Consent Form

A consent form template that proves permission was given, and understood.

Get clear, documented permission for a background check, a procedure, or an activity. Pick your situation and capture informed consent with a signature. Free templates in PDF & Word.

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Consent Form

General Consent Form
Parties
Party 1
Party 2
Address
Details
Item
Ref #
Terms
Amount
Date
Sign
Sign
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Consent forms by situation

A background-check consent needs disclosure and authorization language; a medical or activity consent needs risk and procedure details. Pick your situation and the right form loads.

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General Consent Form

The complete guide

What is a consent form?

A consent form documents that someone has given clear, informed permission for something such as a background check, a medical procedure, participation in an activity, or use of their information. It protects both sides by showing that consent was given knowingly and in writing.

A good consent form spells out what is being authorized, the scope and purpose, any risks or disclosures the person should understand, and captures a signature and date. For regulated situations, like a background check under the FCRA or a medical procedure, specific disclosure language is required.

When do you need one?

  • Running a background check on an employee or tenant (FCRA consent)

  • Getting informed consent before a medical or cosmetic procedure

  • A tattoo, piercing, or Botox provider documenting client consent

  • Authorizing access to records or information

  • A parent consenting on behalf of a minor

  • Any activity where you need documented permission

What it should include

  • Who — the person giving consent, and their details

  • What's authorized — exactly what they're consenting to

  • Scope & purpose — how far the permission extends and why

  • Disclosures — risks, or what information may be accessed

  • Regulated language — FCRA for background checks, informed-consent for procedures

  • Right to withdraw — that consent can be revoked, where applicable

  • Signature — the person's signature and date

Consent only counts when it's informed. The person understood what they agreed to. For medical and cosmetic procedures that means explaining the procedure, risks, and alternatives; for a background check it means a clear, standalone FCRA disclosure. A signature on a form the person didn't understand isn't real consent.

Background checks and the FCRA

If you run a background check through a third party for employment or tenant screening, federal law (the FCRA) requires a clear, standalone written disclosure and the person's authorization before you pull the report. Our background-check consent forms include this language.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Vague language about what's actually being consented to

  • Skipping required FCRA disclosure for a background check

  • Not explaining risks for a medical or cosmetic procedure

  • Burying consent in unrelated paperwork instead of a standalone form

  • Not keeping the signed consent on file

  • Assuming a minor can consent, get a parent or guardian

Step by step

How to make a consent form (5 steps)

1

Pick the situation

Background, medical, or activity, start from the matching form so the right language is included.

2

State what's authorized

Describe precisely what the person is consenting to and why.

3

Add required disclosures

Include the disclosures the situation requires. FCRA notice for background checks, risks for a procedure. Regulated consent needs specific language to be valid.

4

Explain scope and any risks

Make sure the person understands how far the permission goes and any risks involved.

5

Get a signature

The person signs and dates, confirming informed, voluntary consent. Keep the signed form on file.

Which consent form do you need?

Each situation needs different disclosures and language.

SituationKey languageWatch for
Background checkFCRA disclosure + authorizationStandalone form required
Criminal / employerFCRA disclosure + employment purposeAdverse-action notice
FBI backgroundFingerprints + identity releaseApproved channeler rules
Medical procedureProcedure, risks, alternativesInformed consent
Botox / cosmeticRisks, aftercare, results varyProvider liability
Tattoo / piercingAge, aftercare, risksID / age verification
Tenant screeningFCRA + purposeAdverse-action steps
MinorParent/guardian consentGuardian authority

Your consent form in 3 steps

1

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2

Answer simple questions

Fill in the details in plain language. No legal jargon, no guesswork.

3

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Every template is matched to your state's law and reviewed by our legal team, with citations you can check.

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Kept current

When a state's rules change, we update the form. Your documents stay compliant, not stale.

Consent Form FAQ

What makes consent legally valid?+
Consent must be informed and voluntary. The person understood what they were agreeing to and signed freely. For regulated situations like background checks (FCRA) or medical procedures, specific disclosure language is also required.
Do I need consent to run a background check?+
Yes. Under the FCRA, if you use a third party to screen an employee or tenant, you must provide a clear, standalone written disclosure and get the person's written authorization before pulling the report.
What's informed consent for a procedure?+
It means the person was told what the procedure involves, its risks, and the alternatives, and agreed anyway. A signature alone isn't enough if the person didn't actually understand. The disclosure is what makes it 'informed.'
Can a minor give consent?+
Generally no. A parent or legal guardian must consent on a minor's behalf for most procedures and activities. Some narrow exceptions exist by state and situation, but the safe default is guardian consent, not trying to find a loophole.
Can consent be withdrawn?+
Often, yes. For ongoing situations, a person can usually revoke consent going forward. A good form notes this. Consent already relied on (a completed procedure or check) can't be undone, but future actions require continued permission. The rule of thumb, if it hasn't happened, consent can be withdrawn at any time.

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