Employment of Minors (Working Papers)
School districts in New York State are responsible for issuing employment certificates and permits to qualified applicants. This is not a function of the State Education Department. The information presented here, is intended to assist students, parents, school officials who issue the appropriate cards or booklets to students and perspective employers. It outlines the responsibility of each group as it applies to the issuance of working permits and certificates. Also included are; the forms necessary for applying for the permit, certificates or physical fitness forms, vendor information for printing or ordering permits or certificates, and the laws and regulations that surrounds employment of minors.
Minors may apply for certificates where they live, where they go to school, or where they are to be employed.
*Update: Transition to Digital Working Papers:ÌýAs part of the FY26 State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law , effective 2027, that will require the New York State Department of Labor to create a statewide electronic database of minor employees and their employers and implement an online portal for electronic working papers. Additional information will be shared as it is made available.
Memos & Updates
- Memo RE: Introduction of Two New Documents for Minors Receiving Working PapersÌý(May 2023)
- Memo RE: Continuation of Optional Remote Application Process for Employment Certificates and Permits (Working Papers)Ìý(June 2021)
- °ä°¿³Õ±õ¶Ù-19Ìý-ÌýMemo RE: Working Papers for Minors and School ClosuresÌý(March 2020)
- Memo regarding Updated AT-17 Application for Employment Certificate and AT-22 Application for Employment Permit (Working Papers)Ìý(June 2019)
- Memo Regarding the Issuance of Child Model PermitsÌý(December 2013)
Á½ÐÔÊÓƵ Resources
- Employment Certificating Officers ManualÌý(Updated December 2023)
- Working Papers and Social Security Numbers
- Hours for Minors
Forms and Printing Standards
- Fillable PDF Application for Employment Certificate - AT-17Ìý(Updated March 2022)
- Fillable PDF Application for Employment Permit - AT 22Ìý(Updated May 2021)
- Fillable Physical Fitness Certification - AT 16Ìý(Updated April 2020)
- Standards for Printing Employment Applications, Certificates and PermitsÌý(for School Supply Companies)
- Vendors for certificates and permits
- Ìý(March 2023) andÌýÌý(March 2023) from the NYS Department of Labor
Department of Labor Resources
- Youth Workers Bill of Rights Pocket GuideÌý(May 2024)
- Youth Workers Bill of Rights PosterÌý(May 2024)
- Ìýon the Department of Labor website, including resources for keeping young people safe in the workplace, and how to file aÌý
- Ìý(March 2023) andÌýÌýÌý(March 2023)