CA · child performers
California minor entertainment work permit
Federal FLSA exempts child performers from the federal age and hour minimums (29 USC § 213(c)(3); 29 CFR § 570.122), leaving the regulation to each state. California runs a dedicated minor-entertainment framework with a state-issued permit, age-banded time-on-set caps, and on-set requirements. Below is the full California framework, drawn from the state labor code and the issuing agency's guidance.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes
- Min performer age
- No minimum
- Studio teacher
- Required
- Schooling on set
- 3 hr / school day
- Trust account
- Required (15% of gross)
- Age bands
- 6 regulated
- Last verified
The Entertainment Work Permit for Minors
Issued by: California Labor Commissioner, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE)
California requires the permit before a minor performer reports to set. Pre-production notice to the state labor agency is the first step; the permit is tied to the individual minor, not the production, so a minor on multiple productions needs the permit current for each engagement.
Time-on-set caps by age band
California regulates the total time at the workplace — work + school + rest combined — not just performance time. Each age band has its own daily cap. The breakdown of work vs. school vs. rest within the cap is shown in the notes where the state publishes it.
| Age band | Max hr / day at workplace | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 months | 2 hr | Under 6 months: max 2 hours at the workplace, of which only 20 minutes may be under bright lights. |
| 0–1 yr | 4 hr | 6 months to under 2 years: max 4 hours at workplace, max 2 hours work. |
| 2–5 yr | 6 hr | 2–5 years: max 6 hours at workplace, max 3 hours work + 3 hours rest/recreation. |
| 6–8 yr | 8 hr | 6–8 years (school day): max 8 hrs at workplace = 4 hrs work + 3 hrs school + 1 hr rest. Non-school day: 9 hrs (6 work + rest). |
| 9–15 yr | 9 hr | 9–15 years (school day): max 9 hrs at workplace = 5 hrs work + 3 hrs school + 1 hr rest. Non-school day: 10 hrs (7 work + rest). |
| 16–17 yr | 10 hr | 16–17 years (school day): max 10 hrs at workplace = 6 hrs work + 3 hrs school + 1 hr rest. Non-school day: 12 hrs (8 work + rest). |
How California actually enforces this
California's Coogan Law (Family Code §§ 6750–6753) requires the employer to deposit 15% of the minor's gross earnings into a blocked trust account established by the parent or guardian. A certified studio teacher must be present whenever a minor under 16 is at the workplace, and during school hours for 16–17-year-olds. Permit must be renewed every 6 months; emancipated minors are exempt from the permit requirement but not from on-set protections.
Citation
CA Labor Code §§ 1308–1309.5; Family Code §§ 6750–6753 (Coogan Law); 8 CCR §§ 11750–11762