2257 records: what you actually need to keep

boring, federal, mandatory

Federal law requires everyone who produces sexually explicit content to keep records proving every performer is an adult. Yes, that includes you filming yourself. Here’s the rule in plain language.

What the law is

18 U.S.C. §2257 is a federal record-keeping law: anyone who produces sexually explicit content must verify the age and identity of every person depicted, and keep organized records proving it. It exists to keep minors out of adult content, and it has real teeth — violations are federal crimes.

You are a "producer"

Filming your own content makes you a primary producer — the label applies to a solo creator with a phone exactly as it applies to a studio.

Collabs: each producer keeps records for everyone depicted. If you shoot with a friend, you keep their records and they keep yours. Trading files of the shoot without trading compliance paperwork is the classic mistake.

What the records are

✓A legible copy of a government-issued photo ID for every performer — including yourself

✓Legal name plus every stage name, alias, and prior name the performer has used

✓The date of production for each piece of content

✓Records organized so they can be located by name and title, and kept available for inspection

✓The required compliance statement on content and sites you control

How to actually do this

Use our free 2257 form (on the Resources page) for every person in every shoot — even yourself, even a long-term partner, even a friend doing you a favor. Fill it out before the camera rolls.

Store records securely and separately from the content itself — an encrypted folder or drive. These files contain IDs, so treat a breach of your records as seriously as a breach of your content.

The homework

1.Download the 2257 form from our Resources page.

2.Create a secure, organized folder — one entry per performer, findable by name.

3.Backfill records for existing content where you can.

4.Make the form part of every shoot’s setup, same as checking the lighting.

This guide is general education, not legal advice — laws change and details matter. Confirm current rules with official sources or a lawyer before acting.

FREE DOWNLOAD

2257 Compliance Form

The record-keeping form, free on our Resources page — one per performer, per shoot.

Get the form →

KEEP STUDYING

Model release / co-performer agreement → The TAKE IT DOWN Act, explained →

prof's note

Paperwork before the camera rolls. Every time. Even with friends.