Work Permits
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If you would like to work in a paid position and are not yet 18 years of age nor a high school graduate then you will need a work permit. Before you begin, please note the following:
- All minors need a work permit to legally work in California. Work permits may be issued to minors between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age (EC Section 49111). Entertainment permits are excluded from the age restriction.
- Work permits are only issued by the school district to students who attend a Palo Alto Unified School. If you attend a private school, charter school or are homeschooled, you must seek a permit from your school site administrator.
- Students must have an offer of a paid job - we do not issue blank work permits.
- Students may not work private residences (except students who work for their own parents in their own home).
- Students working for a third party (employment agency) must have the end site, where they are physically working, listed as the employer with that business' address and signature on the work permit application. We do not issue work permits to employment agencies.
- A work permit is needed for each and every job that a student holds.
- Work permits expire five days into the new school year and must be renewed as needed.
- Work permits are processed year round; except on school holidays (e.g. 4th of July) and during breaks (e.g. Thanksgiving, spring, and winter breaks). See the district calendar for details on holidays and staff availability.
For additional information, explore the California Department of Education FAQ page about Work Permits.
Work Permits process
- After receiving an offer of employment, students must Complete Work Permit Application Form (CDE Form B1-1).
- A student attends office hours to get their work permit processed. If the office hours do not align with a students' schedule, they may leave the form in a lockbox; however, students must return to pick-up their work permit.
- Gunn Lockbox is located in the main office
- Paly Lockbox is located in the main office
- PAMC Lockbox is located in the main office
- Middle School students should directly contact the Work Permit processor:
- Rachael Kaci through July 3rd, 2025
- Kimberly Rios July 4th, 2025 - July 31st, 2025
- Rachael Kaci will resume as processor come August 2025
- Make sure that you complete all 4 sections of the permit for processing. If sections are left blank or incomplete, we will not be able to process your application.
- A student can then expect their permit to be processed within 4-5 days. You may directly contact the processor for additional assistance; and are encouraged to attend office hours.
- If a student needs assistance with the process, please review slide deck or contact the appropriate processor:
- Rachael Kaci through July 3rd, 2025
- Kimberly Rios July 4th, 2025 - July 31st, 2025
- Rachael Kaci will resume as processor come August 2025
Please do not take the work permit application to the District Office.