Dear filmmakers,

We appreciate your continued support of the Motion Picture Association’s Classification and Rating Administration (CARA). For over 55 years, we have provided American parents with advance information about the level of content in movies to help them make the best viewing choices for their family, while also protecting your First Amendment right to tell the stories you want, how you want, without the need for government regulation.

We acknowledge the rising costs of productions and the importance of planning your budget. As such, we want to provide you with as much advance notice as possible regarding a modest increase to our submission fee. The increase, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) will be implemented on January 1, 2026 to ensure the continuity of our public services.

The below chart outlines our new submission fee structure. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to Cara-feeincrease@motionpictures.org.

Class Negative Cost Fee before January 1, 2026 New Fee, effective January 1, 2026
A-1 > $75M $27,000 $27,800
A-2 $40M to $74.999M $21,500 $22,150
A-3 $15M to $39.000M $16,000 $16,500
A-4 $5M to $14.999M $8,500 $8,750
A-5 $500K to $4.999M $5,250 $5,400
A-6 < $500K $3,150 $3,250
Class Negative Cost Fee before January 1, 2026 New Fee, effective January 1, 2026
B-1 $12M to $14.999M $7,500 $7,700
B-2 $8M to $11.999M $5,300 $5,450
B-3 $4M to $7.999M $4,200 $4,325
B-4 $1.4M to $3.999M $3,150 $3,250
B-5 $500K to $1.4999M $2,800 $2,875
B-6 < $500K $2,600 $2,675
Class Negative Cost Fee before January 1, 2026 New Fee, effective January 1, 2026
C-1 Re-rate/Re-screen $2,700 $2,775
C-2 Re-issue $2,700 $2,775
C-3 Short Subject $800 $825
C-4 Re-Rate due to Obsolete Rating Symbol N/C N/C

WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES AMONG CATEGORIES A, B, AND C?

CATEGORY A
FILMS WHICH MEET AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
CATEGORY B
FILMS WHICH MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
CATEGORY C
FILMS WHICH MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

We look forward to continuing our work together.
The Classification and Rating Administration

FAQs

Why are you increasing your submission fees now?
CARA is a self-funded division of the MPA and relies solely on rating fees to sustain its operations. This modest increase to submission rates will ensure CARA can continue its critical work.
What are these increases based on?
This annual increases will begin on January 1, 2026. Future rate increases will be published in October prior to the annual CPI increases being effective in January.
My budget is already finalized. I’ve allocated all the money, but my film won’t be ready for submission by January 1. Will there be any exception for me?
Unfortunately, we cannot make any exceptions. However, any filmmaker who begins the rating process prior to January 1, 2026 will secure the current rate, even if the film is not sent to CARA until after that date.
Will there be discounts for MPA members?
No. As always, all rating fees are strictly based on the fee schedule which takes into consideration both the negative cost of the film and the annual revenues of the submitter.
Will there be discounts for non-profit organizations or students?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any discounts at this time. However, by design, it is likely these types of submitters will fall into categories with lower submission fees.
Has the criteria for determining the fee categories changed?
No, the criteria for determining the fee categories has not changed.