Working Papers - Summer Employment

Instructions on Obtaining Working Papers for Teens Age 14 to 17

Working papers can be obtained by following the instructions below. 

1.         Complete the forms (AT-16, Certificate of Physical Fitness, and AT-17, Application for Employment Certificate). These forms can be downloaded from the New York State Education Department’s website (NYSED): http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/pps/workingpapers/ . Form AT-16 needs to be completed by a school (some public school districts can provide this service) or private physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner authorized to practice in New York State. 

2.         A parent or guardian’s signature is required on the above forms. Proof of age must be provided when you apply.  (Examples of forms that can be used for proof of age are: a birth certificate, driver’s license or government non-driver ID card, or a school record having your date of birth).

3.         The two completed forms (AT-16 and AT-17), and the additional documentation, need to be taken to a New York State Public High School or Middle School in order to get working papers. During the school year a school counselor or other staff can issue working papers.  During the summer contact the school district office or superintendent’s office of your school district to determine what district locations and offices will be issuing working papers and/or providing physicals and on what days. Districts are required to issue working papers and/or provide physicals all year (even in the summer). 

4.         A young adult does not need to be attending school a school in the district where the working papers are obtained. Also, a minor does not need to be attending school in New York State to obtain working papers and become employed in New York State.

5.         If there is any difficulty in finding a district to issue working papers or if there is any problem in obtaining them, call the NYSED’s Office of Student Support Services at (518) 486-6090.

Learn what occupations are not allowed for minors and what hours they can work:

http://www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/workprot/stprhbo...

Laws Governing the Employment of Minors: https://www.labor.ny.gov/formsdocs/wp/p882.pdf

Spanish Language Version: https://www.labor.ny.gov/formsdocs/wp/p882S.pdf