Do you need a work permit for a job without pay? Do you need one for print ads? Are there ANY situations where you do NOT need a permit? How/when do you get one?

It depends on the state you're working in. If you're a minor, your parents have to apply. Check the Department of Labor website for the state you're in or working in and see what information they can provide.

If you DO need a work permit, you should get it BEFORE you have a job. When I started my daughter in this business, I made sure to have one for her first thing, even before she went on any auditions. In NY, they're good for 6 months and I renew hers whether she's working or not. I also have her California one just in case.

When my daughter was accepted by Product we had to have the work permit before signing.I think a lot of agencies are that way.

quote:

Originally posted by lauriem:
When my daughter was accepted by Product we had to have the work permit before signing.I think a lot of agencies are that way.

I think what Product makes you get is a Model permit not a Child Performer Permit, correct? Or did they have you get both?

quote:

Originally posted by mom2astar:
I think what Product makes you get is a Model permit not a Child Performer Permit, correct? Or did they have you get both?

I think everyone should have both just in case.I'm in the process now of getting my daughter her modeling work permit. She already has her NY and CA acting permits.

quote:

Originally posted by DianeNYC:


I think everyone should have both just in case.I'm in the process now of getting my daughter her modeling work permit. She already has her NY and CA acting permits.

We have NY and CA acting permits but not the model permit. We had one years ago because at the time Gap required it, but we've never used one since. I don't know if maybe there is a plan for companies to start requiring it, maybe that is why Product is making everyone get one now. We aren't with Product though and our agency hasn't mentioned it, that's why I asked which Product was requiring, maybe something is getting ready to change that they know and I don't, lol.

My daughter has been doing print work for about 2 1/2 years now and we don't have a model permit. We have never needed it and her agency has never even mentioned it. She has had her NY working papers since day 1 though and I renew them every 6 months.

How fast can I get a cali work permit. We have no plans right now that we would need it, but god willing (miracles do happen) can we get a temp like here in ny?

Wow, I've never even thought of work permits. misssmb, I see you are in PA, does PA require one? The only time I've needed anything is the forms that had to be signed by the school when my son did background work on The Happening and The Lovely Bones. So, if I plan on submitting son for work in NY do I need one? If so, how do I go about getting one?

I don't even know about PA as she has only done work in NY, but you have to go to the NY Dept of Labor page and you can print out the form there. The school will have to sign it and seal it and you will need to open a blocked trust account before it gets renewed in 6 months. I would get it done now. It isn't hard getting the papers done, but opening the trust account can be a pain.

Definitely get the NY permit now if you plan on working here. The first time you get a NY work permit, you can print one out online that is good for 15 days until you get a regular one. So if you have NEVER had one before and booked something, you could do that in an emergency. But, I would go ahead and put things into motion to get the regular permit, you never know when you will need it. Plus if you need to get one when school is out, it is going to be a pain to try to get the info that is required to be filled out and signed by the school. It has to be renewed every 6 months in NY and the school has to fill out their part each time.

Fanmom....I was recently told that if you go to the Van Nuys office and are willing to wait, they will do it while you are there (I get a lot of conflicting info on CA permits though, but it is worth checking out). I do know that if school is out of session, you can use the last report card from the school and they will issue a temporary "summer permit" until school is back in session.

Thank you for the replies! I had another question: do work permits apply to people under the age of 16 only?