Work Permits & Age Certificates
If you are coming to the Regional Office of Education for your work permit or certificates, they are issued between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please call the office to verify the required documents before you arrive. Please note the minor needing the work permit must also be present if you are wishing to obtain the permit in person. If you do not have all required documents with you or the minor is not present, we will be unable to issue the permit.
For a minor child (ages 0-15 years of age) to be able to work in Illinois, he or she must be issued a work permit. Work permits are valid for 1 year and for 1 employer.
During the school year, all permits can be issued through the school district where the child resides.
Please contact your child's school district office for a list of their issuing officers.
Work Permit Requirements
Illinois law requires that both the child and the parent/guardian be present when applying for the work permit/during the Google Meet Video Conference to issue the permit. No work permit will be issued without the following:
1. Letter of intention to employ, physically signed by the prospective employer on employer letterhead with job duties & hours to be worked listed.
2. Evidence of age (Original Birth Certificate, Certification of Baptism, Passport if original birth certificate is unavailable, Other means pursuant (820 ILCS 205/12) 12-2-C. see also 12-2-D)
3. Parent/Guardian ID. If you are a court appointed guardian, please include this paperwork with your submission.
4. Minor's Social Security Card
5. Principal’s Statement to Issuing Officer - This form is waived during summer holiday if the minor will not work during the school year. Must be signed by a principal except in situations when principal-designated person may sign.
6. Statement of physical fitness from the minor's physician* indicating they are physically fit to be employed in all legal occupations or under the limitations specified in the remarks box. This examination must be dated within 1 year of the work permit application.
7. Fill out Application Form.
8. If the minor is applying for a performing, acting or modeling work permit, proof of a Coogan (or blocked trust account) must be included.
After all of the above is completed, click below to submit to the Regional Office and we will contact you to set up an appointment.
Age Certificates are issued for a minor child (ages 16-20 years of age) for employment purposes if a birth certificate is not official or available. To verify age, please provide Baptismal or Bible records, Birth Certificate, or Passport.
For questions regarding this procedure, contact the Regional Office at 847.223.3400 ext. 239.
For questions concerning the IL Child Labor Law, contact the Child Labor Hotline at 800.645.5784.
*Physician refers to an MD only per the DOL.