Free Photo Release Form Template (Model Release for Adults and Minors)

A photo release form, or model release, is a document in which a person gives permission to use photos or videos in which they appear. Photographers, schools, salons, gyms, real estate agents, nonprofits and brands use it before posting a picture on a website, social media or an ad. This template lets the person choose exactly where their image may be used, and includes a section for a parent to sign for a minor.

MultiDocs team7 min readUpdated November 6, 2026With official sources

In 30 seconds

  • You generally need a signed release to use a recognizable person's image in advertising or to promote a product or business.
  • Rights of publicity and privacy are state law. New York, for example, requires written consent for use of a person's picture for advertising or trade.
  • A release is about the person in the photo; copyright in the photo usually belongs to the photographer.
  • For minors, a parent or legal guardian signs.

When you need a photo release

The general rule in most states: using a recognizable person's name, image or likeness for commercial purposes, such as ads, product packaging or promoting your business on social media, requires their consent. News reporting, commentary and art usually don't, but the line isn't always obvious, and many platforms, stock agencies and clients require a signed release anyway. If the photo shows children, staff or clients and you plan to publish it, get a release. It's quicker than taking a post down later.

What a photo release form should include

  • Who gets permission (the business or photographer, and its clients or partners if relevant).
  • What is covered: photos, video, audio, name, voice; taken on what date or at what event.
  • Where it may be used: website, social media, print, paid ads, internal use only. Checkboxes make this clear.
  • How long: perpetual or for a set period, and whether the person can withdraw consent for future uses.
  • Payment or "no compensation."
  • Editing: whether images may be cropped, retouched or combined.
  • Signature of the person, or of a parent for a minor.

Photo release form template

PHOTO, VIDEO AND MODEL RELEASE

Released to: ______________________________ (business, school, organization or photographer), its successors, and anyone acting with its permission (together, "Producer").
Shoot / event: ______________________________ Date(s): ______________ Location: ______________________________

Person photographed: ______________________________
Phone: ______________ Email: ______________________________

1. Permission. I give Producer permission to photograph and record me, and to use, reproduce, publish and distribute my image, likeness, voice and ☐ my name ☐ my first name only ☐ no name, as captured in photos, video and audio taken at the shoot or event above (the "Images").

2. Where the Images may be used. ☐ Producer's website ☐ Producer's social media accounts ☐ Printed materials (brochures, posters, newsletters) ☐ Paid advertising, online or offline ☐ Press and media ☐ Portfolio and awards ☐ Internal use only ☐ Other: ______________________________

3. Duration. ☐ This permission has no time limit. ☐ This permission lasts until ______________. I may withdraw this permission for future uses by writing to ______________________________. Withdrawal does not apply to materials already printed or published before Producer receives my notice, but Producer will make reasonable efforts to remove Images from its own website and social media accounts.

4. Editing. Producer may crop, edit, retouch and combine the Images with other material, provided it does not use them in a way that is defamatory or that falsely suggests I endorse a product, service, political or religious view, unless I agree in writing.

5. Compensation. ☐ I receive no payment for this permission. ☐ I receive $ ____________ or the following: ______________________________, as full payment for this permission.

6. Ownership. I understand that Producer or its photographer owns the copyright in the Images, and that I have no right to inspect or approve the final use, except as stated here: ______________________________.

7. Release. I release Producer from claims for invasion of privacy, right of publicity or defamation arising from uses of the Images that are permitted by this release.

8. General. I have reached the age of majority in my state (18 in most states; 19 in Alabama and Nebraska) and have the right to sign this release, or my parent or guardian is signing below. This release is governed by the laws of the state of ______________ and may be signed electronically.

Name: ______________________________
Signature: ______________________________ Date: ______________

PARENT OR GUARDIAN CONSENT FOR A MINOR
I am the parent or legal guardian of ______________________________ (minor's name), age ______. I have read this release and give the permissions above on the minor's behalf, for the uses checked in section 2.
Parent / guardian name: ______________________________
Signature: ______________________________ Date: ______________

Fill it in and sign it free⬇ Download as Word (.docx)Free, no account.

How to collect photo releases online

  1. Upload the release. Fill in your business and the shoot or event, save it as a PDF and upload it to MultiDocs.
  2. Place the fields. Name, signature and date, and the checkboxes for where the images may be used so each person chooses for themselves. Add the parent section for minors.
  3. Send it. By email, text message, WhatsApp or link. For a school year, a team photo or an event, bulk send gives each person or parent their own copy: up to 20 at once free, up to 500 on the Team plan.
  4. Get it back with the audit trail. You see who signed and what each person checked, with a certificate of date, time and device for each one.

State notes

There is no single federal "photo release law." Rights of privacy and publicity come from state statutes and court decisions, and they vary:

  • New York makes it unlawful to use a living person's name, portrait, picture or voice for advertising or trade purposes without their written consent, or a parent's or guardian's consent for a minor (Civil Rights Law §§ 50 and 51).
  • Other states, including California and many more, have publicity statutes or common-law rights, with different rules for minors, deceased persons and damages.
  • Schools also have to consider their district's media policy and federal student privacy rules for student records. Ask your district which form it uses.
  • Children's entertainment and paid modeling may involve state child labor and work permit rules.

Separately, copyright: the photographer generally owns the copyright in a photo from the moment it's taken, unless it's a work made for hire or the rights are assigned in writing. A photo release doesn't change that, and you may need a license from the photographer as well as a release from the person.

This is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, ask a lawyer licensed in your state.

FAQs

Do I need a photo release to post someone on social media?

If the post promotes your business and the person is recognizable, it's safest to have one. Several states require written consent for advertising or trade use, and platforms or clients often require it anyway.

What is the difference between a photo release and a model release?

They are the same kind of document. "Model release" is common in professional photography and stock; "photo release" in schools, businesses and events.

Can a parent sign a photo release for a child?

Yes. For a minor (under 18 in most states, under 19 in Alabama and Nebraska), a parent or legal guardian should sign. The template has a separate section for that.

Can someone revoke a photo release?

It depends on the release and the state. This template lets the person withdraw consent for future uses, which is fair and avoids disputes, while protecting material already published.

Is an electronically signed photo release valid?

Yes. Under the ESIGN Act and state law, an e-signature satisfies a requirement for written, signed consent.

Does a photo release give me the copyright?

No. The release covers the person's image. Copyright in the photo belongs to the photographer unless it's assigned in writing or is a work made for hire.

Official sources

We checked each source on November 6, 2026. If you spot an out-of-date fact, write to us at info@multidocs.es.

Related templates and guides

TemplatePermission SlipParent consent for activities, with a photo checkbox.TemplateLiability WaiverA release of liability for activities and events.SchoolsE-signatures for schoolsCollect forms from every family without paper.Salons and studiosE-signatures for salons and tattoo studiosConsent and photo releases before the appointment.