How to Get a Work Permit in Georgia

Getting a work permit in Georgia 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 Georgia.  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 Georgia

According to Georgia’s Department of Labor website, approximately 80% of all students work at some point during high school. In Georgia, teens can get started early; while there is no minimum age for employment in Georgia, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets 14 as the minimum age for most non-agricultural work. Teens in Georgia can begin seeking work at the age of 14. Youth aged 14 and 15 looking for work in Georgia are required to obtain a work permit prior to beginning their employment. As of July 1, 2015, youth ages 16 and 17 are no longer required to obtain a work permit. Click here for more information on teen labor laws in Georgia.

Applying For a Work Permit in Georgia

Minors aged 14 and 15 who are seeking employment in Georgia must obtain a work permit prior to beginning employment. The process for obtaining a work permit is simple and can be started online. A link to begin the process is provided below. Minor students who are interested in working should take the following steps:

  1. The minor will complete Section A. Youth can access the online system by clicking here. Then click “minor”. Detailed instructions are provided online.
  2. The minor will be asked to enter their social security number or Parent Alien Certification number, as well as their date of birth. The minor will then click “submit”.
  3. The minor will then be asked additional questions to include: their name, their parent’s name, their address, etc.
  4. They will then click “submit” and will receive a Minor Security Key (MSK) which is ten characters long.
  5. The minor should then print the “Work Permit Data Sheet” and bring it to the possible employer.
  6. See below for the responsibilities of the employer in completing the work permit process
  7. Once the employer completes their portion and gives the printed data sheet with parts A and B completed to the minor, the minor will bring the data sheet to the issuing officer. Each school usually has an issuing officer and the superintendent of schools can also issue a work permit.
  8. Once the minor brings the data sheet with parts A and B completed to the issuing officer, the issuing officer can click here to complete their portion.
  9. The issuing officer will choose “To Minor Initiated Permits”, and then enter the birthdate and social security number of the minor.
  10. The issuing officer will choose the appropriate date for the permit to be certified and will go over all information to ensure it is accurate. They will review a certified copy of the birth certificate or birth registration card for the minor seeking the work permit.
  11. The issuing officer will print the “Completed Work Permit” and give a copy to the minor that the minor can then give to the employer. The employer must keep the work permit on file.
  12. The online permit is only available to be viewed by the issuing officer for 30 days online.

Transferring Work Permits in Georgia

The work permit in Georgia is for a specific employer and job. Should a youth aged 14 or 15 desire new employment, they will have to obtain a new work permit for that particular employer and opportunity.

Employer Responsibility With Work Permits in Georgia

In Georgia, the employer portion of the work permit can be completed online. Once they have a minor whom they would like to employ, the minor should begin the online process for their work permit. The minor will print the “Work Permit Data Sheet” and bring it to the employer. The employer should then do the following:

  1. The employer will complete Section B. When they receive the “Work Permit Data Sheet” from the minor they can click here and then choose “employer” to access and complete that section.
  2. The employer will enter their phone number and click “submit”.
  3. If the employer’s information is already in the database, they will then click “Start New Employee”. They will then enter the Minor Security Key and click “submit”. They will then select the right date.
  4. If the employer’s information is not in the database, they will enter the Minor Security Key and click “submit”. They will then enter the correct date. After that, they will be prompted to enter the employer name, physical address of where the minor would work, and phone number.
  5. The employer will then be prompted to choose the “industry” and “job duty” from a dropdown menu.
  6. The system will also ask the employer to note the maximum hours per day and week that the minor would work as well as the earliest start and latest end time (both when school is in session and when school is out of session).
  7. The employer will enter the name and title of the person completing the form and click “submit”.
  8. The employer should print and retain a copy of the confirmation page, which will note the MSK and ESK (Employer Security Key) so that they may go back in and print a “Completed Work Permit” once Section C has been completed by an issuing officer. The Employer Security Key will only be active for 30 days after the work permit is completed and issued.
  9. Should employment be terminated, the employer should return the work permit to the issuing officer within five days of termination.

The responsibility of employers when hiring minors in Georgia is simple and should not hinder minors from obtaining appropriate employment. Georgia’s Department of Labor website offers clear instructions to all involved in the process of hiring a minor, making it easy for minors and employers.

<<< Back to Work Permit State-by-State Information