Got a Job? Get a Work Permit! It's the Law.
updated 6-27-2025
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 to work, physically capable of performing the job, and that the job will not interfere with the minor's education;
- prohibiting work in hazardous occupations; and
- limiting working hours. All work before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. is prohibited. However, work until 9 p.m. is allowed from June 1 through Labor Day.
- Requiring that a child performer in an artistic or creative service have a trust fund set up in their name where 15% of their gross earnings will be deposited.
- Source: https://labor.illinois.gov/laws-rules/fls/child-labor-law.html
To Obtain a Work Permit from ROE # 17:
- First, see if your school building issues work permits for its students. Most high schools and junior high schools have a Designated Issuing Officer. If your school has a Designated Issuing Officer, you should go through them.
CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF OUR DISTRICTS & DESIGNATED ISSUING OFFICERS.
If your school does not have a Designated Issuing Officer, ROE # 17 would be happy to assist you.
Please note: ROE # 17 can only issue work permits for minors in the four-country region we serve.
- Submit the required documents listed below via our secure file upload, mail them, or schedule a time to bring them to our office.
Click here to securely upload documents to obtain a work permit for a minor.
Required documentation to Issue Employment Certificates:
- Application for Work Permit for a Minor
- Intention to Employ Letter: A written statement by the employer, on their letterhead, with work description and schedule signed by the employer or agent. The physical address and contact information for the employer must be provided.
- School Official's Statement: If the child applicant is over six years of age, the applicant's home school must complete the ROE # 17 School Official's Statement. Waived for homeschool students and during summer break.
- Proof of Age Documents: examples include a birth certificate (original or certified) or a state ID.
- Medical Statement: A written statement from a physician confirming the minor is physically fit to be employed in all legal occupations, no older than one year. School or sports physicals can be used.
- An affidavit must be provided if the applicant's name on the employer's letter differs from the documents on the proof of age.
- Contact Carlye Muir ([email protected]) to set up a time to turn in all of your documentation and receive your permit OR click here to securely upload documents to obtain a work permit for a minor.
Note: ROE # 17 will contact you via phone before issuing the permit to verify all information.
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