Learn how to apply for a youth work permit in Massachusetts.
- This page, Apply for a youth work permit, is offered by
- Department of Labor Standards
- Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
Apply for a youth work permit
The Details
What you need
In Massachusetts, people younger than 18 who want to work must have a work permit.
To complete your application, you will need:
- A job offer (written or verbal) from an employer in Massachusetts
- Signatures from a parent or guardian
- If you're 15 or younger, a signature from a physician
- Proof of your age
- School records
How to apply
- Download a work permit application
- Ask your employer to complete the Promise of Employment section
- If you are 15 or younger, ask a doctor to complete the Physician's Certificate of Health section
- Ask a parent or guardian to complete Part 4 of the application
- Make sure you sign the application, too
To complete your application, you will also need:
- Proof of age: Birth certificate, passport, State ID, or immigration paperwork with your birthdate on it.
- School records: Proof that you're currently enrolled in school. If you are 16 or older and not enrolled in school, you will need proof that you completed 6th grade.
Next steps
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Submit your application
Where you submit your application depends on where you live:
- If you are a Massachusetts resident, submit your application, proof of age, and school records to the superintendent or designee of the school you attend.
- If you are NOT a Massachusetts resident, submit your application, proof of age, and school records to the superintendent or designee of the town where your employer is located.
The superintendent or designee will review your application. If approved, they'll ask you to sign a work permit. The school will keep copies of all documents.
Bring the work permit to your employer
- Your employer needs to keep your work permit on file as long as you're employed there or until you turn 18.
- If you work at more than one location, they need to keep a copy at each location.
- When you turn 18, the employer can destroy the work permit.
- If you stop working there before you turn 18, the employer needs to return the permit to the superintendent or designee.
More info
How long is the youth work permit valid?
- As long as you stay at the same job, your permit is valid until you leave that job or when you turn 18.
- If you get a new job before you turn 18, you need to apply for a new permit for that job.
- You do not need to get a new permit for each school year.
Important information for parents and guardians
In Massachusetts, nearly 20% of teens start working as early as middle school. While they're still living at home, parents and guardians often help them make decisions about jobs, including finding job opportunities, applying to jobs, learning about work hours and tasks, and handling difficult issues related to the job.
Parents can also help ensure their teen's safety at work, including completing their work permit, learning about worker rights, and finding more training for their jobs:
Downloads
Contact
Address
LawrenceSenator William X. Wall Experiment Station, 37 Shattuck Street , Lawrence , MA 01843Phone
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