Miscellaneous » Students » Requesting Working Papers

Requesting Working Papers

In New York City, students aged 14-17 who want to work need working papers, also known as Employment Certificates. These are official documents that allow minors to be employed legally. To obtain them, students need to complete an application, have it signed by a parent or guardian, and submit it along with required documents to their school. 
 
Here's a breakdown of the process:
  1. Obtain the Application:
    Students can get the "Application for Employment Certificate" (Form AT-17) from our Dean, Mr. Rosa or download it from the NYC Department of Education website. 
     
  2. Parent/Guardian Signature:
    A parent or guardian must sign the application. 
     
  3. Required Documents:
    Along with the signed application, students need to submit:
    • Proof of Age: Birth certificate, passport, or other official ID. 
       
    • Doctor's Note: A note from a doctor (or a completed Physical Fitness Certification form) stating the student is fit to work. 
       
    • School ID: A copy of the student's school ID. 
       
  4. Submission:
    The completed application and documents are submitted to the school. 
     
  5. Issuance:
    Once the school verifies the information, they will issue the working papers. 
     
Important Considerations:
  • Out-of-State Students:
    Students from outside New York State who want to work in NYC need to obtain New York State working papers. 
     
  • Special Circumstances:
    For 16-year-olds who have dropped out of school and live in NYC or Buffalo, an employer's pledge of employment is also required. 
     
  • Summer Break:
    During school vacation periods, some school offices may have reduced hours for issuing working papers. 
     
  • Exceptions:
    Certain types of work, like babysitting or caddying for minors 14 and over, do not require working papers.