Who can sign a release for a minor?

A parent or court-appointed legal guardian. Grandparents, older siblings, chaperones, agents, and teachers cannot, unless they hold formal guardianship. If in doubt, ask for the relationship in writing — this template includes the representation.

Can the model sign too?

They can co-sign as an acknowledgment, and some agencies like seeing it, but the minor’s signature has no independent legal force. The guardian’s signature is the one that matters.

Does the release survive when the minor turns 18?

This template binds the minor until majority and thereafter unless revoked in writing where local law allows revocation. Some jurisdictions let a former minor disaffirm contracts made on their behalf — for high-value campaigns, get a re-confirmation at 18.

Are there extra rules for minors in stock photography?

Yes — agencies typically require the guardian’s name and relationship recorded on the release, and some require a witness. Check your agency’s release requirements before the shoot.

Free templates

Minor (Child) Model Release Form Template

A minor cannot sign a binding release — full stop. Photographing anyone under 18 for commercial use means the release must be signed by a parent or court-appointed legal guardian, and the document needs to say that the signer actually has that authority. A standard adult release with a parent’s signature scribbled on it is not the same thing.

This template restructures the release around guardian consent: the guardian grants the rights on the minor’s behalf, represents their legal authority to do so, and binds the minor until majority. Keep the AI-training default in mind too — it is restrictive by default here, which is almost certainly what you want with minors.

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What the release says

I, the undersigned parent or legal guardian of the minor model named below ("Model"), confirm that I have full legal authority to grant this release on the Model’s behalf. In exchange for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which I acknowledge, I grant the photographer named below ("Photographer") and any third parties acting with the Photographer’s authorization the rights described in this release.

I grant the Photographer the irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free right to use, reproduce, distribute, display, edit, adapt, and publish photographs, video, and other recordings of me ("Materials") created on the shoot date stated below, for the purposes described under "Scope of Use" below.

I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished Materials, and I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from the use of the Materials within the granted Scope of Use. The Photographer retains all copyright in the Materials.

AI training rights: Unless the Scope of Use below explicitly grants AI / machine-learning training rights, I do NOT grant the Photographer or any third party the right to use the Materials to train, fine-tune, or otherwise feed any artificial-intelligence model, dataset, or system, and any such use is expressly prohibited.

I release the Photographer and their assigns from any claims arising from use of the Materials within the granted Scope of Use, including without limitation claims for libel, defamation, invasion of privacy, and right of publicity, except for use that is materially false or that defames me.

I represent that I am the Model’s parent or court-appointed legal guardian. I sign this release on the Model’s behalf and agree that it is binding on the Model, on me, and on our heirs and legal representatives until the Model reaches the age of majority and thereafter unless revoked in writing where the law allows.

Common questions

Who can sign a release for a minor?: A parent or court-appointed legal guardian. Grandparents, older siblings, chaperones, agents, and teachers cannot, unless they hold formal guardianship. If in doubt, ask for the relationship in writing — this template includes the representation.
Can the model sign too?: They can co-sign as an acknowledgment, and some agencies like seeing it, but the minor’s signature has no independent legal force. The guardian’s signature is the one that matters.
Does the release survive when the minor turns 18?: This template binds the minor until majority and thereafter unless revoked in writing where local law allows revocation. Some jurisdictions let a former minor disaffirm contracts made on their behalf — for high-value campaigns, get a re-confirmation at 18.
Are there extra rules for minors in stock photography?: Yes — agencies typically require the guardian’s name and relationship recorded on the release, and some require a witness. Check your agency’s release requirements before the shoot.

Skip the paperwork

Printing, signing, scanning, filing — or a link your model opens on their phone. Signed releases land in both inboxes automatically, timestamped and locked.

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Related templates

These templates are general-purpose starting points, not legal advice. Adapt them to your shoot and jurisdiction.