Work Permits

How can I obtain a Youth Employment Certificate (work permit)?

All 14-15 year old workers in Virginia are required to obtain an Employment Certificate (work permit) in order to work. 

*Workers must have a job before submitting an application.

The following link will take you to the Employment Certificate Application System. 

https://selfserviceportal.doli.virginia.gov/LaborLaw/ChildLaborPermits/

OR Search: Self service portal Virginia Department of Labor. 

In the I WANT TO drop-down-menu, select 

REQUEST A CHILD LABOR EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATE. 

There are three steps to the Employment Certificate process. 

1. Youth Registration - Student worker fills this out.

2. Employer Registration - Only the employer can submit this part of the application. You must have already secured employment before starting the employment certificate process.

3. Parent/Guardian/Custodian Approval- You must have permission from your parent or guardian to obtain an employment certificate. 

Child Labor Department: 📱804-371-3104 ext 242