Work Permit Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions 

At what age can I get a Work Permit? 

• California’s child labor laws require a work permit to get a job if you:
• Are a minor under the age of 18, and
• Still have not graduated high school 

What are my Worker Rights?

• You can find out more about your rights here.

 

How often do I need to get a Work Permit?

• For each job you are hired for a new work permit is required
• All work permits expire shortly after school starts in September 
• Therefore, even if you work at the same job, you must repeat the application process for each renewal cycle

 

Do I need a Work Permit in the Summer?

• If you received a work permit during the school year, and are working the same job over the summer, that work permit is valid 
• If you just got hired for summer work you will need to apply for a Vacation Work Permit, which is the same form and application process as applying for a regular School Year Work Permit 

 

How many hours can I work?

• During the school year:
• 14-15 years old: 
• 3 hours on a school day, 8 hrs on a non-school day
• No more than 18 hours per week
• No later than 7pm
• 16-17 years old:
• 4 hour on a school day, 8 hours on a non-school day
• No more than 20 hours a week.
• No later than 10pm on a school night
• No later than 12:30am on a night before a non-school day
• During the Summer:
• 14-15 years old: 
• Up to 40 hours a week
• 16-17 years old
• Up to 48 hours a week

 

I’ve already graduated, but I’m still 17, do I still need a permit?

No. Once a Student graduates, they are no longer under the child labor laws. If your employer needs a work permit we can supply one.

 

What If I drop out of school?

If a student drops out of school, a work permit may still be obtained if he or she enrolls in

• Continuation School
• Adult School
• ROP (Regional Occupational Program)
• Community College classes.
• Or, gets permission from a Parent or Guardian to work

 

Can a Work Permit be taken away?

Yes, there are a few reasons why a permit can be taken away:

• By a California Labor Department Inspector if they feel it is not in the best interest of the student to work at the job site
• By a Parent or Guardian at their request
• By the College & Career Coordinator if they feel the job is harming the students health or education

 

Are there any jobs that I cannot work?

Yes. California state law forbids minors under 16 years of age form working:

• As a car or truck driver
• On a railroad
• On scaffolding
• In a boat 
• In tunnels, excavations, mines, or quarries
• Jobs that make or use dangerous or poisonous acids or dyes, or that produce large amounts of dush
• Tobacco manufacturing jobs
• Any other jobs that is unhealthy or dangerous 

Additionally, federal laws and regulations forbid minors under 18 from working:

• In the roofing or excavation industries
• In the logging industry or ina  sawmill
• Jobs that involve operating bakery machines
• With cranes or any other power-driven hoisting machines
• In the meatpacking industry 

 

Are there jobs where a work permit is not required?

Yes. These include:

• Self-employment
• Agricultural jobs, including in a zone of danger, so long as you are employed by a parent or legal guardian who owns, controls, or operates the premises
• Odd jobs in private homes such as:
• Babysitting, and
• Yard work 
• Selling:
• candy, cookies, flowers, or other items in a door-to-door manner or at a fixed location on the street or sidewalk
• Newspapers, periodicals, or magazines so long as the minor is within 50 miles of home 

 

 

If you have any questions that are not answered on this page, please contact Mr. Jordan Lopez at (562) 698-8121, ext. 1080, or [email protected]