How to Get a Work Permit in Alaska

Getting a work permit in Alaska is much easier than most teens think, but the entire process can be pretty confusing if you've never done it before. Because of this, we've created this page which outlines everything you need to know about getting a work permit in Alaska.  If you're under the age of 16, a work permit is required to work part-time at any company, so follow what we've outlined here and you can get a job in no time.

Minimum Working Age in Alaska

Depending on the time of year and where in the state you live, teens in Alaska may experience up to 19 hours of daylight. These long days certainly help Alaskan teenagers feel they can earn money while not missing out on time outdoors, especially during the summer. A part-time or summer job is a great opportunity for teenagers to not just earn their own money, but to gain valuable life experience. Teens in Alaska who are interested in pursuing paid employment can do so by the age of 14; in Alaska, a minor can begin to work at the age of 14 with an approved work permit. An approved work permit is required to be on file at the Alaska Department of Labor for all minors under the age of 17. If the employer is a restaurant and licensed to sell alcohol, than all minors 17 years of age must have a work permit on file as well. Click here for more information on teen labor laws in Alaska.

Applying For a Work Permit in Alaska

The Individual Work Permit form is accessible online, and a link is provided below. The process for a minor to acquire a work permit in Alaska is straightforward. Minor students aged 14 through 16 (and aged 17 if working in a restaurant licensed to sell alcohol) should take the following steps to obtain and complete their work permit:

  1. Obtain a copy of the work permit form. You can access the form by clicking here.
  2. The minor should take the work permit to the employer who they intend to work for. The employer will complete section A, which will include the business name, address and phone number as well as the job duties the minor will perform, the tools, equipment and/or machinery they will use, the hourly rate and pay period, and whether the establishment has a valid Restaurant Designation permit filed with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The employer or a representative of the employer, must sign the permit.
  3. The minor’s parent or guardian will complete Section B which includes the minor’s name, address, and date of birth, as well as the signature of the parent or guardian consenting to the minor being employed.
  4. The employer verifies the age of the minor and consents to keeping a copy of their proof of age on file at their office.
  5. The employer submits the work permit to the wage and hour office for approval.
  6. Once the work permit is approved and returned the minor can begin to work.

Transferring Work Permits in Alaska

The work permit is completed for a specific employer. Should the minor decide to work elsewhere, they will need to complete a new work permit that notes the employer’s information and the job duties the minor will perform.

Employer Responsibility With Work Permits in Alaska

An employer will need to work with the minor on completing the work permit prior to the minor being able to begin their employment.  Another option is for the employer to complete the General Duties Work Permit, which utilizes the same form as the Individual Work Permit. When going this route, the employer will do the following:

  1. Complete and sign Section A as described above.
  2. Submit the Work Permit to the Wage and Hours Office.
  3. Await return of the form with the approved duties.
  4. Have the parent or guardian of the minor complete Section B of the form.
  5. Verify the age of the minor and promise to keep a copy of the proof of the minor’s age at the employer’s location.
  6. The minor then may start to work.
  7. Return a copy of the work permit that is signed by the parent or guardian between seven calendar days of the minor starting to work.

The responsibility of employers when hiring minors is not complicated or so labor intensive as to prohibit the hiring of those in that age group. Minors aged 14 and over who are interested in working should not find the process of obtaining an approve work permit to be difficult and should they find an employer with an approved General Duties Work Permit, they will find the process even easier.

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