Many materials used in family history research are protected by copyright laws. Unless you created an item, it is best to assume that it is protected by copyright law. Once you can verify you have legal permission, you can make copies or upload the information. Be sure to ask permission first.
The fact that a publication is out of print does not nullify its copyright. You cannot justify duplicating, distributing, performing, displaying, or making derivatives of it without permission.
If you are at the FamilySearch Library or a FamilySearch center, you can make copies as permitted by local copyright law.
- As you use FamilySearch, review our Content Submission Agreement before you upload photos, stories, source documents, and other materials.
For Church members
For more information about copyright law, see section 38.8.13 of the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The FamilySearch Center Operations Guide 2023 explains how copyright law affects FamilySearch center usage.
Each center posts Copyright Notice signs on or near photocopy machines, digital image systems, reader-printers, computer printers, and other duplication equipment.
Family history materials produced by the Church may be copied for personal use or for Church instruction. For other uses, please get permission from the Family History Department at:
FamilySearch International
Legal Services—Rights
50 East North Temple Street, Room 545
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-0005
Phone: 1-800-453-3860 ext. 24612
Email: LibraryRights@familysearch.org