Expert: Jim Boyd - 7/31/2008

Question
Hi my name is Orabella,

I am a adult fetish model here in Canada, very new in the industry, less then a year.

I have my own adult site as well as I just started my own production companey for adult fetish film.

I would like to do some work with the well known porn producers in the U.S.A to get my face out there because here in Canada there really is no industry for adult film.

The problem I keep cumming across is producers keep asking if I have state id?

I was born her in Canada and I have a passport witch is identification with proof of who I am and my age.

Why is this a problem, and how do I get state id because I really would like to do some work in the U.S.

My dream is to be on Hogged Tied

Answer
It's a problem because of the U.S. Federal Laws that govern the production of Adult Material. However, it's a problem that can be solved.

In order insure that all performers are of legal age, United States Federal Law requires that producers maintain verifiable records of every performer who appears in an Adult Film. Theoretically, these laws are intended to aid in the fight against the proliferation of child pornography.

According to USC Title 28 Part 75 § 75.1   if the material is produced anywhere within the United States or one of its territories then the producer must verify the actual age and identity of ALL performers by examining specific identifying documents and then properly maintain records of those documents for a specific time period and in a specific manor.

Unfortunately, the required identifying documents MUST be issued by the U.S. Federal Government (U.S. Passport, Permanent Resident Card or Employment Visa) or by a State Government (Drivers License or State Issued ID Card).  Foreign issued identification documents are simply not acceptable when production takes place within U.S. boarders.

Because of these Laws, the ONLY way a foreign national would be able to work in the U.S. Adult Industry would be to legally enter the U.S. and obtain a Permanent Resident Card (also called a green card) or a U.S. Work visa. Both of which would allow you to obtain a Drivers License in any State and meet the requirements for Identifying Documentation.