The minimum legal age to work in Washington State is 14 years old.

Non-agricultural employment of minors under the age of 14

Employment by parents

Minors younger than 14 may be employed by a non-agriculture business owned entirely by their parent, or person standing in place of the parent, with superior court approval. The parent, or person standing in place of the parent, must be the sole employer of their minor and child, must be the only member of a partnership or the sole owner of a corporation. The minor is subject to all child labor laws. 

The business must have:

  • Superior court approval to hire a minor younger than 14 years old.
  • A completed Parent School Authorization form.
  • A minor work permit endorsement on their business license.
  • Proof of the minor’s age on file.

How to get superior court authorization

Employers must get authorization from a superior court judge in the county where the minor lives. Check with the appropriate court regarding its procedures and filing fees.

    Send documents to L&I

    Once you have signed permission from the superior court, send a copy of it with a completed Parent/School Authorization Form and proof of age to:

    TeenSafety@Lni.wa.gov

    or
    Employment Standards Program/Child Labor Unit
    Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
    P.O. Box 44510
    Olympia, WA 98504-4510

    Employers hiring minors younger than 14 must follow all other child labor requirements, including recordkeeping, prohibited duties, wages, hours of work, and rest and meal break requirements.

    Exceptions

    Jobs that don’t need superior court approval.

    Agriculture

    Specific agricultural jobs

    Twelve – and 13-year-olds can hand-harvest berries, bulbs, cucumbers, and spinach only during weeks that school is not in session.

    Non-agriculture jobs

    Theatrical jobs

    Minors younger than 14 who are employed as actors or performers in film, video, audio, or theatrical productions do not need superior court permission. Employers must apply for a Theatrical Variance form from L&I if the minor will work more than the allowed hours or during school hours.

    Questions?
    Contact the Child Labor unit at L&I: