Step 1: Instructions
ISBNs are assigned to publishers as follows: 1, 10, 100, or 1,000 numbers.
The US ISBN Agency can only assign ISBNs to publishers geographically located in the United States or its territories. If your company is not located in the United States, do not apply for ISBNs here. You cannot be assigned them.
ISBNs are emailed to publishers according to the processing option selected. Once a publisher has been assigned ISBNs, place the ISBN on the copyright page, encode it on the bar code, and place the bar code on the back cover of the book. When a title is ready to be sold, register it in Books in Print at www.bowkerlink.com. Books in Print is the main directory that bookstores, online retailers, and libraries use when looking for books for their customers. Registration is free and registration details are provided at the time ISBNs are emailed to publishers.
By registering with Bowker and completing an ISBN Application, Registrant agrees that its use of ISBNs is subject to the
ISBN Terms and Conditions.
Do you need a single ISBN? Click here to obtain the application.
Application for a Single ISBN
Are you a new publisher who wishes to apply for a block of ISBNs? Click here to apply online.
Continue your application process on our secure server.
Are you a publisher who already has ISBNs and needs more? Click here to obtain the application.
Application for an additional ISBN Prefix
If you were assigned ISBNs several years ago, have not used all of the numbers and/or have misplaced your list, you probably do not need to order a new block of ISBNs. It is possible to get your original list of numbers again for a fee which is less than the cost of a new block of ISBNs. Please contact us at isbn-san@bowker.com.
Do you prefer not to apply online? If you choose to submit a print application, there will be a $50 surcharge for manual processing. This fee applies only to new publishers who are ordering a block of ISBNs.
Print Form for Mailing Only
Other Options:
If you already have ISBNs and wish to purchase bar codes, please visit www.bowkerbarcode.com.
If you already have ISBNs and wish to register titles in Books in Print, please visit www.bowkerlink.com.
Applying for ISBNs