If you produce, publish, or host sexually explicit content, 18 U.S.C. § 2257 requires you to maintain records proving every performer was 18 or older at the time the content was made. A properly completed model release form is the foundation of that compliance.
This page explains exactly what the form must include, provides a free template you can use, and covers how to store records correctly.
Who Needs a 2257 Model Release Form?
You need 2257 records if you are a primary producer: meaning you actually film, direct, or produce explicit content, or a secondary producer who hosts or publishes content produced by others.
This applies whether you work solo, collaborate with other performers, or run a platform that hosts third-party content.
You do not need a separate 2257 form for yourself if you are the sole performer in content you produce, but you must still maintain records of your own age verification and keep them accessible for inspection.
→ Full guide: Do I need a 2257 statement on my website?
What Must a 2257 Model Release Form Include?
The regulations under 28 C.F.R. Part 75 specify the information that must be maintained for each performer:
- Legal name: the performer’s full legal name as it appears on government-issued ID
- Date of birth: confirming the performer was 18 or older on the date of production
- Any aliases, pseudonyms, or stage names used by the performer in the content
- A copy of the government-issued photo ID used to verify identity and age (passport, driver’s licence, state ID, or equivalent)
- Date of production: the date the explicit content was created
- Description of the content: sufficient to identify which specific content the records relate to
- Name and address of the records custodian: the person or business responsible for maintaining the records
Free 2257 Model Release Form Template
The following template satisfies the requirements of 18 U.S.C. § 2257 and 28 C.F.R. Part 75. Copy and complete one form per performer per production session.
PERFORMER RECORDS, 18 U.S.C. § 2257 COMPLIANCE FORM
Complete one form per performer. Attach a copy of valid government-issued photo ID.
PERFORMER INFORMATION
Full legal name: ___
Date of birth: ___ (must confirm performer was 18+ on production date)
All names, aliases, or stage names used in the content:
Government-issued ID type (e.g. passport, driver’s licence): ___
ID number: ___
ID expiry date: ___
ID issuing country/state: ___
Attach a clear copy of the ID to this form.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Date(s) of production: ___
Description of content produced (title, URL, or file name sufficient to identify the specific content):
RECORDS CUSTODIAN
Name of records custodian (person responsible for maintaining these records):
Business name (if applicable): ___
Mailing address: ___
Email address: ___
DECLARATIONS
The performer named above confirms:
- All information provided is accurate and complete
- They were 18 years of age or older on the date(s) of production listed above
- They consent to the production and distribution of the content described above
Performer signature: ____ Date:
Custodian/producer signature: ____ Date:
This form must be kept for the duration of the business and for a minimum of five years after the last publication date of the content it relates to.
How to Store Your 2257 Records
The regulations require that records be:
Maintained at your designated records location. This must be disclosed on your website in your 2257 statement, typically as a line reading: "Records required by 18 U.S.C. § 2257 are kept by [name] at [address]."
Available for inspection. The Attorney General’s office has the authority to inspect records during normal business hours with three business days’ notice. Your records must be organised so that any specific performer’s file can be located quickly.
Kept for the life of the business plus five years, or seven years from the date of production, whichever is longer. Do not destroy records for content that is still published anywhere.
Organised by performer or by content. Most custodians use one folder per performer containing: the completed form, the ID copy, and a list of all productions that performer appeared in.
Digital storage
A secure cloud storage folder (with strong password and two-factor authentication) or an encrypted local folder is acceptable, provided you can produce physical copies on demand. Avoid storing records on platforms that could be deplatformed or suspended. Use a service you control or own.
What Happens If You Don’t Have 2257 Records?
Failure to maintain 2257 records is a federal criminal offence. Penalties include fines and up to five years imprisonment for a first offence. Compliance is not optional for explicit content producers.
In practice, enforcement has historically focused on commercial operations rather than individual creators, but the legal obligation exists regardless of your size or income level.
2257 Compliance and Your Website
Your website must display a 2257 compliance statement. If you are the custodian of your own records, it typically appears as:
"In accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 2257, records are maintained by [your name/business], [your address]. Content on this site depicts performers who were 18 years of age or older at the time of production."
If you use a managed service like Automate Horizon, your 2257 statement is included as part of your site’s legal page setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 2257 form if I am the only performer?
You still need records, including a copy of your own government-issued ID confirming your age, stored and accessible. You do not need a separate signed form, but the underlying records requirement applies to you.
Do I need 2257 records for SFW content?
No. 2257 applies only to sexually explicit content as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2256(2)(A), content depicting actual sexual intercourse, masturbation, bestiality, or lascivious exhibition of the genitals. Nude photography and other content that does not meet this definition does not trigger 2257.
Can I use an electronic signature on the form?
Yes, electronic signatures are acceptable for the model release form. Ensure your signature solution produces an auditable record (time-stamp, IP address, email confirmation).
How do I handle international performers?
The same requirements apply. A valid government-issued ID from any country, passport, national ID card, or equivalent, satisfies the identification requirement, provided it includes the performer’s name, photo, and date of birth.
Where do I display my 2257 statement on my website?
Typically in the footer (as a linked text line) and on a dedicated compliance page. Automate Horizon includes this as part of every website build.
This template is provided for informational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
→ Full 2257 compliance guide for adult creators
→ Navigate legal risks for adult creators