If you are under 18, you will need a work permit. And your employer must have it on file before you start work.
Do yourself a favor and read carefully what you need to have with you to obtain a work permit. You will have a job lined up and be anxious to start, but you cannot show up on the first day without it!
Print the check list below and gather everything you need.
1. |
Proof of Age. One of these will work:
- Birth Certificate
- Baptismal Record
- Driver’s License issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, or State issued Identification Card with photo.
Birth records may be obtained from the register of deeds in the county of birth. Baptismal records may be secured from the pastor of the church in which the baptism took place.
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2. |
A letter from your soon-to-be employer stating the intent to employ you along with the job duties, hours of work and time of day you will be working. |
3. |
Letter from your parent, guardian or court-ordered foster parent giving their permission to the employment. As an alternative, your parent, guardian or foster parent may countersign the employer’s letter. |
4. |
Your social security card. |
5. |
The permit fee is $5.00. Your employer is required to pay the permit fee. If you pay the fee, the employer must reimburse you on your first paycheck. |
6. |
Address of school that you attend or the name of the school district. Remember, your work permit will be revoked if you do not attend school on a regular basis. If you are working in a prohibited employment, or if you are employed while you are underage for that employment your permit will be revoked. |
There are 17 hazardous jobs young workers under the age of 18 are prohibited from doing. Some of these jobs include mining, meatpacking or processing, using power-driven bakery machines or paper-product machines, roofing, and excavation operations. Most driving is also prohibited. For more information you can visit The U.S. Department of Labor.
