How to Get a Work Permit in North Carolina
Getting a work permit in North Carolina 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 North Carolina. 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 North Carolina
It is believed by many that the first state to declare independence from England was North Carolina with the Mecklenburg Declaration of 1775. Teenagers are often seeking independence themselves and getting a job is a good way to accomplish that. Teenagers who are interested in working in the state of North Carolina can do so at the age of 14, and all minors who are looking to work must obtain a work permit (known as a Youth Employment Certificate) prior to employment. Fortunately, the process required for the minor to procure the work permit is straightforward and easy to follow. Click here for more information on teen labor laws in North Carolina.
Applying For a Work Permit in North Carolina
The process to obtain a work permit, known as a Youth Employment Certificate in North Carolina, is straightforward. The work permit is required for all minors seeking employment. Minors under the age of 18 who are seeking to work in North Carolina should take the following steps to obtain a work permit:
- The minor must first get a firm job offer.
- Once the minor has a job offer, they are able to access the Youth Employment Certificate online by clicking here. Ideally the minor can do this at the location of the potential employer to ensure they enter an accurate job description.
- The minor will be asked to enter their basic information, as well as information on the possible employer and what type of business it is. The minor will also be asked what type of employment they are proposing to accept.
- Once the application is completed, the information can be reviewed and then printed.
- In order to be valid, the Youth Employment Certificate must be signed by the minor, the parent and the employer.
- The completed and signed certificate should be provided to the employer on or prior to the first day of work. The employer must verify the age of the minor, the proposed job responsibilities and any restrictions written on the certificate.
Transferring Work Permits in North Carolina
The Youth Employment Certificate is for a specific position with a particular employer. Should the minor seek new employment, they will need to obtain a new Youth Employment Certificate.
Employer Responsibility With Work Permits in North Carolina
While minors as young as age 14 are able to work in the state of North Carolina, all minors under the age of 18 are required to obtain a work permit, or Youth Employment Certificate, prior to doing so. An employer should not allow a minor to begin employment without their providing this document. In regards to work permits, employers in North Carolina have the following responsibilities:
- The employer must get the completed, signed certificate on or before the day that the minor starts to work.
- The employer is required to verify the age of the minor, as well as the proposed job description and any restrictions that are expressed on the certificate.
- The employer must follow child labor laws.
- The employer is required to keep the certificate on file until the minor turns 20 or for two years after the employment of the minor terminates.
Employers in North Carolina who are seeking to hire minors should not find it difficult to do so. The process that the employer needs to follow is straightforward and should not hinder the hiring of those individuals under the age of 18. The employer is required to follow child labor laws and must have an employment certificate on file prior to allowing the minor to begin work.