Yes, you can get a free ISBN for your book. Several self-publishing platforms provide ISBNs at no cost when you publish through them. The trade-off is that the platform — not you — is listed as the publisher of record, and that ISBN can only be used on that specific platform.
This guide covers every way to get a free ISBN, the limitations you should know about, and how to decide whether free or paid is the right move for your book.
What Is an ISBN and Do You Need One?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a 13-digit identifier assigned to each edition and format of a book. Bookstores, libraries, and distributors use ISBNs to catalog, track, and order titles.
You need an ISBN if you want your book sold in physical bookstores, listed in library systems, or distributed through wholesalers like Ingram. You do not technically need one to publish an ebook on Amazon — KDP assigns its own identifier called an ASIN for that purpose.
Each format of your book requires a separate ISBN. Your paperback, hardcover, and ebook editions each need their own number.
Where to Get a Free ISBN
Five major platforms offer free ISBNs to self-published authors. Each comes with specific limitations.
Amazon KDP
Amazon KDP provides a free ISBN when you publish a print book (paperback or hardcover) through their platform. This is the most popular option among self-published authors.
What you should know:
- The publisher of record is listed as “Independently published”
- The ISBN works only on Amazon — you cannot use it on other platforms
- You have no control over the publisher name in metadata
- KDP also assigns a free ASIN for ebook editions, which does not require an ISBN at all
Best for: Authors publishing exclusively through Amazon who do not need bookstore or library distribution.
Barnes & Noble Press
Barnes & Noble Press offers a free ISBN for print books published through their platform. They also register your ISBN information with BooksInPrint.com, which is the industry’s main bibliographic database.
What you should know:
- The free ISBN can only be used on B&N Press
- Distribution is limited to Barnes & Noble stores and BN.com
- You cannot transfer this ISBN to another platform later
Best for: Authors who want their print book available at Barnes & Noble specifically.
IngramSpark
IngramSpark provides free ISBNs for U.S.-based self-publishers. Their distribution network reaches over 45,000 retailers, libraries, and online stores worldwide.
What you should know:
- Your publisher name is listed as “Indy Pub” (IngramSpark’s imprint for free ISBNs)
- The ISBN is tied to IngramSpark and cannot be used on other platforms
- Your title must participate in IngramSpark’s wholesale distribution program
- If you later want to own your ISBN, you need to set up the book as a new title with a purchased ISBN
Best for: Authors who want wide distribution through Ingram’s network but want to avoid the upfront ISBN cost.
Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital offers free ISBNs for both ebooks and print books. Their platform distributes to major retailers including Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and libraries.
What you should know:
- Draft2Digital is listed as the imprint on the ISBN
- The ISBN is tied to their platform
- Their distribution reaches most major ebook retailers
Best for: Authors using Draft2Digital for wide ebook distribution who want a simple, no-cost option.
Lulu
Lulu provides free ISBNs for print books published through their platform. They offer a range of book sizes, binding options, and global distribution.
What you should know:
- Lulu is listed as the publisher of record
- The ISBN is platform-specific
- They offer both direct sales and retail distribution options
Best for: Authors who want print-on-demand with flexible formatting options and no upfront costs.
Free ISBNs by Country
ISBN policies vary by country. In some places, the government provides ISBNs at no charge.
| Country | Free ISBNs? | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| United States | No (platform-only free options) | Bowker |
| Canada | Yes | Library and Archives Canada |
| United Kingdom | No | Nielsen |
| Australia | Yes | Thorpe-Bowker |
| South Africa | Yes | National Library of South Africa |
If you are based in Canada, you can get unlimited free ISBNs directly from the government. Check the International ISBN Agency to find your local provider and see if free ISBNs are available in your country.
Free ISBN vs Paid ISBN: Which Should You Choose?
The decision comes down to how seriously you plan to pursue publishing and where you want your book distributed.
| Factor | Free ISBN | Paid ISBN (Bowker) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | $125 (single) or $295 (10-pack) |
| Publisher of record | Platform name | Your name or imprint |
| Distribution | Platform-specific | Universal — any retailer, library, or distributor |
| Metadata control | Limited | Full control |
| Transferable | No | Yes — use across any platform |
| Professional appearance | Shows platform as publisher | Shows your own publishing brand |
Choose a free ISBN if:
- You are publishing your first book and testing the waters
- You plan to sell exclusively on one platform (like Amazon)
- Budget is your primary concern
- You do not need bookstore or library placement
Buy your own ISBN if:
- You are building a publishing business or author brand
- You want your book in physical bookstores and libraries
- You plan to distribute across multiple platforms
- You want full control over your publisher name and metadata
- You are publishing a series and want consistent branding
How Much Do Paid ISBNs Cost?
In the United States, Bowker is the only official ISBN agency. Their current pricing:
| Package | Price | Cost per ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ISBN | $125 | $125.00 |
| 10 ISBNs | $295 | $29.50 |
| 100 ISBNs | $575 | $5.75 |
If you plan to publish more than one book — or even one book in multiple formats — the 10-pack at $295 is significantly better value. A single book in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats needs three ISBNs, which would cost $375 individually versus $295 for a 10-pack with seven ISBNs left over.
IngramSpark offers a discounted single ISBN at $85 through their partnership with Bowker, available directly in your IngramSpark dashboard.
How to Get a Free ISBN: Step by Step
Here is the process using Amazon KDP, the most common free ISBN route:
Step 1: Create a KDP account if you do not have one.
Step 2: Start a new paperback or hardcover project in your KDP dashboard.
Step 3: In the “ISBN” section of the print book setup, select “Get a free KDP ISBN.”
Step 4: KDP automatically assigns an ISBN and fills in the publisher information as “Independently published.”
Step 5: Complete your book details, upload your manuscript and cover, set pricing, and publish.
The process is similar on other platforms. You create an account, start a new book project, and select the free ISBN option during setup.
How to Register Your Own ISBN with Bowker
If you decide to purchase your own ISBN, here is the process:
Step 1: Go to myidentifiers.com and create an account.
Step 2: Purchase an ISBN or ISBN package.
Step 3: Log into your Bowker account and assign the ISBN to your title. Enter your book’s metadata: title, author name, format, publisher name (your imprint), and subject categories.
Step 4: Use that ISBN when setting up your book on any publishing platform. Enter it in the “I have my own ISBN” field during book setup on KDP, IngramSpark, or any other platform.
Using AI to Write Your Book Before You Need an ISBN
Before you worry about ISBNs, you need a finished manuscript. AI writing tools have made it faster than ever to get from idea to complete draft.
Chapter.pub helps authors draft, structure, and refine full-length books with AI assistance. Over 2,147 authors have used it to create more than 5,000 books — from memoirs and business books to novels and guides. You can go from outline to complete manuscript in a fraction of the time it would take writing entirely from scratch.
Once your manuscript is ready, then you can make the ISBN decision based on your publishing goals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using someone else’s ISBN. ISBNs cannot be transferred between publishers. If a vanity press or service assigned an ISBN to your book, that ISBN belongs to them, not you.
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Reusing an ISBN across formats. Your paperback, hardcover, and ebook each need separate ISBNs. A revised edition with substantial changes also needs a new one.
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Assuming free means worse. A free ISBN from Amazon works perfectly fine if you are only selling on Amazon. The limitation is portability, not quality.
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Buying from unauthorized resellers. Only purchase ISBNs from your country’s official ISBN agency (Bowker in the U.S.) or directly through a platform’s partnership program. Third-party resellers may list themselves as the publisher of record.
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Waiting too long to decide. You need your ISBN before you publish, but you do not need it while writing. Make the decision once your manuscript is edited and your cover is ready.
FAQ
Can I switch from a free ISBN to a paid one later?
Not on the same edition. Once a book is published with a free ISBN, that number is permanently tied to that edition and platform. You would need to create a new edition with a new ISBN, which means a separate listing.
Do ebooks need ISBNs?
Not always. Amazon assigns ASINs to Kindle ebooks, and many ebook retailers do not require ISBNs. However, if you want your ebook listed in library systems or tracked in industry databases like BooksInPrint, you will need one.
Can I use one ISBN for both my paperback and ebook?
No. Each format requires its own ISBN. A paperback and an ebook are considered different products and need separate identifiers.
Is a free ISBN less legitimate than a paid one?
No. The ISBN itself functions the same way regardless of whether you paid for it. The difference is who appears as the publisher of record and whether you can use it across multiple platforms.
How long does it take to get an ISBN?
Free ISBNs through platforms like KDP are assigned instantly during the book setup process. Purchased ISBNs from Bowker are available immediately after purchase — you can assign them to titles right away.
