skip to main content
Facebook Twitter YouTube
119 WEST MADISON STREET, ROOM 102 | OTTAWA, IL 61350 | 815-434-0780
Calendar Contact
Header
Work Permit

Work permits or employment certificates must be obtained for all minors 14 and 15 years of age before beginning work.

 

Child Labor Law Regulates the employment of workers under 16 years of age. The law protects children by:

  1. requiring employment certificates. The certificate confirms that a minor is old enough to work, physically capable to perform the job, and that the job will not interfere with the minor's education;

  2. prohibiting work in hazardous occupations; and

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

 

Child Labor Law - Illinois Department of Labor provides information about laws governing child labor. 

 

Child Labor Law FAQ - Illinois Department of Labor Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who must get a "work permit"?

Work permits or employment certificates must be obtained from your local school for all minors 14 and 15 years of age before beginning work. 820 ILCS 205/9-12.

 

What hours can a minor legally work?

A 14 or 15 year old minor may NOT work:

  • before 7 a.m.
  • after 7 p.m. between Labor Day and June 1.
  • after 9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day.
  • more than 8 hours on non-school days.
  • more than 3 hours on school days.
  • more than 24 hours during school weeks.
  • more than 48 hours during non-school weeks.
  • more than six days per week.

820 ILCS 205/3.

 

What kind of jobs are minors prohibited from performing?

There are 26 prohibited occupations which are considered "hazardous". Minors may not work in connection with these occupations. 820 ILCS 205/7 and 56 Ill. Adm. Code 250.205-250.255.

 

Do minors who are too young to attend school require a "work permit" for modeling/acting/performance work?

Yes. All minors under the age of 16 who are working as models, actors, and in performance work must apply for and receive an employment certificate prior to performing the work. 820 ILCS 205/8 and 8.1 and 56 Ill. Adm. Code 250.305-250.315.

 

Questions concerning 16 and 17 year old workers need to be directed to the U.S. Department of Labor.

 

 

Please check Child Labor Law Compliance for required procedures, hours restrictions, exemptions, and hazardous occupations. 

 

Work Permit Application - This is a fillable PDF form that you will fill out and bring with you to our office for your appointment. The document must be signed by the minor’s parent/guardian in our office in front of the issuing officer. 

 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at (815) 434-0780.

 


The Regional Office of Education #35 is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience and in compliance with Section 508 guidelines. If you have accessibility concerns or any issues viewing our content, please call 815-434-0780.

SCHOOLinSITES Logo

Copyright © 2024 Regional Office of Education La Salle #35