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Getting a LegalWork Permit
For a child entertainer
Getting a work permit is the most important step in starting your child’s entertainment career. Without a work permit, your child cannot legally participate in any productions or be paid for their work. More importantly, a work permit helps protect your child’s rights and well-being.
Each state has its own policies and procedures for issuing work permits to minors in the entertainment industry. You should first get a permit in your home state so you can participate in local productions. If you plan to work in multiple states, make sure to get a work permit in each of those states.
Sometimes processing for first-time applicants can take a few weeks. Allow yourself enough time to gather the required documents, complete the work permit application, and get a response. If your application is declined, you will need more time to gather additional documents and appeal the labor board’s decision. It’s a good idea to have a work permit in hand before submitting for a role. Production companies will often ask for a copy of the work permit during the casting process, so give yourself plenty of time!
Here’s a quick guide to tell you which states require minors in the entertainment industry to have work permits, and the name of the issuing government agency or department. We also included brief notes for the states that don’t require formal permits since some have other restrictions. You should always confirm local requirements with the local agencies as the laws governing child performers regularly change.
| State/Territory | Permit Required | Permit Issuer and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | Alabama Department of Labor |
| Alaska | No | No permit required, but child labor laws may apply. |
| Arizona | Yes | Arizona Industrial Commission |
| Arkansas | Yes | Arkansas Department of Labor |
| California | Yes | California Department of Industrial Relations |
| Colorado | No | No permit required, but some general child labor laws apply. |
| Connecticut | Yes | Connecticut Department of Labor |
| Delaware | Yes | Delaware Department of Labor |
| Florida | No | Employers must have a Permit-to-Hire minors but minors don't need a permit. |
| Georgia | Yes | Georgia Department of Labor |
| Hawaii | Yes | Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations |
| Idaho | No | No permit required, but child labor laws apply. |
| Illinois | Yes | Illinois Department of Labor |
| Indiana | Yes | Indiana Department of Labor |
| Iowa | No | No permit required, but some child labor laws apply. |
| Kansas | No | No permit required, but local school approval may be needed. |
| Kentucky | Yes | Kentucky Department of Labor |
| Louisiana | Yes | Louisiana Workforce Commission |
| Maine | No | No permit required, but child labor laws and school attendance laws apply. |
| Maryland | Yes | Maryland Department of Labor |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards |
| Michigan | Yes | Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity |
| Minnesota | Yes | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry |
| Mississippi | Yes | Mississippi Department of Employment Security |
| Missouri | No | No permit required, but child labor laws apply. |
| Montana | No | No permit required, but child labor laws and school approval may apply. |
| Nebraska | No | No permit required, but child labor laws and school requirements apply. |
| Nevada | Yes | Nevada Labor Commission |
| New Hampshire | Yes | New Hampshire Department of Labor |
| New Jersey | Yes | New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development |
| New Mexico | Yes | New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions |
| New York | Yes | New York Department of Labor |
| North Carolina | Yes | North Carolina Department of Labor |
| North Dakota | No | No permit required, but some child labor regulations apply. |
| Ohio | Yes | Ohio Department of Commerce |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Oklahoma Department of Labor |
| Oregon | Yes | Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry |
| Rhode Island | Yes | Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training |
| South Carolina | Yes | South Carolina Department of Labor |
| South Dakota | No | No permit required, but some child labor laws apply. |
| Tennessee | Yes | Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development |
| Texas | Yes | Texas Workforce Commission |
| Utah | Yes | Utah Labor Commission |
| Vermont | No | No permit required, but local school or parental approval may be needed. |
| Virginia | Yes | Virginia Department of Labor and Industry |
| Washington | Yes | Washington State Department of Labor and Industries |
| West Virginia | Yes | West Virginia Department of Labor |
| Wisconsin | Yes | Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development |
| Wyoming | No | No permit required, but child labor laws may apply. |
| District of Columbia | Yes | District of Columbia Department of Employment Services |
| Puerto Rico | Yes | Puerto Rico Department of Labor |
| Guam | Yes | Guam Department of Labor |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Yes | Virgin Islands Department of Labor |
* While we update this chart two times per year, it’s always a good idea to double check with your local labor board.
The states below are among the most active in the entertainment industry and have specific regulations to protect child performers. The procedures for obtaining permits from these states can vary, and it’s essential for parents to ensure they comply with local laws to protect their child.
California is the most active state for the film industry with the greatest number of opportunities for child actors. Unfortunately the state’s website for work permits for minors is confusing and difficult to navigate. We’ve detailed the steps in a much easier to follow, step-by-step format. Check back for other states that will be added soon.
The content provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, laws and regulations can change. For the most up-to-date information, please consult official state or local resources, or seek legal advice.
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