Minor Work Permits

Students under the age of 16 must obtain a work permit before beginning employment. The Regional Office of Education has streamlined this process to make it as efficient and straightforward as possible for both parents and students.

Under the Illinois Child Labor Law, employers are required to secure and keep on file Employment Certificates (work permits) for all workers under age 16. The Regional Superintendent of Schools serves as the issuing officer on behalf of the Illinois Department of Labor. Work permits are issued once all legal requirements have been met (Section 12, Illinois Child Labor Law).

Below are the documents required to obtain a work permit.

Please bring all completed documents to the Regional Office of Education. A Department of Labor Issuing Officer will review them and issue the work permit.

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Obtaining a Work Permit for a Minor

Applications may be obtained at any location of the Regional Office of Education #21 or printed using the links below:

The following three forms are included within the Work Permit Application. Please read the descriptions below before downloading and printing the complete application.

  • Applicant Employee Statement

    Once you have a job offer, you must obtain a 'Letter of Intent to Hire' from your prospective employer. This letter should outline your expected work hours and job duties.

  • Physical Fitness Form

    Submit the completed Physical Fitness form or provide a copy of a health exam conducted within the past year.

  • Principal Statement

    To be completed by the school principal if the minor will be employed during the school year.

Once all paperwork is completed, the minor and a parent or guardian must bring the forms to our office, along with the minor’s official birth certificate and Social Security card.

Department of Labor Issuing Officers are available at each ROE #21 location.

Safety First - Common Prohibited Occupations

Work is Prohibited IN ANY CAPACITY

  • On premises where liquor is served.
  • Occupations at filling or service stations, including the retail portion thereof.
  • Occupations requiring the use of power-driven machinery.
  • Most occupations in logging and saw milling.
  • Any occupation in construction, including demolition and repair.
  • Occupations involving the use of ladders, scaffolds, or their substitutes.
  • Occupations involving contact with moving vehicles.
  • Occupations involving laundry, dry-cleaning or rug cleaning equipment.
  • For a complete list please refer to the Child Labor Law, 820-ILCS 205/1-22.

Child Labor Hotline: 800-645-5784

Child Labor Law Information: 312-793-2804

More information can be found here: