Alabama Rules on Employing Minors

In Alabama, minors 14, 15, 16 or 17 years of age may not be employed, except in agricultural service, unless the employer obtains and keeps on file a work permit for every minor and a complete list of those minors.

Individuals who are 18 years of age may not be employed in mines, coke breakers, coke ovens or quarries unless the employer obtains and retains a work permit for that person.

Work permits are not required from June 1 to August 31 for minors employed in federally funded summer youth programs, but the hour and prohibited restrictions remain in force.

Employment certificates are required for minors under 16 who work selling or distributing newspapers, periodicals, handbills or circulars or engage in any other occupation in a street or public place. Except for delivering newspapers, no minor between 12 and 17 may be employed unless the employer obtains an employment certificate.

Work permits are not required for persons under the age of 18 who are employed as models, but no person under 16 years of age may work any hours that interfere with school.

The county or city school superintendent or the headmaster or principal of a private school may issue all work permits or designate in a Letter to the Department of Labor a school employee acting in the official's name to issue permits.