Work Permits
Illinois Department of Labor Work Permits
Child Labor Law regulates the employment of workers under 16 years of age. The law protects children by:
Requiring employment certificates. The certificate confirms that a minor is old enough work (must be 14 years old except for models/actors), physically capable to do the job, and that the job will not interfere with the minor’s education;
Prohibiting work in hazardous occupations; and
Limiting work hours. All work before 7 A.M. and after 7 P.M. is prohibited. However, work until 9 P.M. is allowed from June 1st through Labor Day.
Obtaining a Work Permit
In order to apply, you must have:
- A letter of intent from the employer;
- Statement from school principal to issuing officer dated within 2 weeks of application (Required by Section 12 of the Child Labor Law, 820 ILCS 205/1-22);
- Report card from the most recent quarter (during the school year);
- Certificate of physical fitness or physical dated within 6 months (Required by Section 12 of the Child Labor Law, 820 ILCS 205/1-22);
- Copy of Birth Certificate; and
- Copy of Social Security card