by Jamie Rider

Created on: April 17, 2010

While the exact requirements vary from state to state, there are some guidelines on how to get a teen work permit in the United States. If a minor between the ages of 14 and 17 wants to work, they generally need a teen work permit. This is authorization allows a teen to work within the contraints of the applicable state and federal laws.

First, the teen downloads and prints a teen work permit application from the State Labor Department, or picks up a hard-copy from the school office. Sometimes employers will provide a blank copy as part of the interview process. The teen is then responsible for filling out the form, obtaining their parents signature, then obtaining the signature of an approving officer, generally the school guidance counselor or principal. Once it it processed, the original must go to the prospective employer.

In many states, teen work permits are non-transferrable. If the teen changes jobs, he or she will have to reapply for a work permit. This is to ensure that the teen is still in good standing in school and has not jepordized his or her long-term welfare by entering the workplace while still in school.

While the Fair Labor Standards Act outlines the limitations placed on child or teen labor, it does not specify a work permit requirement. These are a state-imposed requirement.  There are a few types of work that do not require a minor to have a work permit. These include: babysitting, some agricultural jobs, casual errands such as lawnmowing and other gardening, and paper routes. Other exceptions to the work permit requirement relate to students who earn a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) prior to the age of 18. For teens who have their GED, most state waive the work permit requirement as the teens in question have met their minimum education requirements and earned their equivalency degree.

Once a teen has a work permit, they and their employer need to ensure that they stay eligible. Either a school administrator or a parent can generally revoke a work permit if the jobs hours exceed state and federally mandated hours for minors of that age, if the work appears to be causing truancy, or if the student begins to fail classes. 

Completing the work permit is just another step in teens taking responsibility for their lives and their future. Properly executed, it keeps the family, the school and the employer on the proper communication channel and ensures the welfare of the teen involved.

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