Counseling Office - El Dorado Hills » Work Permits

Work Permits

What is a work permit and where can I get one?

A work permit is a legal document required by the state of California that allows a person under 18 years of age to hold a job. You may obtain a work permit from your school. Here are the steps you must take to obtain a work permit:

  1. Pick up a “Statement of intent to employ a minor and request for a work permit- certificate of age” form (CDE Form B1-1) from the counseling office at your school. The form can also be downloaded from the California State Department of Education website.
  2. Fill out the personal and school information at the top of the form. Your prospective employer must fill out the information required in the middle portion of the form, including their signature and date. A parent or legal guardian must sign and date the form. Leave the bottom section of the form blank for your school counselor to complete.
  3. Return the form to Miss Dorothy, our Secondary Admin. Assistant. The work permit will be processed and typed. It usually takes 48 hours to process the Work Permit.
  4. Return to the school counselor after 48 hours to receive the typed work permit. 
  5. Bring the typed work permit back to your prospective employer.

At what age can I get a work permit?

16 & 17 year olds: Must have completed 7th grade to work while school is in session. (EC 49112)

14 & 15 year olds: Must have completed 7th grade to work while school is in session (EC 49112)

12 & 13 year olds: Labor laws generally prohibit non-farm employment of children younger than 14. Special rules apply to agricultural work, domestic work, and the entertainment industry. (LC 1285–1312)

Can a work permit be taken away?

Yes, the work permit can be cancelled and taken away at any time by a high school administrator. Scholars must remain in good academic standing, including passing all classes. 

When does a work permit expire?

A minor must obtain a work permit for each job. A work permit is no longer valid when a minor quits or leaves a job. A new work permit application must be filled out for each new job. In addition, all work permits in the state of California expire five days after the opening of school in the fall. Therefore, if a minor obtained a job and work permit in June and still has that same job at the end of summer vacation, the work permit would expire. The minor would need to obtain a new work permit for the new school year even though it was for the same continuing job.


Click here for more information on minors and employment


Click here for information about balancing high school and part-time work