Student Work Permits

Minors under 16 years of age must obtain a work permit before beginning a job. They must get a new permit every time they begin a new job until they reach the age of 16, even if they work for their parents.

In order to apply for a work permit, the student must be:

• enrolled in school;
• not habitually truant or under suspension; and
• passing a majority of courses during the current grading period.

Once the student has a promise of a job, they must take proof of age to the superintendent’s office along with the completed work permit, which is available for download on this page. Parental permission is required to work.

The superintendent’s office will sign the permit after validating proof of age. The permit will then be forwarded to the Maine Department of Labor, where the permit will be reviewed to ensure the minor is of legal age to work at the business and that the occupation is not hazardous. If the permit is in order, the Department of Labor will validate the form and return a copy to the superintendent’s office. The superintendent’s office will provide a copy for the employer. A minor cannot work until the Department of Labor approves the permit.

You can learn more about work permits for students at the Maine Department of Labor.