Work Permits

Child Labor Law regulates the employment of workers under 16 years of age. The law protects children by:

• Requiring employment certificates. The certificate confirms that a minor is old enough work (must be 14 years old except for models/actors), physically capable to do the job, and that the job will not interfere with the minor’s education;
• Prohibiting work in hazardous occupations; and
• Limiting work hours. All work before 7:00 am and after 7:00 pm is prohibited. However, work until 9:00 pm is allowed from June 1st through Labor Day.

Obtaining a Work Permit

In order to apply, you must:

• Complete the Work Permit Application;
• Provide a letter of intent from the employer or have employer complete section III of the application;
• Provide your school’s Principal’s Statement to Issuing Office on school letterhead, (sample included in work permit application link above),
• Provide original social security card,
• Provide proof of physical dated within 12 months; and
• Provide a copy of official birth certificate

Minors applying for a performing, acting, or modeling work permit, will need proof of a Coogan Account.

Bring all completed paperwork to the ROE Office - Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

NOTE: Both, parent and student, must be present to complete this process. 

Appointments are required- please call the Quincy office: 217-277-2080 or our Jacksonville office: 217-243-1804 ext 1.

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