The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development reminded workers under 18 and their families on Apr. 7 that working papers must be completed online before starting any job.
This requirement is important as many teenagers seek seasonal employment, and the process ensures compliance with state labor laws while protecting young workers. The application for working papers has moved to an online platform, MyWorkingPapers.nj.gov, where minors, caregivers, and employers each fill out their part of the digital form. School districts are no longer involved in this process.
Employers are required to register on the site to receive a unique eight-digit Employer Unique Code (EUC), which they provide to new minor employees so those workers can complete their applications. Information about permitted jobs for minors, work hours, and child labor laws is available through NJDOL’s resources.
“After school and summer jobs teach young people valuable skills and give them real-world experience, but the key to getting started is working papers,” said acting Labor Commissioner Kevin Jarvis. “Our online system makes it easy for families to help young people get working papers quickly so they can get to work, and it assists employers in following the state’s labor laws.”
Since launching MyWorkingPapers.nj.gov in 2023, more than 227,000 minors have applied for working papers in New Jersey; approximately 215,000 applications have been approved. Nearly 20,000 employers who hire young workers have registered with NJDOL so far.
The application process requires a minor to have a job offer before applying. Employers register first on MyWorkingPapers.nj.gov for their code; then minors submit an application including caregiver contact information and employer code. Email prompts notify both parties when action is needed. Caregivers upload age verification documents such as birth certificates or passports. Once approved by NJDOL, minors may begin work.
Reminders include that first-time applicants must register through the official portal; new applications are needed if changing jobs or duties; caregivers’ accounts are created automatically upon submission; applicants must be at least 14 years old except in limited cases; payment rules require pay at least twice monthly with detailed stubs; breaks are required after six consecutive hours worked; hour limits apply based on age group—eight hours daily (40 weekly) for ages 14-15 and up to ten daily (50 weekly) for ages 16-17—and all employees may earn up to forty hours of paid sick leave per year.
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association representing private-sector employers throughout New Jersey according to its official website. The association advances competitive excellence among its members by delivering essential information services while facilitating partnerships between businesses, government entities, and academic institutions according to its official website. Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer according to its official website. Advocacy efforts include providing practical information along with cost-saving benefits designed specifically for business prosperity according to its official website.