Did anyone apply for work permit when they were 15 yrs old for permission to get a job? This used to be an exciting practice back in the day.

They don’t still do this? I remember being so upset at 14 that I had to wait till 15 to get the permit and work nights. Bought my own brand new car at 18.

I was a teenager in California and never had to get a work permit to work full time in summer or part time during school year. Never heard of such a thing.

Were work permits for school dropouts so they could legally work full time instead of going to school?

I worked evenings at 15 years, as a hostess in restaurant. Didn't need and wasn't asked for permit.

Was fired for putting to-go meatballs in the wrong container.

Work Permits. Except in limited circumstances defined in law and summarized in the child labor law booklet, all minors under 18 years of age employed in the state of California must have a permit to work. Prior to permitting a minor to work, employers must possess a valid permit to employ and work.

[link to www.dir.ca.gov (secure)]

My youngest son did. The oldest two didn't need one because their employer pays under the table lol

Yes I did

I worked in a children's clothing store at 15 going on 16
I liked the job as it was an upscale store and paid well
My job was to help clients pick nice outfits
And cashier

I also delivered news papers since 13

Oh, thanks. Was instituted in 1995. I was a teenager before then *cough*

No. Work permits were for being underage at 15 so to not break federal-state child labor laws at a legitimate business.

Babysitting did not count.


Once you turned 16 you didn't need them.

The store closed and I was out of job eventually
Clothes were expensive

yeah, some other states recognized them earlier. (surprising since that's california)

In 1971 I began working at a Baskin Robbins store at age 14

Yes, I needed one, but that was 1000 years ago.

Actually in the late 70's.

Last Edited by Departing Azila_Again on 04/03/2018 09:20 PM

I was a teenager before 1995. At that time, it wasn't breaking the law to get a legit job (not babysitting).

You had to have one to leave school early.Got credits for having a job.They also gave us bus tokens to get to work.Was able to do light factory/industrial work at 16 instead of 18.You could work in a restaurant or banquet hall busing tables at 14.Could also be a golf caddie ,my favorite job,at 14.I was making 5 times min wage at 16 working in a sign shop after school and weekends.Had a nice apartment ,decent car and plenty of money to put some away and still have a great time.No cell phones,cable tv,computers etc.Life was actually fun.

All due respect, OP, but I have to chuckle that 20 years ago is “back in the day”!

I was working with high powered tools and machinery “back in the day” when I was 14 years old. No work permit was even required back then, and there were no age restrictions on using dangerous equipment.

AND the drinking age was 18 but lightly enforced. I was regularly buying a six-pack and smokes every weekend at the local corner store at 16 years old.

THAT was “back in the day”!

When I was 15 I had to get a work permit signed by my parents and my guidance Counselor before I could work at my 1st "real" job. Sip N Snax in Woodbridge Center Mall to be exact.

Permit was not needed for part time summer jobs through the city's Summer jobs program that I had before 15.

I started working when I was 9. No permit needed.

In the coal mines.

My youngest started at 10. Has an IRA, and such to go with paying taxes.

I did. I was working in an automotive machine shop at 15. I had to get one. This was 87.

I've also never heard of having to get a work permit, but I can see how that would be logical, on account of child labor protection laws

My first job was at Burger King in Boulder, CO. I was 15 but I was tall. The manager told me to say I was 16 if anyone asked. Those were the days.

I had to get one. Mid 1980s in N.C. I’m guessing it’s state law, which can vary by state. I washed dishes in a restaurant. Could only work so many hours. Had to get permits at the social service office .

Worked at Burger King in mid 80's and needed a work permit. Parents or guardians had to give permission to minors.

Yes, we got excited back then.

That was in CA.

maybe if under 16-but do remember in nyc i needed those working papers(issued and raised stamp from the health dept) and a social security card issued for my 1st job in the garment district-- was a proud moment,short lasting as my parents and anyone elses parents i knew then made DEMAND for their share...LOL
kids working in candy stores,gas stations,small super markets simply went in and got jobs off the books as we say-
also remember in nyc public schools had a thing called "co-op" where the 16 years old and up went to school a week and then to their jobs a week-guess to keep them from dropping out ?
anyone out here from that era remember this ?
had 2 working in the same place w/me in that program.

I still have it.

It was a job digging ditches.

I think it would be more logical to require the person wanting to hire, to get a permit. Then that permit could cover everyone they hired as well as the type of work being done.

Oh no, not the "we used to be excited to work" meme again from a member behind a proxy

Yep, worked at an Amusement Park @ 15.