How to Get a Work Permit in Louisiana
Getting a work permit in Louisiana 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 Louisiana. 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 Louisiana
The town of Jean Lafitte in Louisiana was once a hideaway for pirates. Fortunately, Louisiana includes clear rules for the employment of minors so no sneakiness is required. Minors as young as 14 may seek employment in Louisiana, and all youth who are under the age of 18 who are looking to be employed must have an employment certificate (or work permit). The employment certificate is issued by the city or parish superintendent of schools or designated representative. Once the employment certificate is obtained, it should be filed and accessible by the employer. Click here for more information on teen labor laws in Louisiana.
Applying For a Work Permit in Louisiana
Obtaining an employment certificate in Louisiana is not complicated, however there are a few steps that youth under the age of 18 are required to follow. The main thing is that the minor must find an employer who is interested in hiring them and who will complete a form stating their intent to do so. Minors in Louisiana who are seeking to work should take the following steps to obtain an employment certificate:
- First, the minor must find a job and have the future employer complete the “Intention to Employ” form. The form can be accessed by clicking here. The form requires the employer to state the type of work the minor will do, as well as the number of hours per day and week they will work and the payment they will receive. The form will also require the employer’s business information (address, phone number, industry). The form must be signed by the employer or an authorized representative.
- The “Intention to Employ” form must also be signed by the minor’s parent, giving their consent for the minor to be employed.
- The minor must then bring the completed “Intention to Employ” form, along with proof of age (driver’s license, birth certificate, baptismal certificate) to a place where they are authorized to issue the employment certificate; typically this can be done at a high school.
- Should all conditions noted on the “Intention to Employ” form be in compliance with the law and proof of age acceptable, the authorized official will issue the employment certificate. The employment certificate will be signed by the minor while in the presence of the issuer. The minor will then deliver the employment certificate to the employer.
Transferring Work Permits in Louisiana
The employment certificate is employer-specific and cannot be transferred from one employer to another. If a minor under the age of 18 is interested in pursuing a new employment opportunity, they will have to have the potential employer complete a new “Intention to Employ” form and seek a new employment certificate.
Employer Responsibility With Work Permits in Louisiana
All minors seeking employment in Louisiana must have an employment certificate or work permit. In order for a minor to obtain an employment certificate in Louisiana, their future employer must complete the “Intention to Employ” form, stating their intention to hire the minor, what work they will do and what hours they will be expected to work. The employer may not have the minor begin work before the minor has obtained and provided them with an employment certificate. Once this has been received, the employer will have the following responsibilities:
- The employer must keep the “Minor Employment Certificate” on file at their place of employment.
- The employer must keep the certificate on file for 14 days after termination of the minor’s employment.
- All child labor laws must be followed.
The responsibility of employers in Louisiana who seek to hire youth between the age of 14 and 17 is simple, with a clear process to follow. The most challenging for minors will likely be to find a place of employment. Once they have done that, obtaining an employment certificate and beginning their employment should not be difficult.
