Work permits and rules for teens and young workers

A first job is a big step. It can mean money for your family, savings for college, and real skills. California wants you to work safely and stay in school, so it has a few extra rules for people under 18. Know them, and you can protect yourself.

This page is general information, not legal advice. For your rights at work at any age, see Your rights at work, with or without papers.

Do I need a work permit?

Almost always, yes, if you are under 18. California requires minors who work to have a permit, and employers must keep it on file and show it to school and labor officials (Labor Code 1299). Permits are required even in summer, when school is out, according to the Labor Commissioner's Child Labor Laws booklet.

Some exceptions:

• High school graduates under 18. California's child labor rules apply to minors who are required to attend school (Labor Code 1286(c)). The Labor Commissioner's booklet says graduates under 18 are outside the permit and hour rules, but federal rules still keep them out of the most dangerous jobs unless trained.
• Family farm or household work. A minor working for a parent or guardian on the family's own property in farm or household work, outside school hours, is not covered by these permit rules (Labor Code 1394). A family business like a store or restaurant still needs a permit, the booklet says.
• Entertainment work (acting, modeling, film) uses a different permit from the Labor Commissioner.

How do I get a work permit?

1. Find the job first. The permit is for a specific job at a specific address.
2. Get the form from your school. Ask the office for the Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for Work Permit. Many schools also have it online.
3. Fill it out together. You and the employer complete it. A parent or guardian and the employer sign it.
4. Return it to the school. A school official reviews it and issues the Permit to Employ and Work. The employer keeps a copy on file.
5. Start work only after the permit is issued.

Who can issue a permit: your school district superintendent or a person they authorize in writing, such as a counselor or work experience teacher, or your charter school's director (Education Code 49110). Permits list your maximum hours, and a school can set tighter limits.

Grades matter. A school can refuse or cancel a permit if work is hurting your health or schoolwork, or if the job breaks the rules (Education Code 49164).

How many hours can I work?

These are California's limits (Labor Code 1391 and Education Code 49116). Your permit can be stricter.

Teens 12 and 13 can work only in limited cases, and teens under 14 rarely can. Ask your school.

What jobs can teens not do?

Some work is banned because it is too dangerous for anyone under 18. California follows the federal list (Labor Code 1294.1 and 29 CFR Part 570, Subpart E). Examples:

• Driving a motor vehicle as part of the job, or riding as an outside helper
• Roofing, or work on or about a roof
• Excavation, demolition and wrecking
• Running power saws, wood chippers, meat slicers, bakery mixers, balers and trash compactors
• Running forklifts or other power hoists
• Work with explosives or radiation

The list is longer for 14 and 15 year olds. If a boss asks you to do any of these, say no and tell a parent or the Labor Commissioner.

How much should I be paid?

The same as an adult. California's minimum wage is $16.90 an hour in 2026, and the Labor Commissioner says there is no difference between adults and minors (Minimum wage FAQ). It rises to $17.40 on January 1, 2027.

Many cities pay more. Some 2026 rates: East Palo Alto $17.90, Redwood City $18.65, Mountain View $19.70 (see Minimum wage in California and Bay Area cities). Your employer must pay the highest rate that applies.

One real exception: a learner of any age with no similar experience may be paid 85% of minimum wage for the first 160 hours (Minimum wage FAQ). After that, full minimum wage.

You also get paid sick days, breaks and overtime like any other worker. See Paid sick days in California.

Do I also need immigration permission to work?

Yes. These are two different things.

• The school work permit is a California rule about age, hours and school.
• Work authorization is a federal rule about who can be hired as an employee. Every employer must complete Form I-9 for each new hire, including teens.

On the I-9, teens under 18 who do not have a photo ID may show a school record or report card, a clinic or hospital record, or a day care record to prove identity (8 CFR 274a.2(b)(1)(v)(B)(2)). You still need a document that shows you are allowed to work, like a Social Security card without a work restriction, a green card, or a work permit card.

Teens with DACA. You can ask for DACA starting at age 15 (unless you are in immigration court, then younger). Renewals are being processed. USCIS is accepting but not processing first time DACA requests as of October 21, 2026 (USCIS DACA page). See Can I apply for DACA for the first time?

What if I do not have papers?

We will be honest with you, because you deserve the truth. A school work permit does not fix immigration status. Without work authorization, an employer is not allowed to hire you as an employee under federal law. Never use someone else's papers or Social Security number. That can hurt your future immigration options.

What you can do:

• Get screened. Some teens qualify for DACA, SIJS, a U visa or other protection and do not know it. A free screening is the best first step. See Free or low cost immigration legal help in the Bay Area and What is SIJS and can my child qualify?
• Learn about working for yourself. Some people earn money through their own small business, like tutoring or selling crafts. See Earning a living without a work permit.
• Build skills now. Volunteer work, school work experience programs and college classes can count later.

If you are already working, you still have rights. California labor law protects all workers, whatever their status (Labor Code 1171.5). You must be paid for every hour.

What if my employer breaks these rules?

Warning signs: no permit, too many hours, work during school hours, late nights, dangerous tasks, or pay below minimum wage.

1. Tell a parent, guardian or school counselor.
2. Write down your hours, pay and what happened.
3. Call the California Labor Commissioner at 833-526-4636. You can ask for an interpreter. You can file a wage claim for unpaid pay.
4. If you get hurt at work, tell your boss right away and see a doctor. Teens are covered by workers' comp too (Labor Code 3351(a)). See Hurt at work? How to get workers comp, with or without papers.

Your employer cannot punish you for speaking up. Read Your rights at work.

Questions people ask

Do I need a permit for a summer job? Yes. Permits are required even when school is out, the Labor Commissioner booklet says.

Can I work during school hours if my family needs money? Rarely. A school can issue a full time permit to a 14 or 15 year old who finished elementary school in limited family hardship cases (Education Code 49130). Ask your counselor.

Do I need a new permit if I get a second job? Yes. Each permit is for a specific job.

Does my babysitting count? Babysitting for neighbors is usually informal. Babysitters under 18 are not owed minimum wage under the domestic worker rules (Domestic Worker Bill of Rights FAQ).

I am 17 and graduated early. Do I still need a permit? The Labor Commissioner booklet says graduates under 18 are outside the permit rules. Bring proof of graduation when you apply for jobs.

Is there a checklist I can print?

Work can open doors. Start the right way, keep your grades up, and ask for help if something feels wrong.