Oklahoma Rules on Employing Minors

No minor under 16 in Oklahoma may be employed in any occupation permitted by law unless the employer has an age and schooling certificate on file. The principal of the minor's school must approve age and schooling certificates.

If a minor apparently under 16 is found working in a factory or establishment and the minor's employment certificate is not filed as required by law, any person charged with administration of the child labor law may demand that the employer furnish, within 10 days, satisfactory evidence that the minor is over 16 or cease to employ the minor. Failure to produce and deliver evidence of age to the officer, within 10 days after demand, and continued employment of the minor, will be evidence in any prosecution brought for violation of this provision.

In view of federal law restrictions on the employment of minors 16 and 17, the state department of labor strongly recommends that certificates be obtained for those 16 and 17 as well as for those under 16. However, state law specifically refers only to certificates for minors under 16.