How to get a High School Work Permit

in San Francisco

If you’re a SF student between the ages of 14-17 employed by a company, by law you will need to get a work permit. You can pick up an application at your school or print one yourself. To find the contact person at your SFUSD high school, the link to download the form, and more details about work permits, go to https://www.sfusd.edu/services/student-services/transcripts-work-permits-student-records/1-work-permits.

To fill our the Work Permit application, you will need:

  • Your ID card

  • Your Social Security number and your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card

  • Proof of school enrollment and your most recent report card/transcript, including attendance. You can download this on the StudentVue app, get it from your counselor, or if that doesn’t work you can also go to the SFUSD Transcripts, Student Records & Work Permits website at sfusd.edu/records

  • Signature from your employer, parent, and yourself

Once you’ve completed the application, bring it to the right work permit person at your high school.

Who does NOT need a Work Permit?

You're an adult: If you're 18 or older, have graduated high school, or have passed the California High School Proficiency Exam, you do not need a Work Permit.

Odd Jobs: If you're doing occasional work like babysitting, yard work for neighbors, or self-employed newspaper delivery, you don't need a permit. The same goes if you're working for your parent/guardian on property they own.

Make sure you KEEP your work permit!

During the school year: To keep your Work Permit, you need to have good attendance and keep your grades up (a 2.0 GPA or better).

Summer break: The 2.0 GPA rule doesn't apply if you are only getting a permit for a summer-only job

If you have a good reason why you can't meet the attendance/GPA rules, your school principal can make an exception if they think it's in your best interest.

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