San Dieguito Union High School District

Home

Parents & Students

Work Permits

Work Permits

In California, all students under the age of 18 (including minors employed by parents) who have not graduated high school must have a work permit to be employed.

Minors must meet mandatory school attendance laws and academic requirements in order to obtain work permits. Schools have the legal right to restrict or reduce the type of employment and/or the hours of work if evidence is shown that the schoolwork or health of the minor is being impaired by the employment.

work permits

To obtain a Work Permit:

Download and read the “Request for Work Permit and Statement of Intent to Employ Minor” form as well as the attached "Know Your Rights" document.
The Student must complete sections “Minor’s Information” and “School Information”.
The Employer must complete and sign Section 1 “To be filled in and signed by employer.”
The Parent or Guardian must fill out and sign section “To be filled in and signed by parent or legal guardian”.

Please note: Students must be present with identification when the work permit is issued. Incomplete forms cannot be processed and will delay the issuing of the Work Permit. Parents may not sign for students.

Examples of acceptable identification for obtaining a work permit - bring at least 2 proofs of identification:

Proof of age (birth certificate, medical records, driver’s license or ID card listing date of birth)
Proof of school attendance (report card or school ID card)
Picture identification (school ID card, driver’s license, California ID card, Military ID card)

Students may not work until the Work Permit has been completed.

DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

After completing the above application and all required steps, please go to the student's high school during regular school hours to complete the process and to receive the work permit.

See each high school website for additional information, including hours and office locations.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question	Answer
What ages are required to have a work permit?	Any student under the age of 18 who has not graduated from high school must have a work permit on file.
If a student has graduated from high school, does the student need a work permit?	Once a minor is no longer subject to the state’s compulsory education laws, the student is not considered a minor for purposes of the state’s child labor laws (labor code 1286[c]). Therefore, a high school graduate does not require a permit and may work in any occupation.
Where does a student get a work permit?	During the school year, work permits are issued at the high school only. During summer, summer work permits are issued at the San Dieguito Union High School District. See website for hours of operation.
Can a parent/guardian bring in a student’s Request for Work Permit and be issued a work permit?	No, a student must bring in the Request for Work Permit after it has been completed. The student must be present when the work permit is issued AND bring two proofs of Identification for that student.
Can the student start working when the employer signs the Request for Work Permit?	No, the work permit must be issued first before a student can begin working.
When do work permits expire?	Summer work permits expire five days after the beginning of the next school year.
If a student has more than one job, does the student need more than one work permit?	Yes, the student will need a separate work permit for each job that is held.

HOURS OF WORK

The following restrictions and spread of hours are for summer employment and considered vacation permits.

16 and 17 year olds: 8 hours per day with a maximum of 48 hours per week.
14 and 15 year olds: 8 hours per day with a maximum of 40 hours per week.
12 and 13 year olds: May be employed only during school holidays and vacations. Employment is restricted to certain household occupations, messengers, delivery, and agriculture.