Work Permits

How to Get a Work Permit at 14 or 15 — State by State Guide

If you're 14 or 15 and want to get a job, there's a good chance your state requires you to have a work permit first. Most teens don't know this until they're already in the hiring process — and some lose the job offer because they weren't prepared.

This guide breaks down exactly what a work permit is, whether you need one, and how to get it fast in your state.

What is a work permit?

A work permit — officially called an Employment Certificate or Age Certificate depending on your state — is a document that legally authorizes you to work. It protects minors by ensuring employers follow child labor laws: limits on hours, types of work allowed, and working conditions.

Most work permits require three signatures: yours, a parent or guardian's, and your school's. Some states also require the employer to sign before you start.

Do you actually need one?

It depends on your state and your age. Here are the general rules:

• Ages 14–15: Most states require a work permit — but several (including Texas and Florida) require none.
• Ages 16–17: About half of states still require one; many drop the requirement at 16. Check your state below.
• Age 18+: No work permit required anywhere in the US.

Work permit requirements by state

Last verified against state labor-department sources: September 2026. The two age columns show whether a permit is required at that age.

State	At 14–15	At 16–17	Where to get it
California	Required	Required	Your school (district superintendent in summer)
New York	Required	Required	Your school district (going digital in 2027)
Texas	Not required	Not required	—
Florida	Not required	Not required	No permit — employer keeps proof of your age
Illinois	Required	Not required	Your school or Regional Office of Education
Pennsylvania	Required	Required	Your school district's issuing officer
Ohio	Required	In school year†	Your school
Georgia	Required	Not required	Your school, or Georgia DOL's online permit system
Michigan	Required	Required	Your school‡
New Jersey	Required	Required	Online at MyWorkingPapers.nj.gov
Arizona	Not required	Not required	—
Washington	Required*	Required*	Parent/school authorization your employer keeps on file
Colorado	Not required	Not required	—
Nevada	Not required	Not required	—

^† Ohio 16–17 year-olds don't need a permit during summer break (proof of age + parental consent still required).
^‡ Michigan work-permit issuance moves from schools to a state online system on Oct 1, 2026.
^* Washington has no school permit you carry — your employer must hold a state minor-work endorsement and keep a parent/school authorization form (signed by you, a parent, and your school) on file.

How to get your work permit — step by step

1. Go to your school's main office. Ask for a work permit application (sometimes called an "Intent to Employ" form).
2. Fill out your section. This is typically your name, address, date of birth, and the job you're applying for.
3. Get your parent or guardian to sign. They'll need to confirm they consent to you working.
4. Have your employer complete their section. Most states require the employer to fill in the job details, hours, and sign before you can get the permit issued.
5. Return it to school. A school official (usually the principal or superintendent's office) reviews and stamps it. This is your official work permit.
6. Give a copy to your employer. They keep it on file. You're now legally cleared to work.

What if school is out for summer?

Most schools have a summer process for work permits. Contact your school's main office by phone — they'll often direct you to the district office or a summer work permit coordinator. Some districts accept applications by email during summer break.

What jobs are allowed at 14 and 15?

Federal law (and most state laws) restrict the types of work minors can do. At 14–15, you generally cannot:

• Work in manufacturing or mining
• Operate power-driven machinery (except basic office equipment)
• Work in construction or most warehouses
• Work during school hours
• Work more than 3 hours on a school day or 18 hours in a school week
• Work before 7am or after 7pm (9pm in summer)

You CAN work in: retail, food service (not cooking on grills), office work, tutoring, babysitting, lawn care, and most customer service roles. TeenWurk automatically filters job listings to only show you positions that are legal for your age in your state.