Employers FAQs - Child Labor

  • Where do I get a work permit?

    A minor can get a completed work permit from the school the minor attends. If a minor does not attend school OR if the school does not maintain a supply of work permit data sheets, one may be obtained from the county school superintendent's office. A minor will need to take a copy of a certified birth certificate to have a completed work permit issued.

  • Can I start a work permit online?

    Yes, the work permit data sheet can be started on-line. Use the link below to access the online work permit system designed to allow completion of the work permit data sheet by Minors and Employers and the issuance of work permits by authorized Issuing Officers.

    Online Work Permit

  • Do I need a work permit if I am a minor performing community service?

    A work permit is not required if you are not getting paid or receiving compensation for your community service.

  • I work in a restaurant and have a 12-year old daughter. I do not want to leave her home during the day on non-school days. May I take her to work with me? Can she clear tables and sweep/mop floors as long as she is there anyway?

    Child labor laws do not apply in simply bringing her to work with you. It is strictly up to the "boss" if you are allowed to bring your child with you. However, she may not do any work at all.

  • I am 17 years old, married, and have a child. Do I have to get a work permit?

    No. Work permits are not required for minors that have reached their 16th birthday. However, work permits are required for minors that have not reached their 16th birthday (e.g. 14 and 15 year old minors), regardless of marital status.

  • After I have worked for 4 hours at my job, doesn't the boss have to give me a 15 minute break?

    No. State nor federal law requires meal periods or breaks. If you are willing, the boss can work you 24 hours a day provided you are 16 years of age or older.

  • I am 16 years of age. What time does the boss have to let me off in the evenings on a school night?

    There are no restriction on hours for minors 16 years of age and above. (No cutoff hour; no maximum number of hours per day).

  • I worked for this company for two weeks, then quit. They won't pay me. They say the two weeks was a training period. What should I do to get paid?

    Call the U. S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. Atlanta: (404) 893-4600 Savannah: (912) 652-4221

  • I resigned 3 weeks ago. My boss keeps telling me to come back to get my last pay check. Each time I go back he tells me to come back on their next regular pay day. What should I do?

    Call the U. S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. Atlanta: (404) 893-4600 Savannah: (912) 652-4221

  • I am a 16-year old. I supervise a shift at a fast-food restaurant. Now my boss wants me to close (work to 12 midnight or 1:00 a.m.). If I do I will be in charge with only other teenagers on duty. Is this legal?

    Yes, there are no legal restrictions that apply.

  • How many hours can a minor under age 16 work on Fridays? Is Friday considered a weekend or a school day?

    If school was in session on Friday, that day is considered a school day. According to state law, the minor cannot work more than 4 hours. However, if the employer is subject to the FLSA, the minor cannot work more than 3 hours.

  • If school is not in session one day during a school week, what are the maximum hours a minor under age 16 can work on that day?

    If school is not in session on any particular day during a school week, according to state law, a minor can work 8 hours on that non-school day. However, if the employer is subject to the FLSA, the minor cannot work more than 18 hours during that particular school week.

  • Do I need a work permit if I am a minor working as a volunteer?

    A work permit is not required if you are not getting paid or receiving compensation for your services.

  • Under the new Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA), drivers with a Class D license can not drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. Are there any exceptions for minors driving to and from work?

    According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, there are no exceptions to this Act. For more information concerning TADRA visit the Georgia Office of Highway Safety web site.

    Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety

  • Can a minor who is visiting and working in Georgia use an out-of-state work permit?

    No. Any minor working in the state of Georgia must obtain a Georgia Employment Certificate issued by an authorized Georgia Issuing Officer. A work permit can be obtained from the local board of education where the minor is temporarily residing.

  • If an area school session ends prior to June 1, can a minor under the age of 16 work 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week or does the minor have to wait until June 1 to begin full time employment?

    Once the school session ends, a minor can work up to 8 hours per day but no more than 40 hours per week. However, according to federal law, the minor cannot work past 7:00 p.m. until June 1. For the period of June 1 through Labor Day the work hours are extended to 9:00 p.m.

  • Can I obtain a list from the Child Labor Section of employers who are currently hiring minors?

    The Child Labor Section does not assist in obtaining employment for minors but rather ensures the safety of minors in the work place. The following industries are major employers of minors: grocery stores, amusement parks, recreation centers, day care centers, restaurants, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and retail stores. You can visit any GDOL Career Center to get help in finding a job.