Maybe you want to have some fun on the weekends. Perhaps you want to buy some clothes, or CDs or books. Or, you may be trying to save money for college. In any case, you’ll need a job. Before you start making plans for your first paycheck, and even before you start job hunting, there are some things you need to know.
If you are under 14 years of age, you may be out of luck. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum age for employment at 14. It also limits the number of hours minors who are under the age of 16 can work. In addition, the FLSA generally prohibits the employment of a minor in work declared hazardous by the US Secretary of Labor. Included is work involving excavation, driving, and the operation of many types of power-driven equipment.
The FLSA contains a number of requirements that apply only to particular types of jobs (for example, agricultural work or the operation of motor vehicles). The FLSA has exceptions to these limitations. For example, minimum age requirements do not apply to minors employed by their parents or guardian.
However, minors may not work in mining, manufacturing, and occupations where the minimum age requirement of 18 years old applies. Youths of any age may also deliver newspapers; perform in radio, television, movie, or theatrical productions; and babysit or perform other minor duties around a private home.
Laws regulating the employment of minors vary among states and U.S. territories. Here you will find information on each state’s or territory’s requirements in regard to employment or age certificates. You are encouraged to also contact your own state’s Labor Department.
Alabama
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), and age 18 in mines, issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Alaska
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 17 and under age 19 if employer is licensed to sell alcohol (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Not issued
Arizona
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Arkansas
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Age 16 and 17, issued by Labor Department
California
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 who are enrolled in school (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Colorado
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors under 18 except not issued to minors under age 16 for work during school hours (on request), issued by school
Connecticut
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by school
Delaware
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
District of Columbia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Florida
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by schoolNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
Georgia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Guam
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Not issued
Hawaii
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by Labor Department
Idaho
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Illinois
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 16 to 20 (on request), issued by school
Indiana
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 18 to 21 (on request), issued by school
Iowa
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 16 and 17 (mandated) and 18 and over (on request), issued by schoolNote: Both certificates are also issued by the schools.
Kansas
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Kentucky
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by school
Louisiana
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Maine
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (on request), issued by school
Maryland
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Massachusetts
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by school
Michigan
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Minnesota
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18, except not issued to minors under 16 during school hours (on request), issued by schoolNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
Mississippi
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 in mills, canneries, workshops, and factories (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Missouri
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors age 16 and over (on request), issued by school
Montana
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over: in hazardous situations (mandated) and in other occupations (on request), issued by Labor Department
Nebraska
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over (on request), issued by school
Nevada
Employment Certificate: Issued for minors under age 14 with written permission of district judge (mandated)Age Certificate: Not issued
New Hampshire
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: Employers must maintain on file a signed, written document from the youth’s parent or legal guardian authorizing the employment.
New Jersey
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 18 to 21 (on request), issued by school
New Mexico
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17; issued by Labor Department and school
New York
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 and over, issued by school
North Carolina
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of Labor or the County Director of Social ServicesAge Certificate: No Provision*
North Dakota
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over; issued by Labor Department
Ohio
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 at any time, and at ages 16 and 17 during school term (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: Minors 16 and 17 years of age are required to have proof of age for employment during school vacation. The Superintendent of Schools for the district in which the student lives may approve employment in a seasonal amusement park or recreational establishment without an age certificate.
Oklahoma
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17, issued by school
Oregon
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: No Provision*
Pennsylvania
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Puerto Rico
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 through 21 (on request), issued by Labor Department.
Rhode Island
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by school
South Carolina
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by Labor Department
South Dakota
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Tennessee
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age (birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport, or parent’s oath as to the minor’s age).
Texas
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department
Utah
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by school
Vermont
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: Not issued
Virgin Islands
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: No Provision*
Virginia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17 (on request), issued by school
Washington
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: No Provision*
West Virginia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17 (on request), issued by school
Wisconsin
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of Labor, through permit officers who are school officials and other public officialsAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 and over (on request), issued by Labor Department, through permit officers
Wyoming
Employment Certificate: Not issued Age Certificate: Not issued Note: the employer of a minor under age 16 must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
*“No provision” indicates that the issuance of an employment or age certificate is unnecessary because another type of certificate covers all minors.
Source: US Department of Labor
Maybe you want to have some fun on the weekends. Perhaps you want to buy some clothes, or CDs or books. Or, you may be trying to save money for college. In any case, you’ll need a job. Before you start making plans for your first paycheck, and even before you start job hunting, there are some things you need to know.
If you are under 14 years of age, you may be out of luck. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum age for employment at 14. It also limits the number of hours minors who are under the age of 16 can work. In addition, the FLSA generally prohibits the employment of a minor in work declared hazardous by the US Secretary of Labor. Included is work involving excavation, driving, and the operation of many types of power-driven equipment.
The FLSA contains a number of requirements that apply only to particular types of jobs (for example, agricultural work or the operation of motor vehicles). The FLSA has exceptions to these limitations. For example, minimum age requirements do not apply to minors employed by their parents or guardian.
However, minors may not work in mining, manufacturing, and occupations where the minimum age requirement of 18 years old applies. Youths of any age may also deliver newspapers; perform in radio, television, movie, or theatrical productions; and babysit or perform other minor duties around a private home.
Laws regulating the employment of minors vary among states and U.S. territories. Here you will find information on each state’s or territory’s requirements in regard to employment or age certificates. You are encouraged to also contact your own state’s Labor Department.
Alabama
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), and age 18 in mines, issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Alaska
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 17 and under age 19 if employer is licensed to sell alcohol (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Not issued
Arizona
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Arkansas
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Age 16 and 17, issued by Labor Department
California
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 who are enrolled in school (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Colorado
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors under 18 except not issued to minors under age 16 for work during school hours (on request), issued by school
Connecticut
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by school
Delaware
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
District of Columbia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Florida
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by schoolNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
Georgia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Guam
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Not issued
Hawaii
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by Labor Department
Idaho
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Illinois
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 16 to 20 (on request), issued by school
Indiana
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 18 to 21 (on request), issued by school
Iowa
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 16 and 17 (mandated) and 18 and over (on request), issued by schoolNote: Both certificates are also issued by the schools.
Kansas
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Kentucky
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by school
Louisiana
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Maine
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (on request), issued by school
Maryland
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Massachusetts
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by school
Michigan
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Minnesota
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18, except not issued to minors under 16 during school hours (on request), issued by schoolNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
Mississippi
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 in mills, canneries, workshops, and factories (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Missouri
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors age 16 and over (on request), issued by school
Montana
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over: in hazardous situations (mandated) and in other occupations (on request), issued by Labor Department
Nebraska
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over (on request), issued by school
Nevada
Employment Certificate: Issued for minors under age 14 with written permission of district judge (mandated)Age Certificate: Not issued
New Hampshire
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: Employers must maintain on file a signed, written document from the youth’s parent or legal guardian authorizing the employment.
New Jersey
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 18 to 21 (on request), issued by school
New Mexico
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17; issued by Labor Department and school
New York
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 and over, issued by school
North Carolina
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of Labor or the County Director of Social ServicesAge Certificate: No Provision*
North Dakota
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over; issued by Labor Department
Ohio
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 at any time, and at ages 16 and 17 during school term (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: Minors 16 and 17 years of age are required to have proof of age for employment during school vacation. The Superintendent of Schools for the district in which the student lives may approve employment in a seasonal amusement park or recreational establishment without an age certificate.
Oklahoma
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17, issued by school
Oregon
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: No Provision*
Pennsylvania
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Puerto Rico
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 through 21 (on request), issued by Labor Department.
Rhode Island
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by school
South Carolina
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by Labor Department
South Dakota
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Tennessee
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age (birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport, or parent’s oath as to the minor’s age).
Texas
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department
Utah
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by school
Vermont
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: Not issued
Virgin Islands
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: No Provision*
Virginia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17 (on request), issued by school
Washington
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: No Provision*
West Virginia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17 (on request), issued by school
Wisconsin
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of Labor, through permit officers who are school officials and other public officialsAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 and over (on request), issued by Labor Department, through permit officers
Wyoming
Employment Certificate: Not issued Age Certificate: Not issued Note: the employer of a minor under age 16 must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
*“No provision” indicates that the issuance of an employment or age certificate is unnecessary because another type of certificate covers all minors.
Source: US Department of Labor
Maybe you want to have some fun on the weekends. Perhaps you want to buy some clothes, or CDs or books. Or, you may be trying to save money for college. In any case, you’ll need a job. Before you start making plans for your first paycheck, and even before you start job hunting, there are some things you need to know.
If you are under 14 years of age, you may be out of luck. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum age for employment at 14. It also limits the number of hours minors who are under the age of 16 can work. In addition, the FLSA generally prohibits the employment of a minor in work declared hazardous by the US Secretary of Labor. Included is work involving excavation, driving, and the operation of many types of power-driven equipment.
The FLSA contains a number of requirements that apply only to particular types of jobs (for example, agricultural work or the operation of motor vehicles). The FLSA has exceptions to these limitations. For example, minimum age requirements do not apply to minors employed by their parents or guardian.
However, minors may not work in mining, manufacturing, and occupations where the minimum age requirement of 18 years old applies. Youths of any age may also deliver newspapers; perform in radio, television, movie, or theatrical productions; and babysit or perform other minor duties around a private home.
Laws regulating the employment of minors vary among states and U.S. territories. Here you will find information on each state’s or territory’s requirements in regard to employment or age certificates. You are encouraged to also contact your own state’s Labor Department.
Alabama
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), and age 18 in mines, issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Alaska
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 17 and under age 19 if employer is licensed to sell alcohol (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Not issued
Arizona
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Arkansas
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Age 16 and 17, issued by Labor Department
California
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 who are enrolled in school (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Colorado
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors under 18 except not issued to minors under age 16 for work during school hours (on request), issued by school
Connecticut
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by school
Delaware
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
District of Columbia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Florida
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by schoolNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
Georgia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Guam
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Not issued
Hawaii
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by Labor Department
Idaho
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Illinois
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 16 to 20 (on request), issued by school
Indiana
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 18 to 21 (on request), issued by school
Iowa
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 16 and 17 (mandated) and 18 and over (on request), issued by schoolNote: Both certificates are also issued by the schools.
Kansas
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Kentucky
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by school
Louisiana
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Maine
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (on request), issued by school
Maryland
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Massachusetts
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by school
Michigan
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Minnesota
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18, except not issued to minors under 16 during school hours (on request), issued by schoolNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
Mississippi
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 in mills, canneries, workshops, and factories (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Missouri
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors age 16 and over (on request), issued by school
Montana
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over: in hazardous situations (mandated) and in other occupations (on request), issued by Labor Department
Nebraska
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over (on request), issued by school
Nevada
Employment Certificate: Issued for minors under age 14 with written permission of district judge (mandated)Age Certificate: Not issued
New Hampshire
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: Employers must maintain on file a signed, written document from the youth’s parent or legal guardian authorizing the employment.
New Jersey
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 18 to 21 (on request), issued by school
New Mexico
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17; issued by Labor Department and school
New York
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 and over, issued by school
North Carolina
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of Labor or the County Director of Social ServicesAge Certificate: No Provision*
North Dakota
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over; issued by Labor Department
Ohio
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 at any time, and at ages 16 and 17 during school term (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: Minors 16 and 17 years of age are required to have proof of age for employment during school vacation. The Superintendent of Schools for the district in which the student lives may approve employment in a seasonal amusement park or recreational establishment without an age certificate.
Oklahoma
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17, issued by school
Oregon
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: No Provision*
Pennsylvania
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Puerto Rico
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 through 21 (on request), issued by Labor Department.
Rhode Island
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by school
South Carolina
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by Labor Department
South Dakota
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Tennessee
Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age (birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport, or parent’s oath as to the minor’s age).
Texas
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department
Utah
Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by school
Vermont
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: Not issued
Virgin Islands
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: No Provision*
Virginia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17 (on request), issued by school
Washington
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: No Provision*
West Virginia
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17 (on request), issued by school
Wisconsin
Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of Labor, through permit officers who are school officials and other public officialsAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 and over (on request), issued by Labor Department, through permit officers
Wyoming
Employment Certificate: Not issued Age Certificate: Not issued Note: the employer of a minor under age 16 must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
*“No provision” indicates that the issuance of an employment or age certificate is unnecessary because another type of certificate covers all minors.
Source: US Department of Labor
Maybe you want to have some fun on the weekends. Perhaps you want to buy some clothes, or CDs or books. Or, you may be trying to save money for college. In any case, you’ll need a job. Before you start making plans for your first paycheck, and even before you start job hunting, there are some things you need to know.
If you are under 14 years of age, you may be out of luck. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets the minimum age for employment at 14. It also limits the number of hours minors who are under the age of 16 can work. In addition, the FLSA generally prohibits the employment of a minor in work declared hazardous by the US Secretary of Labor. Included is work involving excavation, driving, and the operation of many types of power-driven equipment.
The FLSA contains a number of requirements that apply only to particular types of jobs (for example, agricultural work or the operation of motor vehicles). The FLSA has exceptions to these limitations. For example, minimum age requirements do not apply to minors employed by their parents or guardian.
However, minors may not work in mining, manufacturing, and occupations where the minimum age requirement of 18 years old applies. Youths of any age may also deliver newspapers; perform in radio, television, movie, or theatrical productions; and babysit or perform other minor duties around a private home.
Laws regulating the employment of minors vary among states and U.S. territories. Here you will find information on each state’s or territory’s requirements in regard to employment or age certificates. You are encouraged to also contact your own state’s Labor Department.
Alabama
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), and age 18 in mines, issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Alaska
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 17 and under age 19 if employer is licensed to sell alcohol (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Not issued
Arizona
- Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issued
Arkansas
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Age 16 and 17, issued by Labor Department
California
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 who are enrolled in school (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Colorado
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors under 18 except not issued to minors under age 16 for work during school hours (on request), issued by school
Connecticut
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by school
Delaware
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
District of Columbia
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Florida
- Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by schoolNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
Georgia
Guam
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Not issued
Hawaii
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by Labor Department
Idaho
Illinois
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 16 to 20 (on request), issued by school
Indiana
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 18 to 21 (on request), issued by school
Iowa
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors from ages 16 and 17 (mandated) and 18 and over (on request), issued by schoolNote: Both certificates are also issued by the schools.
Kansas
Kentucky
- Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by school
Louisiana
Maine
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 16 and 17 (on request), issued by school
Maryland
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: No Provision*
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18, except not issued to minors under 16 during school hours (on request), issued by schoolNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
Mississippi
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 in mills, canneries, workshops, and factories (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issued
Missouri
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors age 16 and over (on request), issued by school
Montana
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over: in hazardous situations (mandated) and in other occupations (on request), issued by Labor Department
Nebraska
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over (on request), issued by school
Nevada
- Employment Certificate: Issued for minors under age 14 with written permission of district judge (mandated)Age Certificate: Not issued
New Hampshire
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: Employers must maintain on file a signed, written document from the youth’s parent or legal guardian authorizing the employment.
New Jersey
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors ages 18 to 21 (on request), issued by school
New Mexico
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Labor Department and schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17; issued by Labor Department and school
New York
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 and over, issued by school
North Carolina
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of Labor or the County Director of Social ServicesAge Certificate: No Provision*
North Dakota
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and over; issued by Labor Department
Ohio
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 at any time, and at ages 16 and 17 during school term (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: Minors 16 and 17 years of age are required to have proof of age for employment during school vacation. The Superintendent of Schools for the district in which the student lives may approve employment in a seasonal amusement park or recreational establishment without an age certificate.
Oklahoma
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17, issued by school
Oregon
- Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: No Provision*
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 through 21 (on request), issued by Labor Department.
Rhode Island
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17 (mandated), issued by school
South Carolina
- Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by Labor Department
South Dakota
Tennessee
- Employment Certificate: Not issuedAge Certificate: Not issuedNote: The employer of a minor must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age (birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport, or parent’s oath as to the minor’s age).
Texas
- Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor Department
Utah
- Employment Certificate: No Provision*Age Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (on request), issued by school
Vermont
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 during school hours (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: Not issued
Virgin Islands
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Labor DepartmentAge Certificate: No Provision*
Virginia
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 16 (mandated), issued by schoolAge Certificate: Issued to minors 16 and 17 (on request), issued by school
Washington
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of LaborAge Certificate: No Provision*
West Virginia
Wisconsin
- Employment Certificate: Issued to minors under age 18 (mandated), issued by Department of Labor, through permit officers who are school officials and other public officialsAge Certificate: Issued to minors 18 and over (on request), issued by Labor Department, through permit officers
Wyoming
- Employment Certificate: Not issued Age Certificate: Not issued Note: the employer of a minor under age 16 must obtain and keep on record proof of the child’s age.
*“No provision” indicates that the issuance of an employment or age certificate is unnecessary because another type of certificate covers all minors.
Source: US Department of Labor
