How Can a 14-Year-Old Get a Work Permit?

Work permits protect both employers and young workers.

Most states require workers under the age of 18 to have a signed work permit. Procedures for getting a work permit may vary slightly by state, but most require you to follow the same basic methods.

Get the Job

A young worker should first find a job. Before he can start work, however, he will need to obtain a work permit.

Ask at School

Public schools and most private schools have work permit forms. The student should ask for one at school and take it to his new employer to sign. Home schooled students can also obtain a form at their local public high school.

Get Signatures

The employer will complete the work permit form and sign it. Next, the student's parents must sign the form.

Return to School

The student must take the form back to the school, along with identification providing his proof of age. The school official will check that the form is complete, sign it and keep it on file.

New Job, New Permit

Every time the student changes jobs, he must obtain a new work permit. The rules are generally different for students ages 14 and 15 than for students ages 16 and 17, so as she gets older she will be allowed to work more hours.

References

• Maryland's Peoples Law Library: Rules for Kids Who Work
• United States Department of Labor: Youth & Labor: Work Permits & Age Certificates
• Home School Legal Defense Association: Beyond Academics

Resources

• United States Department of Labor: Youth & Labor: Resources for Parents of Young Workers