How to Get a Work Permit in Delaware
Getting a work permit in Delaware 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 Delaware. 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 Delaware
In total land area, Delaware ranks 49th in the United States. The state ranges from nine to 35 miles wide. While the state may be small, the process for minors to obtain a work permit is well thought out and clearly described. Minors can obtain employment at the age of 14 in Delaware, and a work permit is required for anyone under the age of 18. For teenagers seeking the opportunity to earn money and gain valuable work experience, Delaware makes things easy. Once the work permit is obtained, it should be filed and accessible by the employer. Click here for more information on teen labor laws in Delaware.
Applying For a Work Permit in Delaware
The “Delaware Department of Labor Child Labor Work Permit For Minor” form must be completed before a youth under the age of 18 is able to begin working. The form is accessible online, and a link is provided below. The instructions for a minor to obtain a work permit in Delaware are very clear and are noted on the form itself. Minors aged 14 through 17 should take the following steps to obtain and complete their work permit:
- Access a copy of the “Delaware Department of Labor Child Labor Work Permit For Minor” form. You can access the form by clicking here. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the link for “work permit”. The form is also available at all Delaware public high schools and middle schools, as well as some school district and Department of Labor offices.
- Once the form is obtained, the minor should complete the section titled “Minor Information”. If the minor is 14 or 15, they are required to obtain the signature of their parent or guardian.
- The minor will then take the form to the employer who is interested in hiring them and have the employer complete the section titled “Employer Information”. This will include a description of the minor’s job duties, as well as the wage they will be paid once they begin work.
- Once the employer has completed their portion of the form, the minor will take the completed form to the issuing official either at their school or at the local Department of Labor Office. The minor must provide proof of their age by presenting their birth certificate, passport, baptismal certificate, valid driver’s license or school record.
- Once the permit is issued, the minor will be given an “employer copy”, which they are to bring back to the employer. The employer will then keep the permit on file.
- The official issuing the permit will mail a copy to the Department of Labor, Office of Labor Law Enforcement.
Transferring Work Permits in Delaware
Work permits are employer-specific and cannot be transferred from one employer to another. Should a minor choose to seek a new opportunity, they will need to obtain a new work permit.
Employer Responsibility With Work Permits in Delaware
The employer has a role to play in the minor’s obtaining a work permit in Delaware. Once an employer is interested in hiring a minor, the minor will request that they complete the “employer” portion of the work permit form. As noted above, this section of the work permit will ask for information on the job duties the minor will perform and the wage they will receive. Once a permit has been granted, the employer will have the following responsibilities:
- When the work permit is returned, the employer must confirm that it has been signed by an issuing officer.
- The employer must keep the “employer” copy on file.
The responsibility of employers when hiring minors is simple, with the directions being clear and written on the work permit form itself. Minors aged 14 and over who are interested in working should not find the process of obtaining a work permit difficult. In fact, the clear, concise directions on the work permit form are good practice for the minor’s first job!