Work Permits are required for anyone under the age of sixteen (16) (except minors employed in planting, cultivating or harvesting of field crops or other non-hazardous agricultural employment).

Teens must look for work and receive a job offer first. The employer cannot allow the minor to perform any work until a permit has been received and approved by the Bureau of Labor Standards.  In order to apply for a Work Permit, the minor (enrolled in school or not) must be:

1. If enrolled in school, not habitually truant or under suspension; and

2. Passing a majority of courses during the current grading period

After being offered a job, the minor takes a birth record and Social Security card to the Superintendent's Office.  A parent or guardian must accompany the student to sign the Work Permit. The name of the business (must be the actual business name, not necessarily what people commonly call it), and the mailing address of the employer must be provided.  

The paperwork is sent to the Bureau of Labor Standards for approval.  The Permit will come back to the Superintendent's Office and we will call you to let you know the Permit is ready to be picked up.  It takes about a week to received the approved Work Permit back from the Bureau of Labor Standards.

The student cannot perform any work until the Permit has been approved by the Bureau of Labor Standards.

As of June 2012, minors may work in movie theaters and bowling alleys and do more jobs than were permitted previously in such establishments as hotels, motels, and bakeries.  For example, although 15-year-olds may not operate the ovens, they can decorate cakes, fill pastries, stock the display cases, and serve customers. 

Jobs Maine teens under 18 years old cannot do include operating most mechanical equipment, driving for work, and working alone in a cash-based business. Teens can have two work permits (for two different jobs) in the summer, but only one permit during the school year.