| Every teen under 18 in New Jersey must have working papers before starting any job — including summer and seasonal work. The entire process is online at MyWorkingPapers.NJ.gov. Schools are no longer involved.Here’s how it works: once you have a job offer, your employer registers and shares a unique code with you. You complete the online application, your caregiver uploads age verification documents, and you’ll get an email when you’re approved to start. You’ll need a new application each time, whether you’re switching jobs, changing roles, or returning to a seasonal position. |
For Employers of Workers Under 18
The Child Labor Law protects minors by limiting the number of hours they can work, and imposing restrictions on the types of work they can perform. Among other requirements, the law stipulates that:
- All minors working in NJ must have an employment certificate, also known as “working papers,” or a special permit (see below) for each
- All minors must be given a 30-minute meal break after 6 continuous hours of work. Breaks less than 30 minutes do not count as an interruption of continuous work.
- Minors may not work more than 6 consecutive days in a week.
- Workers under 16 may not work more than 40 hours a week and 8 hours a day, with certain exceptions for agricultural work.
- During the school year, minors under 16 may only work outside of scheduled school hours.
- Workers 16 and up may work up to 50 hours in one week and up to 10 hours a day only between the last day of school and Labor Day.