How do I get a license for Public Domain use?
Public Domain
The copyright to a musical work may have expired, which means the musical work is now in the public domain. The laws governing copyright duration vary by country, and musical works may seem like they should be in the public domain in a particular country but, in fact, have copyright protection. HFA cannot advise on whether a song is in the public domain. Even though the original musical work is in the public domain, it is possible that the version you are using is an adaptation or arrangement that may require you to obtain a license to use that adaptation or arrangement.
We encourage you to research public domain status and publisher ownership using the following resources: