✓Quick Takeaways
- Anyone who appears in your OnlyFans content — partner, friend, even just their hands — needs a signed release form.
- Your collaborator must create their own OnlyFans creator account. There's no workaround.
- Use the digital invitation link, not the printed PDF. It has a much higher approval rate.
- Most common rejection reasons: blurry ID photos, signature mismatches, and info that doesn't match the ID exactly.
- OnlyFans release forms and 2257 model release forms are different documents. US creators producing explicit content need both.
- Abbreviate your collaborator's name on the form — the full name shows up as a tag on published posts.
- Back up approved forms in Google Drive. OnlyFans can revoke previously approved forms without notice.
Your OnlyFans release form just got rejected. Again. OnlyFans sent the same copy-paste email — "doesn't meet our legal requirements" — and you still have no clue what's wrong. You're not alone. I've watched creators go through this 10, 15, even 22 times on the same form. And while you're stuck resubmitting, there's a 48-hour warning in your inbox threatening to pull your content if you don't get it sorted. Here's what most guides won't tell you: the rejection reasons are specific and fixable. The form itself takes 5 minutes once you know what goes where. I'm walking you through every field, every rejection trigger, and the real workaround for partners who don't want an OnlyFans account — because spoiler, there isn't one.
What Is an OnlyFans Release Form?
An OnlyFans release form is a legal document that proves every person appearing in your content gave their consent. You might also hear it called a content release form, model release form, or participant release form — they all mean the same thing. Think of it like a permission slip — except this one involves government-issued ID, a selfie, and a 3-to-7-day verification process. OnlyFans didn't always enforce this strictly. But after Ofcom fined their parent company Fenix International £1.05 million in March 2025 for age-verification failures, the crackdown got aggressive. Every creator who films with someone else — partner, friend, or hired collaborator — needs a completed and approved release form before posting. Some creators confuse the release form with the consent form you sign during account verification. They're different. The consent form is what you signed when you set up your own creator account. The release form is what your collaborator signs before appearing in your content.
A photographer was permanently banned from OnlyFans for uploading a non-explicit cover photo featuring another person — without a release form. This applies to all content types, not just explicit material.
Ofcom fine against OnlyFans for age-verification failures (March 2025)
Ofcom
deadline to submit missing release forms before content removal
OnlyFans Policy
typical release form verification time
OnlyFans Support
When Do You Actually Need a Release Form?
The short answer: whenever anyone other than you appears in your content. Whether you're shooting a collab video or just snapping a photo with someone in the background — the rules are stricter than you'd think.
"My husband doesn't need a form because we're married" is the single biggest myth. OnlyFans doesn't care about your relationship status. If another person is visible in the content, they need a form. Period.
| Scenario | Form Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Solo content (just you) | No | You verified yourself during account setup |
| Partner or boyfriend in the video | Yes | Even spouses need a signed release form |
| Someone's hands, feet, or body (no face) | Yes | Any visible person requires consent — even a toe |
| Collab with a verified OF creator | Tag instead | Tag their creator account directly — no separate form |
| Collab with someone who has a subscriber account | Yes | Subscriber accounts don't count — they need a creator account |
| Voice-only (off-camera speaking) | Gray area | OnlyFans hasn't clarified — submit one to be safe |
When OnlyFans requires a release form
Where to Find the Release Form on OnlyFans
This trips up more creators than you'd expect. The form isn't hidden — but it's not front and center either. Here's where to find it on your OnlyFans account.
Can't find the Release Forms tab? Some creators report it disappearing after account updates. Email support@onlyfans.com with a screenshot of your menu — they'll send you the direct link.
Open your OnlyFans dashboard
Log into your creator account on a desktop browser. The mobile app works too, but desktop is easier for uploading documents.
Go to More → Release Forms
Click your profile icon, scroll down past Statements, and tap 'Release Forms.' On mobile, it's under the menu icon at the bottom right.
Pick your submission method
You'll see two options: send a digital invitation link to your collaborator, or upload a completed PDF form. I cover both methods in the next section.
Gather your collaborator's info first
Before starting, you'll need their legal name, date of birth, a photo of their government-issued ID (front and back), and a selfie of them holding that ID.
How to Fill Out the Release Form — Field by Field
This is where everyone gets stuck. There's an 89-comment Reddit thread of creators arguing about what goes on each line. Here's your release form template — every field with a clear example of what to write.
When the form asks for 'ID number,' enter the document number printed on the government ID — not a social security number or tax ID.
Collaborator's legal name
Their full legal name exactly as it appears on their government ID. Not a stage name, not a nickname — if the ID says 'Jonathan' and they go by 'John,' write 'Jonathan.'
Date of birth
Match the format on their ID. OnlyFans checks this against the uploaded document — even a day/month swap triggers a rejection.
Your OnlyFans page URL
This is YOUR page URL — the creator account posting the content. Format: onlyfans.com/yourusername. Don't put the collaborator's URL here.
OnlyFans @ username
Your @ handle (again, yours — not the collaborator's). The form has two similar-looking fields: one for the full URL, one for the @ name. Both refer to your account.
Government-issued ID photos
Clear, well-lit photos of your collaborator's ID — front and back. Accepted: passport, driver's license, national ID card. If a driver's license keeps getting rejected, try a passport — they have a higher acceptance rate.
Selfie holding the ID
Your collaborator holds their ID next to their face and takes a clear photo. The face must be visible, the ID readable, and their appearance should match the photo on the ID. Facial hair changes or new glasses have caused rejections.
Signature
The handwritten signature must match the one on the ID document. Not 'close enough' — OnlyFans checks for an exact match. If the ID signature is messy, your collaborator needs to replicate that mess.
Digital Link vs. Printed PDF — Which Method to Use
OnlyFans gives you two ways to submit a release form: the digital invitation link or a printed PDF. One works way better than the other — and I wish someone had told me that before I wasted a week on the wrong method.
If you've been using the printed PDF and keep getting rejected, switch to the digital link. Multiple creators confirmed that changing methods solved their rejection streak.
| Digital Invitation Link | Printed PDF | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | You send a link → collaborator fills it out online | You download → collaborator prints, signs, photographs → you upload |
| Approval rate | Higher — fewer manual errors | Lower — handwriting and photo quality issues |
| Processing time | Usually under 3 business days | 3-7+ business days |
| Common problems | Link expiration, collaborator needs email | Blurry scans, signature mismatches, wrong file format |
| Best for | Most collaborations (default to this) | No internet or email access available |
Digital invitation link vs. printed PDF comparison
Why Release Forms Get Rejected (and How to Fix Each One)
This is the section I wish existed when I dealt with my first rejection. OnlyFans won't tell you what's wrong — they send a generic "doesn't meet our legal requirements" email. After seeing dozens of rejections across our creators, here are the actual triggers.
We suspect OnlyFans runs an automated review system that flags common issues before a human ever sees the form. That's why the same form can get rejected multiple times in a row — the system catches one problem, you fix it, then it finds the next one.
“They rejected my last one 22 times!”
— Creator on r/onlyfansadvice
| Rejection Reason | What Went Wrong | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Blurry ID photo | Camera shake or poor lighting | Natural daylight, flat surface, steady hands — no flash |
| Signature mismatch | Handwritten signature looks different from the one on the ID | Study the ID signature and replicate it exactly — even the messy parts |
| Appearance mismatch | Collaborator looks different from ID photo (beard, glasses, weight) | Match the ID photo as closely as possible — shave if the ID shows no beard |
| Wrong file format | Uploaded HEIC or WEBP instead of JPG/PNG | Convert to JPG or PNG before uploading — iPhone users, check camera settings |
| File too large | Photo exceeds the 7MB limit | Compress the image or lower resolution — clear ID photos are usually under 3MB |
| Info mismatch | Typo in name, wrong date format, or nickname instead of legal name | Triple-check every field against the physical ID — copy character by character |
| Expired ID | Government ID passed its expiration date | Use a valid, current ID — passports with years of remaining validity work best |
| Low-res selfie | Selfie-with-ID is too small or pixelated | Good lighting, hold ID at chin level, use the rear camera (not selfie cam) |
Common OnlyFans release form rejection reasons and fixes
OnlyFans Release Form vs. 2257 — Do You Need Both?
If you're a US-based creator making explicit content, yes — you probably need both. And they're completely different documents. The OnlyFans release form is a platform requirement. It proves your collaborator consented to appear in content on OnlyFans specifically. The 2257 model release form is a federal legal requirement under 18 U.S.C. § 2257. It proves every person in sexually explicit content is over 18 and requires you to keep physical records.
Don't assume the OnlyFans release form covers your 2257 obligations. They're separate documents. One experienced creator keeps all her 2257 forms in a physical filing cabinet — she's been doing it since 2018.
| OnlyFans Release Form | 2257 Model Release Form | |
|---|---|---|
| Required by | OnlyFans (platform policy) | US federal law |
| Applies to | All content featuring another person | Sexually explicit content only |
| Who fills it out | Your collaborator (through the OF system) | You as the producer + your collaborator |
| Where it's stored | OnlyFans' system | You keep physical copies yourself |
| Applies outside US? | Yes — all creators globally | Mainly US creators and US-hosted content |
| If you skip it | Content removal, account suspension | Federal criminal penalties |
OnlyFans platform form vs. federal 2257 form
Couples and Partners — What You Need to Know
Most release form questions on Reddit come from couples. "My boyfriend's in the video — does he need a form?" "We're married — is it still required?" "He doesn't want an OnlyFans account — what are my options?" If you're running a couples OnlyFans account, here's the reality.
Your partner must create a creator account
Not a subscriber account — a verified creator account. Once verified, you tag them in content instead of filing a separate release form each time. They don't need to post anything or pay anything. The account just needs to exist and pass verification.
There's no alternative if they refuse
If your partner won't make an OnlyFans account, the only other option is the full release form process — government ID, selfie, personal info through OnlyFans' system. There's no third path.
Marriage doesn't change anything
OnlyFans treats every person the same regardless of relationship. Your marriage certificate means nothing in their system. Spouse visible in content? Creator account or release form. That's it.
Breakups mean takedowns
If your ex revokes consent, take down every piece of content they appear in. The community's stance is clear: "If your ex asks you to remove content of them, just do it. They've withdrawn their consent."
Talk about money early
Not a form requirement, but the creator community feels strongly: if your partner appears in content that earns money, they deserve a cut. "Asking someone to film content with you is asking them to work. No one wants to work for free."
We suspect OnlyFans has introduced face-scanning or recognition technology that identifies people in videos — even without their face showing. Creators have reported content flagged for missing release forms in videos where the collaborator was never visible on-screen. The platform is more advanced than most people think.
Protecting Your Collaborator's Privacy
Here's a detail that catches people off guard: when you tag someone through the release form system, their name shows up on your published post. Not their username — the actual name you entered on the form. If you or your collaborator care about staying anonymous on OnlyFans, pay attention to this section.
Abbreviate names on the form
Instead of 'John Doe,' enter 'J.D.' or just initials. The tag on your post displays whatever name you entered — abbreviating keeps your collaborator's identity private while still passing verification.
Digital link protects privacy better
With the printed PDF, you physically handle your collaborator's ID and personal details. With the digital link, they complete verification through OnlyFans directly — you never see their government ID or full info.
Back everything up in cloud storage
Save approval confirmations and related documents in Google Drive. OnlyFans can revoke previously approved forms without warning — your own records are your safety net.
Fans can't see the form
Subscribers don't have access to release form documents, ID photos, or personal info. They can only see the name tag on the post. Everything else stays between the collaborator, you (if using PDF method), and OnlyFans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
The OnlyFans release form is frustrating, confusing, and sometimes maddening. But it's not optional — and it's not going away. The good news: once you know what triggers rejections and what each field actually wants, the whole process takes 5 minutes. Use the digital link method, double-check every detail against the physical ID, and keep backups in cloud storage. If you're doing regular collabs and tired of dealing with forms, verification, and platform bureaucracy on your own — building a real content strategy is the next step.
