Minors under 16 years old must obtain a work permit before beginning a job. This includes home-schoolers. Minors must get a new permit every time they begin a new job until they reach 16 years old, even if they work for their parents. In order to apply for a work permit, the minor must be:
- Enrolled in school
- Not habitually truant or under suspension; and
- Passing a majority of courses during the current grading period.
Employers must have a stamped, approved work permit on file before allowing any minor under 16 years old to work.
Process for applying:
* Bring all required information (below) to the RSU 26 Superintendent’s Office, located at 10 Goodridge Drive, Orono, ME (portable between the middle school and high school).
* Fill out the application, which requires a parent or guardian signature.
* Once the application is complete, the superintendent’s office will send the application to the Department of Labor Standards for approval.
* Once the Department of Labor Standards has approved the permit, it will be sent back to the Superintendent’s Office to forward to the employer.
* A minor may not start working until the employer has received an approved work permit from the Department of Labor Standards.
Information required to complete the application:
* Town and State where the minor was born
* Name and industry of business where the minor will be working
* Mailing address and phone number of the business
* Name of contact person at the business
* Specific description of what the minor will be doing (washing dishes, cashier, bagging groceries, etc.)
* Name and industry of business where the minor will be working
* Mailing address and phone number of the business
* Name of contact person at the business
* Specific description of what the minor will be doing (washing dishes, cashier, bagging groceries, etc.)
For more specific information, please check the following links: Maine Department of Labor Standards