Frequently Asked Questions about Work Permits

What is a Work Permit?
A Work Permit is a verification of your age, birth date, enrollment, and attendance in school that you are required by California Labor Laws to provide to your employer.  California State Law requires that a minor be enrolled and attending full-time school before a Work Permit can be issued.  If the minor drops out or otherwise does not attend school, the Work Permit automatically becomes null and void.  If the employer continues to work the youth, the employer is in violation of the State Law.

Who needs a Work Permit?
All minors under the age of 18 that are employed, except those who are high school graduates or students who have been awarded certificates of proficiency.

What is the purpose of the Work Permit?
It verifies the minor's age for the employer and enables the employer to comply with State and Federal Labor Laws.  Some of these are summarized on the Work Permit.  As you will see, different age groups are permitted to work different hours.

Are there requirements to hold a Work Permit?
Yes.  The schools require a student to maintain at least a 2.0 G.P.A., with no F's in any class, attend school regularly, and maintain a good discipline record.

How do I get a Work Permit?

1. Go to the Work Experience Office on your high school campus
2. Apply for Work Eligibility
   a.   The School will check your grades, attendance, and discipline records.
   b.   If you are eligible, the Request for Work Permit Form will be issued or an Approval Verification Card.
3. Complete your name, birth date, Social Security Number, etc.
4. Have your employer complete the section about the job:  wages, hours, Worker's Comp. Insurance, etc.
5. Get your parent's signature.
6. Return the Request for Work Permit to the Work Experience Office.

How long does it take to get the Work Permit?
It will take from 3 to 5 days after you return the completed Request for Work Permit.  You may not begin to work until you provide the completed Work Permit to the employer.

Do I need a new Work Permit if I get another job?
Yes, a new Work Permit must be obtained for each job.

How long is the Work Permit valid?
Work Permits issues during the school year expire five days after the opening of the next succeeding school year.  The expiration date appears on the Work Permit.

Some Important Labor laws Relating to Minors

1. Every minor must have a valid Work Permit.
2. All employers must provide Worker's Compensation Insurance even for relatives and/or children of the employer.
3. Minors may not drive a motor vehicle as part of their job duties.
4. Minors may not begin work before 5:00 a.m. or work after 10:00 p.m. on a day preceding a school day.  Student enrolled in Work Experience may work later hours with written approval of the student's parent/guardian and the Work Experience teacher.
5. A minor may not work more than 8 hours per day under any circumstances.
6. Violators of Labor Laws are subjected to intervention by the Labor Commission and a possible heavy fine.

Student Responsibilities

• All students applying for a Work Permit must:
• Maintain a good daily attendance record in all classes.
• Maintain a G.P.A. of 2.0, with no D's or F's in any class.
• Maintain an appropriate discipline record at school and work.
• Understand that student's grades and attendance will be monitored throughout the year.  If the student does not meet the above requirements, his/her work permit will be revoked.
• Agree that school is the priority over work.

If you have any questions about Work Permits, please contact the Work Experience Office on your campus and speak to the Work Experience Clerk or the Work Experience Coordinator.