Do I Need An ISBN for My Book in Canada?

What are ISBNs, Why are ISBNs Important, and Why Should Canadian Authors Get their Own ISBNs?

Updated on July 15th, 2026

A common question many new Canadian authors ask us at Indie Publishing Group is, “Do I need an ISBN for my book in Canada?” The answer is yes, but you have several options. So, what is an ISBN and why do you need one?

Registering for an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is an important step every author needs to take when planning to self-publish a book. An ISBN isn’t optional and is widely used worldwide, including in Canada. However, authors who self-publish their books on Amazon KDP are often tempted to use one of their free ISBNs. I know, something for free, it can sound tempting for a new author on a tight budget. However, Canadian authors don’t pay for ISBNs, unlike many other authors.

If you choose to use the free Amazon KDP ISBNs, you can’t self-publish your book anywhere else, as they are Amazon-specific. So, if you’re planning a broad publishing strategy for your book, consider investing the time to get your own ISBNs.

If you’re a new Canadian author still considering where to self-publish your book, read The Best Self-Publishing Platforms for Canadian Authors! We cover everything you need to know about the most popular self-publishing platforms in Canada, including Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark Publishing, Apple Books, and more.

What Is An ISBN?

Your ISBN is a 13-digit number that identifies each edition of your manuscript and is used by booksellers, publishers, and librarians. It also identifies publications, publishers, and production companies. In Canada, it is compulsory for printed books, hardcovers, ebooks, and audiobooks to have an ISBN and a corresponding barcode.|

You should have an ISBN for each book format of your book that you publish. For example, your ebook, paperback, hardcover, or audiobook would each have its own ISBN.

For Canadian authors still considering whether or not Amazon KDP is the best self-publishing platform for them, check out The Complete Guide to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for Canadian Authors, where we cover everything you’ll need to know about getting started on Amazon KDP for the first time.

What is the Cost of An ISBN in Canada?

In Canada, we’re fortunate not to have to pay for ISBNs for the books we publish. However, it’s important to have your title and subtitle correct, as once they’re linked to your book, you can’t change the number. Your ISBN will be linked to that title and format forever, and any adjustments will mean republishing your book under a new ISBN.

If you are a Canadian resident or citizen, you don’t have to pay for an ISBN. They’re 100% free. In comparison, in the United States or Australia, authors need to spend hundreds of dollars for an ISBN, depending on how many they need. To get an ISBN, you will need your title, the book format, the expected publication date, and the author’s contact details.

If you have been considering self-publishing your book on IngramSpark, check out the Complete Guide to IngramSpark Publishing for Canadian Authors, where we cover account setup, title uploading, royalties, pricing, and much more!

How Do You Get An ISBN in Canada?

In Canada, authors can obtain their free ISBNs from Library and Archives Canada. You’ll need to register for an account before requesting the number, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Currently, on their website, Library and Archives Canada is listing wait times of up to two months to process new ISBN applications, so don’t leave it until the last minute.

Once you have registered a book, you are obligated to send copies to the deposit so that they can be cataloged.

Do I Need An ISBN for My Book in Canada? | Conclusion

As you can see, getting an ISBN in Canada for your books is a vital step in the publishing process, but luckily, it won’t cost you anything. If you have any questions about ISBNs or how to get one, don’t hesitate to contact us at Indie Publishing Group! We’re currently advising authors to start thinking about obtaining their ISBNs as soon as possible, as there are significant wait times for processing new ISBN accounts at Library and Archives Canada.

If you are writing a book and need assistance with paperback or ebook formatting, cover design, professional editing, uploading to self-publishing sites such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark Publishing, or Amazon KDP keyword and category research, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We also offer children’s book illustrations and formatting services. Our experienced and professional self-publishing team is standing by to assist you with your self-publishing dreams.

Chrissy Hobbs is the owner and founder of Indie Publishing Group, a self-publishing services provider based in Ontario, Canada, which helps authors self-publish their books on Amazon KDP, IngramSpark Publishing and other self-publishing platforms. With over a decade of experience in the publishing industry and also being a best-selling children’s book author of The Day My Fart Followed Me to Hockey and Hockey Wars, you know your book is in good hands.