Working Papers in New York State

---

If you are aged 14 to 17, you are required to have an employment certificate, otherwise known as working papers. This applies to the following: 

• High School Graduates.
• Minors who work for their parents.
• Minors who do industrial homework. 

For 14 to 15 years old: 

• You working papers are blue. You are NOT allowed to work in a factory. 

For 16 to 17 years old: 

• Your working papers are green. You are in school and you ARE allowed to work in a factory. You are NOT allowed to work around certain machines, do construction work, help on a motor vehicle, clean, oil, wipe, or adjust belts on machinery. 

For 18 years old: 

• Your working papers are peach. Same rules apply as green papers. However, You are not in school and allowed to work full-time. 

• Not valid for work in, or connected with, a factory or cannery. 
• Each employer must sign the permit.
• Youth must carry the permit while working.

12 to 13 Years Old - AT-25 (White paper)

• Allows work in hand-harvest of berries, fruits, and vegetables. 
• Must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver or give the employer written consent from them. 

14 to 15 Years Old - AT-24 (Yellow Paper) 

• Allows work before and after school, on weekends, and during vacations. 

Individuals 11 to 18 years old who deliver, or sell and deliver to homes or places of business newspapers, shopping papers, or periodicals. 

• Youth must carry the permit with them while working. 

For self-employed youth ages 14 to 18 who sell newspapers or periodicals. 

Visit https://vote.gov/ to sign up now.

Under the age of 18? No problem! Visit https://www.nysed.gov/student-support-services/employment-minors-working-papers to learn how you can get your working papers.

Ages 18+ Visit https://dol.ny.gov/youth to start building your future now!

Visit https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/younger-drivers-toolkit-0 to get started.

Visit https://www.teendrive365inschool.com/safe-driving-resources/teens to experience it today!