Work Permits
Are You Ready to Start Working While in High School?
In the Career Center, students can obtain a work permit to legally work while currently attending high school. To obtain a work permit application, the following requirements must be met first:
Be at least 14 years old
Have at least a 2.0 GPA (only 1 'F')
Have satisfactory attendance
Be offered a job or have an upcoming interview
Once a work permit application has been issued, an official work permit will be processed and given to the student. The official work permit will be submitted to the employer and the student will begin to legally work as a paid employee at the place of business.
*Please note: work permits will be processed and available for pick up no later than 2 business days after receiving the application
Frequently Asked Questions:
At what age can I receive a work permit?
Work permits can be issued to students as young as 14 years of age.
How long does it take for a work permit to be processed?
Work permits can take up to 3 business days to be processed. Once the application is submitted and completed at the Career Center, students will receive a call to pick up the official work permit from the main office.
What needs to be filled out on a work permit application?
Student's name, student ID#, Social Security Number, birthday, grade, employer name and address, employer phone number, employer signature, parent name and signature all need to be filled out on a work permit application. If an application is submitted incomplete, the processing of the application will be delayed until completed.
What do I do if I can't find or don't have a Social Security Number?
If a student is unable to find their Social Security Number or does not have a SSN to include on their work permit application, the application will not be able to be processed as the SSN is needed to be entered on the official document that is submitted to the student's employer.
How many hours can I work during the week even though I am in a distance learning/ home school?
Although a student may be attending school via virtual learning or home school, depending on age, students can not exceed more than 20 hours of work during the week while school is in session.
What do I do if my official work permit is lost and I need another?
If an official work permit has been lost, contact the Career Center Technician to request a copy. Copies of the official work permit will be ready 24-48 hours after a request is made.
Can I work more than 1 job?
Yes, a student can work more than 1 job as long as they do not exceed the 20 hours that they are allowed to work during the work week when school is in session.
If I have more than 1 job, do I need a work permit for each job?
Yes; for every job that a student is currently working, a work permit has to be issued to each employer.
How long is a work permit valid for?
A work permit is valid for 1 school year. When the following school year resumes, a student must renew their work permit no later than 10 days after school is in session.
What happens if my attendance/grades drop?
Every quarter, grades and attendance are evaluated for every student that is currently employed. At that time, if grades and attendance are negatively affected, students will be placed on academic probation until the next quarter's grades are issued. If there is no change for the betterment, the student can be dismissed from their employment until attendance/grades improve.
Do I need a work permit to work during school breaks and summertime?
Yes, during all scheduled school breaks, including summer, a student will need a work permit to work, even if the employment is seasonal or an internship.
For more information, please visit the Department of Education website for the most current laws regarding employment for minors.