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Minor work permits · all 50 states

Work permits for minors — apply by state

31 states require a work permit (sometimes called an employment certificate or “working papers”) for some or all minors before they can take a non-agricultural job. 19 states do not — they rely on the federal minimum-age rules and require the employer to keep proof of age on file. Pick your state below for the exact issuing agency, form name, who must sign, and what to do if the application is denied.

Updated:

State permit rollup

Permit required

31 of 50 states

School-district or state-DOL issued. Most often required for ages 14–17; a handful of states (e.g. California) issue from age 12.

No state permit needed

19 of 50 states

Federal age-proof rules still apply — employer keeps the birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license on file.

The federal floor still applies

Even in states without a permit, federal age and hours rules still govern who can work where. Read the FLSA child-labor quick reference →

States that require a work permit

Each card links to a step-by-step application guide for that state.

States that do not require a state permit

Federal age proof still required — see what employers must keep on file in each state.

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