How to Get a Work Permit in Kansas

There is apparently a ball of twine in Cawker City, Kansas, that is over 38’ in circumference, weighing over 16,750 pounds (and still growing). Fortunately, teenagers who are looking for something to do are able to access employment at the age of 14, should adding to the ball of twine be outside their interest area. Teenagers who are interested in working at the age of 14 can do so without a work permit as long as they are enrolled in a secondary school in the state of Kansas. Minors who are not enrolled in a secondary school in the state, and who are under the age of 16, do require a work permit in order to work in Kansas. Click here for more information on teen labor laws in Kansas.

For minors aged 14 and up who are enrolled in a secondary school in the state of Kansas, there is no requirement to obtain a work permit prior to beginning employment. Should a minor age 14 or 15 not be enrolled in a secondary school in the state, they will have to obtain a work permit prior to starting a job. Permit applications are not available online, however the process for obtaining a work permit in Kansas simple; youth aged 14 and 15 who are interested in working and not enrolled in a secondary school in Kansas should take the following steps:

1. First, the minor must seek and find employment. Once they have found a potential employer, they must obtain a statement signed by the employer that notes the intended occupation.
2. The minor must obtain a copy of their school record that is filled out and signed by the principal of the last school they attended. The record must show that they minor has completed the course work expected for elementary schools by the state board of education. Should school records not be available, the official who is issuing the permit will have the child examined to conclude if the child has obtained those skills and will file a statement with the results of the exam. Should a person not have completed the course of study they may be issued a permit allowing them to work when school is not in session in the district where they live.
3. The minor must provide proof of their age, showing that they are 14.
4. The minor will bring their statement from the potential employer, their school record, and proof of age to the superintendent of schools or their authorized representative.
5. The superintendent or authorized representative will examine and approve (or not) these documents and issue the work permit.

In Kansas, should an employer decide that they want to hire a minor who is not enrolled in a secondary school in the state, they will have to ensure that the minor has a work permit. The employer will be responsible for the following:

1. Writing and signing a statement of their intent to employ the minor and what their occupation will be.
2. All employers who employ minors under the age of 16 must post in an obvious place near their main entrance, a notice stating the maximum amount of hours on each day of the week a minor under age 16 can be required or permitted to work. The notice will also state the hours a minor can start work and must end work, as well as hours that must be allowed for meals. The notice will be provided by the state labor commissioner. The employer is expected to follow these requirements.
3. Should the employment of the minor terminate, the permit must be returned by the employer to the official who issued the permit, within two days.

Employers in Kansas have a few straightforward responsibilities when hiring minors under the age of 16. The responsibilities vary based on the whether the minor is enrolled in a secondary school in the state. Even for those who are not enrolled, and who require a work permit in order to begin employment, the process is simple and should not intimidate employers.