre-publication record in the Library of Congress database and enables library discovery across the United States, permanent addition to the library’s physical shelves remains at the discretion of the Library of Congress selection officers.

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Pricing & Service Overview

Get your book into the Library of Congress catalog system with our complete, hassle-free service:

• Original Price: $120.00
• Current Sale Price: $80.00 (Save $40.00)

What’s Included in the $80 Package:

• Preassigned Control Number (PCN) Application: We prepare and submit your application through the official Library of Congress PrePub Book Link portal.
• US Publisher Account Setup: Complete setup and verification so international authors can obtain an LCCN without citizenship barriers.
• Metadata Review: Thorough check of your book title, subtitle, author names, publication date, and registered print ISBN to avoid delays or rejections.
• Copyright Page Formatting Block: We provide the exact, correctly formatted LCCN text line to place on your book’s copyright (verso) page.
• POD Deposit Copy Instructions: Clear, step-by-step guidance on how to order and route your deposit copy to the Library of Congress directly from your print-on-demand printer.
• Fast Turnaround: Receive your official LCCN in just 1 to 3 business days after submission.

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Service Features

• Full International Eligibility - Non-US authors can get an LCCN without needing a US physical residence or US LLC setup.
• Fast 1–3 Business Day Processing - We submit your application promptly through the official PrePub Book Link system.
• Print Book Compliance - Designed specifically for print editions (paperback and hardcover) meeting all Library of Congress PCN criteria.
• Official Bibliographic Record - Pre-assigns a genuine control number indexed by the Library of Congress.
• 100% Rights & Royalties Ownership - You retain full copyright, publishing ownership, and 100% of your royalties.
• Seamless ISBN Compatibility - Works with ISBNs purchased through FreeISBN or directly from Bowker.
• Dedicated Expert Support - Friendly guidance every step of the way from experienced self-publishing specialists.

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How It Works

Step 1: Submit Your Book Details & Print ISBN

Provide us with your book metadata:

• Book Title and Subtitle
• Author Name(s) and Contributor information
• Expected Month and Year of Publication
• Your registered print ISBN (must be an owned ISBN, not a free Amazon KDP number)
• Target print format (Paperback or Hardcover) and brief synopsis

Step 2: Account & PCN Application Filing

Our team handles your publisher profile configuration on the official Library of Congress PrePub Book Link portal and submits your Preassigned Control Number (PCN) application with your book’s bibliographic metadata.

Step 3: Receive Your Official LCCN

Once approved by the Library of Congress (typically within 1 to 3 business days), we deliver your official Library of Congress Control Number directly to your email.

Step 4: Add the LCCN to Your Copyright Page

Before you print or release your book, insert your assigned LCCN onto the copyright (title verso) page inside your manuscript interior file. We supply you with the exact wording and standard format recommended by cataloging guidelines.

Step 5: Send a Print Copy Upon Publication

Once your book is published and available on your print-on-demand provider (such as Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Lulu), order an author copy and ship it directly to the Library of Congress legal deposit address. We supply the exact mailing label details for you.

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Why Get an LCCN for Your Book?

1. Access to the World’s Largest Library: Your book’s bibliographic information is catalogued with the Library of Congress, the foremost national bibliographic institution in the United States.
2. Essential for Library Sales: Most US public, state, and academic libraries require an LCCN pre-assigned in order to purchase, catalog, and shelve independent titles.
3. Professional Author Credibility: Displaying an LCCN on your copyright page marks your book as a serious, professionally published title alongside major publishing house releases.
4. Enhanced Metadata Discoverability: Helps catalogers, distributors, and bibliographers quickly find and cross-reference your title across WorldCat and library networks.

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Important Details & Requirements Checklist

• Apply Before Publication: You must obtain your LCCN before your print book is officially published and distributed. The Library of Congress does not issue PCNs for books that have already been printed and released.
• Print Editions Only: Ebooks and digital audiobooks are not eligible for the PCN program. The book must be a physical print edition (paperback or hardcover).
• Valid ISBN Required: Your book must have a valid print ISBN registered to a publisher. Free ISBNs from Amazon KDP cannot be used. Pair this service with our Basic ISBN or Custom ISBN if you need an affordable US ISBN.
• Physical Deposit Copy: A print copy of the “best edition” must be shipped to the Library of Congress once the title is released.
• Selection Policy Reminder: Obtaining an LCCN creates your pre-publication bibliographic record in the Library of Congress system, but does not guarantee the Library of Congress will select and physically shelf your book in their permanent collection.

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Why Choose FreeISBN for Your LCCN?

• Zero Bureaucracy: Avoid the confusion of government portals, eligibility verification, and publisher account setup.
• Non-US Author Solution: We enable authors outside the United States to secure an LCCN without having to establish an expensive US LLC.
• Transparent, Low Cost: Save $40 compared to standard market rates—just $80 flat for complete LCCN acquisition support.
• Trusted Partner: Pair your LCCN with our US-based ISBNs and barcode services for an all-in-one publishing solution.

Ready to get your book catalogued with the Library of Congress? Order now and let us take care of your LCCN application and setup!