Washington Rules for Employing Minors

Employers in Washington must conform with these state rules relating to the employment of minors.

Employers in Washington must obtain and maintain a valid work permit before employing a minor under 18 years of age.

Minors' work permits are valid for as long as the minors:

• are employed;
• work at that workplace; or
• work under work conditions controlled by that employer.

Also, prior to hiring a minor or allowing a minor to work, an employer must obtain and keep on file at the minor's workplace a completed parent/school authorization form for each minor that is not emancipated that they employ and copies of any variances issued to the employer for the employment of minors.