New Jersey has simplified the process for teenagers under 18 to apply for work permits. Now, minors and their guardians can apply entirely online at MyWorkingPapers.nj.gov without the need for school involvement. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) introduced this user-friendly platform last year.
The specific process is as follows:
1. Registration:
Both minors and their employers must register on the website. Employers will receive a unique 8-digit code for each hired minor.
2. Application:
Minors must secure a job opportunity before applying, and when filling out the application form, they need to provide detailed information about their guardian and the employer’s code.
3. Notification:
The system sends email alerts to employers and guardians, requesting them to complete their respective parts of the application, including verifying the minor’s age with a birth certificate or passport.
4. Approval:
Upon approval of the application, the system notifies the minor and the employer via email, allowing the minor to start working.
As long as the minor’s employer and job responsibilities remain the same, the application remains valid. Otherwise, a reapplication is required. Since its launch, over 111,300 minors have submitted applications, with approximately 72,000 approvals granted and nearly 14,000 employers registered.