MINOR WORK PERMITS

To begin the process of seeking a minor work permit, a parent/guardian should contact their school district or Regional Office of Education to inquire if it can be obtained locally.​​​​ If not, your request can be made by contacting ISBE via email: workpermit@isbe.net​ or calling 312-​814-2220 to request a virtual appointment. Your request should include a contact telephone number to assist ISBE representatives with scheduling and or responding to inquiries.

What comes next:

An ISBE representative will then contact the parent/guardian to schedule a virtual appointment which should include the minor(s). During the appointment scheduling, the representative will inform the parent/guardian of the required documentation (listed below), how and when to submit the documentation, the meeting platform (virtual or in person) and they will provide any additional information as needed.

At the time of your virtual meeting, an ISBE representative will review documents with the parent/guardian and minor for verification purposes and to ensure the potential employment meets the IL Department of Labor, Child Labor Law guidelines. A minor permit will be issued electronically to the parent/guardian if all requirements are met. The Illinois Department of Labor will receive a copy of the minor permit as well. The permit will be valid for 1 year from the time of issuance for the specified employer listed.

In cases where there are any document discrepancies or some concerns about the potential employment, the parent/guardian will be asked to provide revised or additional information before a minor work permit can be issued.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

The following scanned documents must be submitted to workpermit@isbe.net prior to your scheduled appointment (2 - 3 days at minimum). The documents marked with asterisks (**) will be provided by our team whereas the rest of these forms will need to be obtained/provided by the parent/guardian.

  1. INTENT TO EMPLOY LETTER**
    A letter from the prospective employer on letterhead stationery, signed with an actual signature by the employer or agent stating the type of work and work schedule of potential minor.

  2. PROOF OF AGE (ORIGINAL)
    An original birth certificate issued by the city, county, state or hospital is preferred. If the original birth certificate is not available, ISBE will accept one of the following: Baptismal certificate, passport, insurance policy or notice of birth registration.

  3. ORIGINAL SOCIAL SECURITY CARD

  4. VALID DRIVERS LICENSE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN

  5. PARENTAL APPROVAL**
    A signed written statement from the parent or guardian approving the child’s employment.

  6. MEDICAL STATEMENT (NOTE FROM PHYSICIAN)
    A signed physician’s statement on the physician’s or health institution’s letterhead indicating based on an examination performed within one year of the date or work permit application, the child is physically fit to be employed in all legal occupations.

  7. PRINCIPAL’S STATEMENT
    A signed principal’s statement on school letterhead stationery verifying the school-age child is active and in good standing academically at school when school is in session.

**PLEASE NOTE THAT A COOGAN ACCOUNT IS NOT REQUIRED FOR BACKGROUND WORK. IF YOU ARE ASKED FOR ONE AT YOUR APPOINTMENT, MAKE SURE THE ISBE REPRESENTATIVE / PERMITTING OFFICER KNOWS THAT YOUR CHILD IS DOING BACKGROUND WORK SO COOGAN ACCOUNTS ARE WAIVED.