Work Permits
Where to Get Work Permits
Work Rules
Waivers
Stunts & Athletic or Acrobatic Activity
Hazardous Activities

Work Permits

All children under the age of sixteen are considered minors in the state of Illinois and are required by law to obtain a work permit prior to working in a motion picture, television show, commercial, music video, or any other film or video related production activity. Please note that the permit is valid for one year.

The following documentation must be presented in person by both the minor, as well as their parent or legal guardian when applying for a work permit:

1. Employer's Statement of Intention to Employ:
a. The letterhead stationary of the employer should be used
b. The letter must state the type of work and the work schedule
c. The employer or agent must sign the letter
d. If tutoring is required, the employer's letter must include the tutor's name, the tutoring schedule, and the tutoring location. A copy of the tutor's teaching certification must accompany the letter

2. Proof of Age:
a. A certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a city, county, state, or a hospital is preferred. (Xerox copies are not acceptable.)
b. If a certified copy of the birth certificate is not available, any one of the following will be accepted as documentary proof of age:
i. Baptismal Certificate
ii. Insurance Policy*
iii. Alien Registration Card
iv. Passport
v. Bible Record*
vi. Notice of Birth Registration
vii. Other Documentary Proof of Age*

6. Principal's Statement:
During the school year, if the applicant is age six or older, the applicant's home school must supply a letter on school letterhead stating that the minor is a full-time student and the hours the child is in school and signed by the principal.

Where to get work permits

Without exception, children who are residents of other states must obtain an Illinois Employment Certificate while working in Illinois. Work permits may be obtained at the locations list below and must be obtained prior to the minor’s employment. The child and parent or guardian must be present with all of the above-mentioned documentation to receive a work permit.

Several Illinois high schools have the capacity to issue work permits. Please check with your local high school to see if they participate. If your local high school doesn’t issue permits, you have several additional options.

In the Chicago area, the following facilities will issue permits during the school year:

• 6323 North Avondale
  773-534-1100

• 2021 North Burling
  773-534-8230

• 231 North Pine
  773-534-6284

• 10 West 35th Street
  773-534-9082 6139

• South Wolcott
  
  773-535-9570

• 10541 South Aberdeen
  773-535-2600

Additionally, you can obtain a work permit year-round at:

Chicago Public Schools, Department of Truancy Prevention
125 South Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60603
Suite 1016
Phone: 773-553-2180
Fax: 773-553-2182

Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Please call for an appointment.

Illinois State Board of Education
100 West Randolph, 14th Floor
Phone: 312-814-2220

Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Please call for an appointment.

Work Rules

These rules apply to any minor working on a motion picture, television show, commercial, music video, or any related film/video production activity.

1. Work Permit. A valid Illinois work permit must be issued prior to employment.
2. Supervision. A minor must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while on set.
3. Meal Break. A minor must receive a 1/2 hour meal break after five (5) hours on the set.
4. Normal Work Day Hours. The normal work day is between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM from Labor Day to June 1, and 7 AM to 9 PM June 1 to Labor Day. Any filming activity before or after these hours requires a night work waiver. (See Waivers below)
5. Rest Break (Turn Around). A minor must be provided a twelve (12) hour rest break at the end of the workday and prior to the commencement of their next day of work or school.
6. Facilities. All minors must be provided with separate and adequate facilities for rest, schooling, and recreation.

Length of Work Day on a Weekend Day or Holiday during the school year

Length of Work Day on days between June 1st and Labor Day (Summer)

Waivers

Night Filming:
A waiver may be obtained for night filming activity after 7 PM from Labor Day to June 1, and after 9 PM from June 1 to Labor Day.

Night Waiver Application

The form must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian then submitted via fax at 312-814-1210 or to the following address by 12 PM on the day of filming (In the case of weekend filming it must be submitted by 12 PM on Friday):

Attention: Compliance Processing Manager
Illinois Department of Labor Compliance Processing Department
160 North LaSalle Street
13th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: 312-793-2804

NOTE: There is no waiver for extending the minor's workday

Stunts & Athletic or Acrobatic Activity

No minor shall perform any stunts, unusual athletic or acrobatic activity unless the minor and the parent/guardian represent that the minor is capable of performing such activity and the parent/guardian give prior consent in writing.

Hazardous Activities

No minor shall be required to work in any hazardous situation that places them in a clear and present danger to life and limb, regardless of any parental consent.

*The above provisions are taken from: ACT 205, CHILD LABOR LAW, 820ILLS 205/1 ET SEQ., and the publication "Child Labor Laws and Rules and Regulations: Street Trade Laws."