Skip main navigation

Outdated or Unsupported Browser Detected
DWD's website uses the latest technology. This makes our site faster and easier to use across all devices. Unfortunatley, your browser is out of date and is not supported. An update is not required, but it is strongly recommended to improve your browsing experience. To update Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge visit their website.

  2. Equal Rights
  3. Labor Standards
  4. Work Permits

Work Permits

Requirements for employment of minors

  • A work permit is required before anyone under the age of 16 is allowed to work in any job with the exception of agriculture or domestic service work.
  • 16- and 17-year-old minors do NOT need to obtain a work permit prior to beginning work. Work permits will not be issued for minors ages 16 or 17.
    • State law prohibits the use of minors to perform hazardous work. Prohibited employment provisions still apply to work that 16- and 17-year-old minors can be employed to perform.

Obtain a work permit (Parent/Guardian)

Parents and guardians may obtain a work permit by following the instructions below. Note that parents and guardians are required to pay the work permit application fee at the time of purchase. After the payment has processed the parent or guardian will receive an email confirmation and the permit will be printed and mailed directly to the employer. The minor's employer will receive the permit within five (5) business days. The minor may begin working upon receipt of the confirmation email.

    1. Create a DWD ID
      • If you already have a DWD ID, you do not need to create a new ID.
    2. Enter Information about the minor applying for the work permit and their:
      • Employer
      • Job
      • School
    3. Pay for minor's work permit. We accept:
      • Checking or savings account

    Do you have DWD ID and know how to create a permit?

    No, help me create a work permit Yes, login to create a work permit

For the employer - permit fee requirement

The employer must reimburse the $10.00 permit fee to the minor by no later than the date of the first paycheck. A copy of the permit will be mailed to the employer.

For more information