Work Certificates and Work Permits

Missouri law allows young people ages 14 and 15 to be employed with certain restrictions. Youth under 14 years of age generally are not permitted to work at any job (other than in entertainment or casual work) at any time. The requirements for obtaining work certificates and separate entertainment industry permits are detailed below.

Work Certificates (ages 14 and 15)

Before employment begins, a parent/guardian and young person aged 14 or 15 must complete a form to obtain a work certificate. During the school year, the “Certificate to Employ a Child 14 or 15 Years of Age During School Term” should be completed. During the summer, a “Certificate to Employ a Child 14 or 15 Years of Age During Non-School Term” should be completed. 

After completion of Section A by the parent/guardian and student, the employer must complete Section B, certifying that they understand the restrictions that Missouri law places on the hours and job types that 14- and 15-year-olds may work. Finally, Section C of the form must be completed by an authorized school representative, or “issuing authority”. A more detailed description of the school representative can be found here.

The school representative may decline or revoke the work certificate if he or she is not satisfied that employment will serve the best interest of the child. Additionally, the following information may be required by the issuing officer:

  • A certificate from the principal of the school that the child attends setting out the child’s grades.
  • A certificate from a physician that has personally examined the child stating that the child is in good mental and physical health and is capable of performing labor without injury to his health and mental development.

Workers ages 14 and 15 are allowed to work only certain hours and only certain types of jobs. See here for details.

Download School Year Work Certificate
Download Summer Work Certificate

Entertainment Industry Permits

Entertainment permits are required for youth under the age of 16 who work in the entertainment industry. A child under 16 may work in the entertainment industry if the director of the Missouri Division of Labor Standards issues the work permit. No permit will be issued without proof of age, a permission form from the parent or legal guardian, and a written statement from the prospective employer setting out the nature and expected duration of employment. The employer must keep the work permit and the statement as to the nature and duration of the employment on file. A permit generally can be received within 48 hours. Permits may be revoked or not issued at the request of school officials if they feel work is unfavorable to a youth’s education. Read more about required breaks for youth in the entertainment industry.

Download Entertainment Permit