Youth Work Permits

Work Permits
Youths under 18 years of age must obtain a youth employment certificate (work permit) when employed even if employed by their parents. The certificate and the issuing instructions can be obtained from the North Carolina Department of Labor Website. The North Carolina Department of Labor encourages all youths to obtain the necessary YEC online. If this is impossible, YEC can be found at some local high schools and at most Social Services offices.

The North Carolina youth employment provisions generally apply to all employers doing business in North Carolina regardless of their size or number of employees except that governmental, agricultural and domestic employers are totally exempt from the North Carolina youth employment provisions including the requirement to obtain a North Carolina work permit for youths under 18.

Youth Employment Certificate (YEC) Requirements

An employer may not employ any youth less than 18 years of age until that youth has obtained a YEC.

• YECs may be obtained online.
• The employer shall maintain a copy of the YEC where it is readily accessible to any person authorized to investigate youth employment.
• The employer shall maintain the certificate as long as the youth is employed and for two years after employment terminates.

PLEASE REFER TO THE North Carolina Department of Labor website FOR HOUR LIMITATIONS, JOB LIMITATIONS, AND HAZARDOUS & DETRIMENTAL OCCUPATION LIMITATIONS.