Document Checklist for a Work Permit
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The law requires minors who wish to work to obtain a work permit before starting employment. In order to receive a work permit, the person requesting it must provide documentation of his or her age and identity. The work permit must then be furnished to the employer, who keeps it with other employee information. Sometimes, depending on the municipality, obtaining a work permit also carries with it a small administrative fee to cover processing costs, which your employer must reimburse to you. - You must provide proof of age. Several documents fall into this category, and you only need to possess and show one of them to meet this qualification. Acceptable documents include a certified copy of your birth certificate, a driver's license or ID card issued by your state's department of transportation, a certified baptismal certificate or a passport.
- You must also furnish your social security card. This card will have no other information on it but your name and the social security number issued to you when you were born. Providing this card allows the agency issuing the work permit to verify your identity and link your name and social security number.
- Obtaining a work permit requires you to get a statement from your employer about your job. To ensure acceptance, request that your employer offer an accurate description of the duties you will perform and what hours you must work. Your boss or manager should sign the document as well. Many corporations have templates for this type of document, but if you work for a small business, your employer may need to write a short letter.
- Because the law still considers your parents capable of making legal decisions on your behalf until you reach 18, you will have to provide a document showing parental consent for you to work. This need not be a lengthy document, but can be simply one or two sentences and the signature of one of your parents.
