California Work Permit FAQ
A work permit is a legal document that allows minors in California to get a job. The official work permit title is "Permit to Employ and Work." Minors under age 18 must attend school and remain an active student to obtain a permit. Other qualifications must be met to for the work permit to remain valid.
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Where are Work Permits Issued?
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Work permits can be obtained through public or private schools. Permits are issued by the school principal or designated school administrator. If the school principal decides not to issue work permits, a permit may be obtained by the local school district. The superintendent of any local public school district where they minor attends school is also allowed to issue work permits.
What Are the Age Limits?
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Work permits are issued to minors between the ages of 12 and 17. Minors under age 12 can be issued a work permit only if they are in the entertainment industry. Work permits are not required for minors who perform jobs such as babysitting or work in private homes. Also, work permits may not be required for minors who perform casual work in family businesses.
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What Are School Attendance and Grade Requirements?
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Work permits require minors under 18 to attend school. High school graduates, regardless of age, are not required to have a work permit. At the discretion of the school district, minors may be required to maintain a specific GPA to keep a work permit. School dropouts are not allowed to obtain a work permit, because they are in violation of Department of Education attendance laws. However, a student who has been expelled from school may obtain a work permit.
Is Full-Time Work Allowed?
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Full-time work is allowed for minors based on age and other requirements. When school is in session, minors age 16 or 17 are allowed to work up to eight hours per day but may not work more than 40 hours per week. Minors age 16 or 17 can work up to 48 hours a week if they are employed in personnel attendance occupations or enrolled in a "Work Experience Education" program. Minors age 14 or 15 are not allowed to work on a school day while school is in session or more than 18 hours per week.
Can More Than One Work Permit Be Issued?
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Minors are required to have a work permit for each employer they work for. More than one valid work permit may be granted but the number of hours the minor is allowed to work cannot exceed legal requirements.
Can a Work Permit be Canceled?
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Permits can be taken away at any time by school administrators. Work permits can be canceled at a parent's request with good reason, such as the student failing school because of work.
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