Employing minors
The steps you need to take
Published on Fri, 03/10/2017 - 5:46pm
Contributors

Christian Scali
Founder and Managing Shareholder

Jasmin B. Bhandari
Principal
Employers have very specific requirements to follow to lawfully employ minors, including the proper documentation for a work permit. Here are some of the requirements:
- Work permit requirement for minors — Under the Labor Code, a “minor” is any person under 18 who is required to attend school. So, an applicant under 18 years old who has graduated from high school or has completed a GED requirement does not need a work permit.
- Complete and submit a California Department of Education Form B1-1 Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit—this form needs a parent signature if the applicant is not emancipated. [link to form]
- Obtain from the school a completed CDE Form B1-4 Permit to Employ and Work. [link to form]
- A current work permit must be kept on file for each school year (the school year runs from July 1st through June 30th).
- Work restrictions for minors
- Minors may not operate vehicles on public highways or streets.
- Check with your liability insurance carrier for any additional restrictions.
- Minors may not work in certain hazardous occupations
- Hours/work schedule restrictions and other limitations will be set forth in the CDE B1-4 permit issued by the school district.
- Minors under the age of 14 are not employable except for certain limited industries such as agricultural and entertainment occupations, as well as newspaper delivery.
Also, remember that contracts/agreements signed by minors may not be legally binding on them, so you should consider obtaining a parent/legal guardian’s signature on important agreements and acknowledgments.
Photo by Paul Inkles.