Model Release Form - Adults (US) by OLL
Updated 9 January 2026
The US Adult Model Release Form is designed to obtain clear permission from an adult individual to use their likeness in photos, videos, or other media. It helps creators and businesses document consent for commercial or promotional use and is created by OLL's team of legal experts.
US Adult Model Release Form
Purpose: This form grants the photographer broad rights to use images of the model, including for advertising, marketing, trade and other lawful purposes. It confirms that the model (who must be at least 18 years old) consents to the use of their likeness and releases the photographer from liability. Adult releases should include the model’s and photographer’s names, addresses, date of birth and signatures and should clearly set out how images may be used and that the model waives inspection rights.
Model’s Name (the "Model"): [Model’s full legal name]
Address: [Model’s street address, city, state, ZIP]
Date of Birth: [Month Day, Year]
Email: [Model’s email address]
Phone: [Model’s phone number]
Photographer/Artist Name (the "Photographer"): [Photographer’s full name or business name]
Address: [Photographer’s business address]
Email: [Photographer’s email]
Phone: [Photographer’s phone number]
Grant of Rights and Permission
For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Model grants the Photographer, the Photographer’s legal representatives and assigns, those acting under the Photographer’s authority, and those for whom the Photographer is acting, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to take, use, reuse, publish, and republish photographic portraits or pictures, video, or sound recordings of the Model (collectively “Images”), in whole or in part, or composite or distorted in character or form, without restriction as to changes or alterations, in conjunction with the Model’s own or a fictitious name. These rights include reproduction in any medium, including print, digital, and the internet, for any lawful purpose, including art, advertising, trade or commercial purposes.
Digital Alteration
The Model consents to the digital compositing or distortion of the Images, including but not limited to changes or alterations in color, size, shape, perspective, context, foreground or background. The Model waives the right to inspect or approve the finished product or the advertising copy or printed matter that may be used in connection with the Images, or the use to which they may be applied.
Release of Liability
The Model releases and discharges the Photographer, the Photographer’s legal representatives and assigns, and all persons acting under the Photographer’s permission or authority, from any liability arising out of the use of the Images. This release includes any claims for blurring, distortion, alteration, optical illusion, composite form, or use of the Images in any manner, whether intentional or otherwise, as well as any claims for libel, invasion of privacy or other rights.
Age and Capacity
The Model affirms that they are at least 18 years of age, have the legal capacity to sign this Release and grant the rights herein without the need for consent from any parent or guardian. The Model acknowledges that they have read this Release and fully understand its contents.
Governing Law
This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State], United States, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.
Option A: Drafting Note (Governing Law – New York):
This Release is governed by New York law to provide predictability and consistency across jurisdictions. New York limits right-of-publicity claims to statute and does not recognize broader common-law publicity or privacy claims. Governing this Release under New York law avoids the need for state-by-state releases and is standard practice for national and online distribution.
Option B: Drafting Note (Governing Law – California):
This Release is governed by California law, which provides a clear statutory framework for rights of publicity and likeness through Civil Code § 3344. California law is commonly used for photography, film, advertising, and media projects conducted in or connected to the state.
Signatures
Model Signature: [Model Signature] Date: [Model Signature Date]
Printed Name: [Model’s full legal name]
Photographer Signature: [Photographer Signature] Date: [Photographer signature date]
Printed Name: [Photographer’s full name or business name]
About this template
What is this template?
Model Release Form - Adults (US) by OLL is a free, ready-to-use Terms of Business template you can open, customize, and download on GitLaw. It gives you a professionally structured starting point, so you never have to draft from a blank page. The wording is plain and modern, organized into clear sections that are easy to read, edit, and adapt to your own situation before you share or sign it.
When should you use it?
Reach for this Terms of Business template whenever you need a reliable agreement quickly and want to be sure the essentials are covered. It suits individuals, freelancers, startups, and established businesses alike. Instead of paying for a document drafted from scratch, you can start here, tailor the details to your arrangement, and have a polished draft ready in minutes. This version is drafted with United States of America in mind, though you should always review the final wording against the laws that apply to you.
What's typically included?
A well-drafted Terms of Business usually sets out the parties involved, the scope of the agreement, and each side's rights and responsibilities. Expect sections covering key terms and definitions, how long the agreement lasts, how it can be ended, and what happens if something goes wrong. This template brings those building blocks together in a sensible order, so you can focus on the specifics rather than worrying about what to include. Open it to read the full document, then sign up to edit, negotiate, and e-sign it directly in GitLaw.