YSA Georgia Work Permit Requirements

Work Permit Policies
by Lynne Reece, Northwest Georgia RESA

It has been a requirement for some time now that every student under the age of 18 obtain an employment certificate (better known as a work permit) if they are to be employed. The student must obtain the proper form from their school, fill in the personal and necessary employment information, and then they are issued a permit by the authorized school officer.

Recent changes to the law require that in addition to an employment certificate, a letter from the minor’s school administrator be provided. A new subsection was added to the requirements for issuance of the permit. Chapter 2 of Title 39 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated states(e) (1) The certificate provided for in subsection(a)of this Code shall be accompanied by a letter from the minor’s school administrator indicating that the minor is enrolled in school full-time and has an attendance record in good standing for the current academic year.”

Any employer hiring a student under 18 is required to maintain a copy of the certificate the letter. The letter must be updated each January until the minor reaches the age of 18 years or receives a high school diploma, GED, special education diploma, certificate of high school completion or is enrolled in a postsecondary school.

Employers failing to comply with this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000.00, up to twelve (12) months imprisonment, or both, for EACH violation.

What does this mean to employers? Before hiring any person under the age of 18, make sure they bring the employment certificate to you with a letter from their school regarding their enrollment and attendance. Fill in your portion of the certificate and return it to the student. Keep the letter of attendance. Upon hiring the student, attach the letter to their employment certificate and make it the responsibility of that employee to bring an attendance letter to you every January.

For more information regarding this subsection, please contact your State Representative and refer to House Bill 1190/Section 21A.

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