I was asked to present a visual version of the 2257 paperwork and accompanying documentation, so I’m going to show you here what’s actually required.
Here’s what the 2257 form looks like:
In addition, EACH 2257 should have 2 pieces of identifying information copied or scanned and printed:
Different people and studios seem to have different ideas on how many pieces of paperwork are required during one day of filming. As far as I’m concerned, I would suggest people stay on the safe side and fill out ONE 2257 PER SCENE, as opposed to one 2257 per day. The reason why this is the better way to go is because you have no idea how you might repackage the scenes that were shot that day later on.
A lot of companies (Sensational Video, for instance) will shoot one or two scenes and use them not only on their DVD but on other DVDs as well. In addition, they might use the scene on multiple websites to pad their content. It’s always better to have ONE 2257 PER SCENE so that you can assign a proper piece of legal documentation per scene per project (DVD or website). It prevents you from having to scramble later to assemble the documentation should the FBI decide to pay a visit.
The paperwork is pretty straightforward. However, should you have any questions, just post a comment here and I’ll add my response, so that the conversation about this topic can be logged in one place 
**Amendment/Addendum, Dec 1, 2008** Guy (see his comment below) makes a great point, so I’m going to clarify it here. A Social Security card is not REQUIRED as a second ID. I have personally used my SSN for my 2257 IDs because most of the time my SSN is required anyway as far as tax paperwork is concerned (remember, if you’re paid $600 or more from any production company in the course of a year, you must pay taxes on them). It’s not a violation of the Regs to use a SS card, but if you’re not comfortable providing that information to a production company (say, in the case of shooting a free “content trade” scene), then you can always use another form of verifiable ID.
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Great info Kelly that’s just what I was looking for, at least now I know I am using the right form. Now i was wondering since I run a solo site, do I need to have a form for each and every set I put on the website?
I would always err on the “better be safe than sorry” principle any time the law in involved. Filling out a 2257 takes what, 1 minute to do? The FBI is probably going to be more concerned with sites with multiple guys and girls than a solo girl site, though
It is incorrect to suggest that one needs two pieces of ID, especially a Social Security card. Adding a Social Security card to your 2257 database is not only a bad idea, but it is a violation of the regs.
One piece of state/US govt issued ID is what it should be.
Guy’s last blog post..“2257 Regulations For Dummies” Part 2
Guy – you make an excellent point. I didn’t say that a Social Security card was a requirement, but using a pic of one definitely does imply that it’s the only acceptable form of 2nd ID. Please take a look at my “Amendment/Addendum” above