Youth Employment Work Permits

  • Important Info for Students & Parents:

    If you're under 18 and planning to get a job (even if it's unpaid or volunteer work), you must have a valid work permit before starting.

    Employers are not allowed to let anyone under 18 work—paid or unpaid—until they have a work permit on file. This permit has to be the right one for your age and must be issued by your school (or district) before your first day on the job.

    Make sure to take care of this early so you’re ready to start working!

     

    Work Permit Q&A for Students Under 18 and Their Parents

    🎓 STUDENT WORK PERMITS — WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
    For All Michigan Students Under Age 18 (including homeschoolers)

    📌 Who needs a work permit?
    If you’re under 18, you must have a valid work permit before starting any job—even if it’s volunteer or unpaid.

    🚫 Can I work without one?
    No. Employers can’t let minors work unless they have a current, age-appropriate work permit on file, issued by a Michigan school or district.

    📍 Where do I get a copy of the work permit?
    From your:
    ✅ School
    ✅ School district
    ✅ Employer
    ✅ Labor & Economic Opportunity website

    🏠 Homeschooled students
    You must:
    ✔ Get the permit from the local district or school office
    ✔ Bring a signed statement from your parent/guardian (as your homeschool teacher) that shows how many hours per week you’re being homeschooled
    ✔ The school will attach this to your work permit and keep it on file

    📝 What needs to be filled out?

    Sections: 1- by the minor, 2- by the employer, 3- by the school

    Note: sections 1 & 2 must be filled out completely before your school/school district can sign section 3. 

    • CA-6 for students under 16 years
    • CA-7 for students aged 16–17 years

    📄 Proof of Age — Bring One:

    • Certified birth certificate
    • Michigan driver’s license
    • School or census record
    • Parent/guardian statement and a doctor’s statement

    📦 New to Michigan?
    Bring:

    • A certified birth certificate
    • An unofficial transcript from your last school (must include the school’s full name, address, phone, etc.)

    ✅ TIP: Start Early!
    Don’t wait—get your work permit done before your job begins so there are no delays!

     

Michigan Department of Education - Work Permit Guidelines

  • Permit Distinctions:  The amended act eliminates the use of yellow and pink colored permits for certain age groups.  Act 90 now distinguishes work permits for youth under age 18 as follows:

    • Minors 16 and 17 years old- the work permit must be formatted and printed in portrait orientation.
    • Minors under 16 years old- the work permit must:

    (i) clearly indicate the minor is under 16 years of age and

    (ii) be formatted and printed in landscape orientation. 

    The failure or refusal to issue a work permit by the school may be appealed by the minor in accordance with Public Act. 306 of 1969.
Work Permit

Reference Documents

    • During the summer months, work permits can be signed at the McKinley Administration Building: 4701 McKinley St, Detroit, MI 48208, 2nd floor, room 201.

      Mondays: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

      Tuesdays: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

      Wednesdays: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    • *We are closed on district observed holidays. 

      Minors: Be sure to bring the required documentation with you. This includes the completed work permit form signed by your prospective employer and two forms of identification, as required for the work permit. For questions:

    • phone (313) 748-6350 or

    • email alexia.andrews@detroitk12.org