Work Permits

Employment for Students Ages 14–17

If your child is between the ages of 14 and 17 and plans to work in Pennsylvania, they must first obtain a work permit. Work permits are issued by the school district where the student lives and are valid for employment anywhere within Pennsylvania.

What You'll Need

Work permits are for students who are between the ages of 14 and 17. Before a work permit can be issued, you'll need:

• A parent or legal guardian to sign the application

• Proof of the student's age

Acceptable proof of age includes:

1. Birth certificate or certified transcript

2. Baptismal certificate or transcript

3. Passport

4. Other official documentation, such as a Social Security card and a parent or guardian's driver's license

5. A parent or guardian affidavit accompanied by a physician's statement verifying the student's age

Please note that grandparents or siblings may only sign the application if they have legal documentation showing they are the student's legal guardian.

Getting Your Work Permit

Once the required documents have been reviewed, the issuing officer will complete the work permit, witness the student's signature, and issue the permit.

Students should keep the original blue work permit until they turn 18. The permit can be used with any employer in Pennsylvania. An employer may make a copy for its records, but the original should always be returned to the student.

Summer Hours

During the summer, parents or legal guardians may visit the East Allegheny High School Guidance Office with their child to complete both the application and work permit during the same visit.