• Frequently Asked Questions About Working Papers


    Why do I need working papers?

    The employment certification process was established to ensure that minors are working in safe jobs, under safe conditions. When an issuing officer suspects that a minor is being employed in an unsafe job or is being required to work beyond the hours that are allowable by Child Labor Law, the officer consults the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance. If you have a specific question about Pennsylvania Child Labor Law, contact the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance at 1 (800) 932-0665.

    How old do you have to be to begin working?

    Except in certain special cases, children cannot start work until they turn 14 years old. Exceptions include golf caddies, newspaper delivery persons, and actors.

    I'm 17 years old. Do I still need working papers?

    Minors need working papers until they turn 18. Minors who are 17 years old and have graduated from high school no longer need working papers.

    I lost my working papers. How do I get a new set of working papers? Do I have to go through the whole process again?

    To get a new set of working papers, you must have a copy of your original work permit. Take the copy to any of the office locations and you will be issued a new card. If you do not have a copy of your card, you will have to go through the process again. There is no centralized system that holds your permit number, so if you do not have a copy of the card with your permit number on it, a card cannot be reissued to you.

    I landed a job in Maryland. Do I need to get working papers in Pennsylvania or in Maryland?

    You need to be certified to work in the state in which you will be working. You should contact the main public high school in the area in which you will be working to find out about their working papers procedures and hours of operation.