All young people, in or out of school, can apply at any public high school or school district office.
During school vacation periods, these offices stay open part-time to issue working papers.
Take the application form home and have your parent or guardian sign it.
You will need to gather:
Bring these items to the office. If your application is complete, working papers can be issued to you on the spot for part-time work during the school session. It will also allow you to work full-time during school vacation periods.
Your employer must keep Student Non-Factory, Student General, Full-Time, and Limited Employment Certificates on file at the place where you work, as long as you keep the job.
You must keep your Farm Work Permits, Model Permits, Newspaper Carrier Permits, and Street Trade Permits in your possession at all times.
The Division of Labor Standards enforces the statutes that govern:
The maximum and prohibited hours of work for minors
The type of work permitted for minors
The Division also inspects establishments to insure that minors under 18 have proper employment certificates (also referred to as Working Papers).
This section contains general information on the provisions of the laws governing the employment of minors in New York State. We omit certain details. Do not consider this as a final interpretation of the law.
For details, contact the NYS Department of Labor, Division of Labor Standards office in your area.
For establishments covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, Federal laws on minimum wage, overtime pay, and the employment of minors may in some cases set higher standards than State requirements. The requirements of State Law do not affect an employer's obligation to comply with any provisions of Federal law. For details on Federal laws, by contact the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration - Wage and Hour Division.
Delivery and Clerical Employment in Factory Offices and Service Stores
Federal Prohibited Occupations