Navigate to ascap.com and click on "GO" beside "ACE/Repertory," which is located in the top right corner of the page. Search the database for the name of the song you would like to cover and note the address of the publisher/administrator listed.
Navigate to bmi.com and hold your mouse over "Search," located in the top right corner of the home page. Chose "Title" from the drop-down menu, enter the name of the song you'd like to cover and click "Go." Click on the song title, click on the publisher's name and note the address listed.
Navigate to SESAC and click "Repertory," located along the top of the home page. Read the terms and conditions, click "Continue" and search for the song you'd like to cover. Click on the publisher's name and note the address.
Navigate to the artist's website, MySpace or Facebook page if you can't find them listed on one of the websites in Steps 1, 2 or 3. Locate their contact information and note their address. If only an email address is listed, email them to request a mailing address.
Compose your permission letter. In the letter you need to state who you are (including contact information), what song you would like to cover, what format you will be using to cover it (live performance or recording) and when you will be covering it. Also ask how much it will cost to cover the song and remember to leave a space near the bottom of the letter for the granter to sign. This signature will grant you use of the song.