Employment of Minors (Working Papers)
School districts in New York State are responsible for issuing employment certificates and permits to qualified applicants. This is not a function of the State Education Department. The information presented here, is intended to assist students, parents, school officials who issue the appropriate cards or booklets to students and perspective employers. It outlines the responsibility of each group as it applies to the issuance of working permits and certificates. Also included are; the forms necessary for applying for the permit, certificates or physical fitness forms, vendor information for printing or ordering permits or certificates, and the laws and regulations that surrounds employment of minors.
Minors may apply for certificates where they live, where they go to school, or where they are to be employed.
Memos & Updates
- Memo RE: Introduction of Two New Documents for Minors Receiving Working Papers - May 25, 2023
- Memo RE: Continuation of Optional Remote Application Process for Employment Certificates and Permits (Working Papers) - June 23, 2021
- COVID-19 - Memo RE: Working Papers for Minors and School Closures - March 31, 2020
- Memo regarding Updated AT-17 Application for Employment Certificate and AT-22 Application for Employment Permit (Working Papers) - June 28, 2019
- Memo Regarding the Issuance of Child Model Permits - December 2013
NYSED Resources
- Employment Certificating Officers Manual
- Working Papers and Social Security Numbers
- Laws and Regulations Concerning the Employment of Minors
- Hours for Minors
Forms and Printing Standards
- Fillable PDF Application for Employment Certificate - AT-17 - Updated March 2022
- Fillable PDF Application for Employment Permit - AT 22 - Updated May 2021
- Fillable Physical Fitness Certification - AT 16 - Updated April 2020
- Standards for Printing Employment Applications, Certificates and Permits (for School Supply Companies)
- Vendors for certificates and permits
- NYS Child Labor Law Cards for Youth Workers and for Employers from the NYS Department of Labor (additional languages available)
Department of Labor Resources
- Youth Workers Bill of Rights Pocket Guide
- Youth Workers Bill of Rights Poster
- Employment of Minors on the Department of Labor website, including resources for keeping young people safe in the workplace, and how to file a Child Labor Complaint
- Child Performer and Child Models
- NYS Department of Labor/Division of Labor Standards District Office List
- Work protection from New York State Department of Labor Standards
- NYS Child Labor Law Cards for Youth Workers and for Employers (additional languages available)