Hiring minors for employment?

In the state of Washington, there are specific laws and rules that employers must follow in order to hire someone under the age of 18 years old. Businesses who violate such restrictions may be subject to fines and penalties.

These restrictions typically pertain to labor laws concerning the employment of minors, such as limits on the number of hours they can work, the types of tasks they can perform, and requirements for breaks and rest periods.

In order to hire minors, there are three things that employers must follow:

1. Get a Minor Work Permit endorsement on your business license

Employers and businesses can apply for a Minor Work Permit with the Department of Revenue (DOR). Once reviewed and approved by L&I, a new business license will be issued through the mail, and you must display and renew the license annually with DOR.

Here is the link to DOR to apply for the endorsement: Minor Work Permit | Washington Department of Revenue.

2. Get a completed Parent/School Authorization form or Parent Authorization for Summer Work form

Prior to a minor beginning work, it is necessary to obtain authorization from the employer, the minor, the parent or legal guardian and the school (during academic sessions). Retain a copy of these forms for your records for 3 years.

If the minor is hired when school is in session versus the minor being hired over the summer, the appropriate form must be completed. (Please visit Lni.wa.gov/Teens to view the forms).

The form must be renewed by September 30th of each new school year.

Here is the link to the Parent/School Authorization form: Parent Authorization for Summer Work (F700-168-000) (wa.gov).

Here is the link to the Parent Authorization for Summer Work: Parent/School Authorization (F700-002-000) (wa.gov).

3. Verify the minor’s age

All jobs require one of the following documents to be obtained and kept for 3 years:

• Birth certificate.

• Driver's license.

• Baptismal record.

• Notarized statement from the parent or legal guardian.

However, for minors working in agricultural jobs, they may use the items listed above or:

• Bible record.

• Insurance policy at least one year old indicating the date of birth.

• Completed federal employment eligibility verification (Form I-9).

Legal Age to Work

Governed by state and federal child labor laws, the legal age to work in Washington varies based on:

• The type of work (e.g., agricultural or non-agricultural).

• Whether the job is considered hazardous or has prohibited duties.

• Whether school is in session.

• The legal status of the minor (e.g., emancipated minors).

• Whether the job is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

For more details on which ages are allowed to be employed in the different type of jobs, please visit Lni.wa.gov/Teens.