You’ll need to secure two kinds of DJ licenses as a professional DJ:
- Performance Rights Organization (PRO) license: A document that states you can play specific copyrighted songs in public
- Business license: Documentation required by your city government that states your business is legitimate
This quick guide cuts through the noise to break down the different types of DJ licenses, why they matter, and how to get one for your business.
What’s the Difference Between DJ Insurance and Licenses?
A DJ license protects you if you play licensed music in public, or if you need to put your business “on the books” with your city government.
DJ insurance safeguards you from claims involving third-party injuries or property damage caused by your business operations.
Cheat Sheet: DJ Insurance vs Licenses
| What Does DJ Insurance Do? | What Does a DJ License Do? |
|---|---|
|
Covers third-party injuries and venue damages |
A PRO license allows you to play copyrighted music in public legally |
|
Equipment insurance covers stolen or damaged gear |
A PRO license ensures artists receive royalties |
|
Required by most venue owners and event planners |
A business license verifies that you legitimately meet city or state requirements |
What People Really Mean by “DJ License”
A DJ license usually refers to a permit to play licensed music or a local business license — not a single credential. Here’s a quick look at what these licenses do for your business and why you need them.
PRO Music License
We’ll talk about how to get a PRO license in a minute, but first, let’s discuss what it is and why it’s important for your DJ business.
A PRO music license is a document that shows you have permission to play copyrighted music in public places. It ensures that artists, record labels, and songwriters receive their royalties when their song is played at your gig.
Why it matters: Usually, restaurant, club, and venue owners buy this license so DJs don’t have to worry about it. However, if the venue doesn’t have this documentation or you gig in a private hall or warehouse, you need to buy your own PRO license.
Business License
A DJ business license ensures that your business operates legally in your city or state. It can also earn you:
- More high-end gigs
- Business-related tax write-offs
- A higher sense of professionalism
- An easier application process for business loans and accounts
Why it matters: Some cities or states require you to have a business license regardless of the kind of work you do. Other locations may not require this license at all. Check with your local government for rules, applications, and any relevant fees.
DJ Music Licensing Explained
Most popular music is licensed by three main companies. If your catalog is large, buying licenses from all three is the simplest (but most expensive) way to stay covered. If it’s small, check which PRO represents the tracks you play and get that license.
American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP)
ASCAP covers genres such as pop, rock, and R&B. Find the right ASCAP DJ license venue for your gig and apply online. Starting rates include:
- Hotels and motels: $628 for 1-100 rooms
- Festivals and special events: $301 minimum
- Colleges and universities: $375 minimum
Best for: Mobile DJs
The Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC)
SESAC currently licenses 1.5 million songs from numerous artists. Fill out an online license application. Starting fees vary by location and include:
- Hotels and motels: $900 for a 16-room hotel
- Festivals and special events: $210 per day
- Colleges and universities: $21 per concert and $0.0455 per ticket
Best for: Streaming DJs
Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI)
BMI provides licenses for numerous genres, including hip-hop, rock, and gospel. Apply via an online application. Starting rates include:
- Hotels and motels: 1-100 rooms = $492 without audiovisual; $739 with audiovisual
- Festivals and special events: ~$425 annually
- Colleges and universities: <1,000 students = $410
Best for: Radio DJs
DJ Business License Basics and How to Get One
A business license is proof that your DJ business meets local tax and legal regulations. Some major cities, such as Chicago, San Francisco, and Las Vegas, require a license regardless of your industry.
Getting your business license is easier than setting up your DJ booth:
- Check your city or county’s website to find the business license application
- Have the following:
- Business name
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number
- Business address
- Estimated revenue
- Pay your license fee
- Renew yearly
Did you know? You may also need to file ownership information under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a federal law designed to prevent business fraud.
Myth vs Fact: Clearing Up DJ Licensing Confusion
Let’s drop the myths and remix the facts.
| Myths | Facts |
|---|---|
|
Every DJ needs a PRO license |
Venues often pay for PRO licenses from ASCAP, SESAC, and BMI |
|
A business license covers music rights |
It only covers local business requirements |
|
Insurance = license
|
You need both to be compliant |
|
It’s ok to use Spotify and Apple Music for my gigs |
Only if you use Spotify Premium and DJ software; you can only use Apple Music for non-commercial gigs |
|
There aren’t any hidden fees with DJ licenses |
PRO licenses can cost anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, and business license fees vary by location |
How DJ Insurance and Licenses Work Together
DJ licenses ensure you have permission to play copyrighted music in public and that your business meets your local government’s business operation rules. While this documentation is good to have, it does not protect you if accidents happen before, during, or after gigs.
That’s where DJ insurance steps in. Without coverage, one mishap can turn your profits into expenses. For example, if someone trips over your cord and breaks their wrist or you accidentally leave a hole in the venue’s drywall, you could be on the hook for expensive medical bills or repair costs without insurance.
Plus, most venues and events require proof of your policy, aka a certificate of insurance (COI), so you’ll need insurance before you can book your gigs.
If you work more than three or four gigs a year, our annual policy starts at $18.50 a month. If you have a few gigs a year, our event coverage starts at $59 for up to three days of protection.
Wanna protect your equipment — the backbone of your business? Learn how to insure your DJ gear.
Quick Guide: Licenses and Insurance for Your Gigs
Rule of thumb:
- Hosted at a venue with an event host? You need insurance. The venue/host is responsible for the music license.
- Mobile or private event (no host/venue license)? You need licenses and insurance.
| Gig Type | Who Handles Music Licenses | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
|
Wedding or club (hosted at a venue) |
Venue or event host |
Liability insurance and a certificate of insurance (COI). Add the venue as an additional insured if they ask
|
|
Mobile or private event (house party, backyard, office, pop-up) |
You |
PRO license (performance rights), any required local business license, and liability insurance with COI |
Gig Type: Wedding or club (hosted at a venue)
Who Handles Music Licenses: Venue or event host
What You Need: Liability insurance and a certificate of insurance (COI). Add the venue as an additional insured if they ask
Gig Type: Mobile or private event (house party, backyard, office, pop-up)
Who Handles Music Licenses: You
What You Need: PRO license (performance rights), any required local business license, and liability insurance with COI
Tip: When in doubt, ask the venue: “Do you cover the music license, and what COI do you require?” Insurance helps protect against third-party injuries or property damage; it doesn’t replace licenses.
Ready to level up? Learn how to grow DJ gigs and customers for your business.
FAQs About DJ Licenses
Will Insurance Cover Me if I Don’t Have the Right License?
No, DJ insurance will not protect you if you don’t have the right license. However, it can cover you from third-party injuries, venue damages, or — with DJ equipment insurance — gear losses.
Is It Illegal to DJ Without a License?
It’s not illegal just because you personally don’t hold a “DJ license,” but it is illegal to publicly perform copyrighted music without a valid license, and it can be illegal to operate without required local business permits. Confirm the venue’s PRO coverage and your local requirements before each gig.
Do I Need a New DJ Business License if I Move to a New State?
Yes, but be sure to check with your local government for specifics, because some don’t require a business license.
Does a PRO License Protect Me if I Stream My Performances?
No. A PRO license covers public performance in venues, not your livestream. Streaming triggers separate rights: the composition performance (PRO), the sound recording (label/artist), and, if there’s video, sync. PROs don’t grant recording or sync rights, and platform deals won’t guarantee your set stays online.
