How to Get a Work Permit in Kentucky
Getting a work permit in Kentucky 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 Kentucky. 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 Kentucky
Corbin, Kentucky is the home of the first Kentucky Fried Chicken owned and operated by Colonel Sanders. Fast food is often a popular employment option for youth, and in Kentucky, minors as young as 14 are able to seek employment with no work permit required. Should a minor aged 16 or 17 be interested in working more than 30 hours per week during a school week, they will have to complete the “Certificate of Satisfactory Academic Standing” form and the “Parent/Guardian Statement of Consent” form. Despite there being no requirement for a work permit, employers have to follow teen labor laws; click here for more information on teen labor laws in Kentucky.
Applying For a Work Permit in Kentucky
The state of Kentucky does not require work permits. Should a minor aged 16 or 17 want to work more than 30 hours per week during the school week, they will have to complete two forms prior to doing so:
- The minor will be required to complete the “Certificate of Satisfactory Academic Standing” form, which confirms the minor has at least a 2.0 grade point average, and is signed by the “certification officer”. This form is to be kept on file at the minor’s workplace and is valid for one year.
- The minor will be required to complete the “Parent/Guardian Statement of Consent” form, which provides the minor’s name, address, birthdate and social security number, as well as the name and location of the business where they will be employed. The parent or guardian will sign this form, giving consent to the minor working more than 30 hours per week during weeks that school is in session. This form will be kept at the employee’s workplace.
Transferring Work Permits in Kentucky
Work permits are not required in Kentucky. The “Certificate of Satisfactory Academic Standing” is valid for one year unless it is revoked. The “Parent/Guardian Statement of Consent” is specific to the employer and a new one would be required should the minor decide to move on to a new position and will be working more than 30 hours during a week that school is in session.
Employer Responsibility With Work Permits in Kentucky
Employers in Kentucky do not have to obtain work permits from the youth they employ, however, as noted above, they must follow teen labor laws. This includes collecting and keeping on file the “Certificate of Satisfactory Academic Standing” form and the “Parent/Guardian Statement of Consent” form at the place where the minor is employed.