Work Permits For Minors

Although some ROE/ISC offices may offer work permits for minors, our office does not issue Employment/Work Permit Certificates for minors. The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) oversees the safety of minors in Illinois by regulating the employment of workers under 16 years of age (820 ILCS 205/1-22 Child Labor Law). Additionally, please visit the Illinois State Board of Education webpage to learn all details or see additional information outlined below.

Work Permit Inquiries (ISBE)

To begin the process of seeking a minor work permit, parents/guardians should contact their child’s school district to inquire if it can be obtained with them.​​​​ If not, requests can be made by contacting ISBE via email: workpermit@isbe.net​ or calling (312) ​814-2220 to request a virtual appointment. The request should include a contact telephone number to assist ISBE representatives with scheduling and or responding to inquiries.

The 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 and will answer any additional information as needed.

At the time of the virtual meeting, the 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 is 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 should be submitted to workpermit@isbe.net prior to scheduled appointment (2 -3 days at minimum). 

Minor Work Permit Checklist
 

If you have any questions, contact workpermit@isbe.net​ or call (312) ​814-2220 to request a virtual appointment. The request should include a contact telephone number to assist ISBE representatives with scheduling and or responding to inquiries.