4
Newspaper Carrier Permits (AT-23, bu paper) are issued to boys and girls 11 to 18
years old for work in the delivery, or sale and delivery of newspapers, shopping
papers, or periodicals to homes or places of business. The minors must carry the
permit while working. (See page 6 under Special Occupations, and footnote on
page 1.)
Street Trade Permits (AT-26, ivory paper) are issued to self-employed boys and
girls 14 to 18 years old who sell newspapers or periodicals on streets or in public
places or who work as shoeshiners. (See page 6 under Special Occupations.)
OTHER TYPES OF CERTIFICATES
For their protection, an employer may request a person who is over 18 to provide
a Certificate of Age. This document may be obtained from school authorities. The
employer may then keep it on file as conclusive proof of the worker’s age.
OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES AND PERMITS
Minors can obtain employment certificates or permits from the school they
attend or from the superintendent of schools in that area. The paperwork
required includes:
1. Written permission from a parent to work.
2. Proof of age, either a birth certificate or some other document at least two
years old that satisfies the ocer issuing the certificate.
3. A certificate of physical fitness to assure that the young person is in sound
health and that the work will not impair their physical condition. School medical
doctors or physicians designated by the Department of Health give physical
examinations. Otherwise minors may obtain a certificate of physical fitness from
their own doctor. Minors from neighboring states who seek work in New York
can use a certificate issued by a physician in their home state. Physicians who
find that a youth age l4 to l8 years old is not physically fit for some occupations
but may engage safely in other types of work, can issue a certificate of limited
physical fitness.
For youths to obtain a Full-Time Employment Certificate, their parent or guardian
must appear in person before the school authorities to give consent. (High school
graduates can use written consent.) In addition, youths must provide proof of age, a
certificate of physical fitness, and a schooling record. In New York City and Bualo,
a l6 year old minor who is leaving school must have a pledge of employment
signed by the prospective employer that shows the number of work-hours per day,
days per week, and the nature of work to be done.
For a farm work permit, the minor must submit parental permission, proof of
age, and a certificate of physical fitness. The hiring party does not have to
submit a pledge of employment.
For a Newspaper Carrier Permit or a Street Trades Permit, the minor must
present parental permission, proof of age, and a statement of physical fitness
from either a school, department of health, or private doctor. The medical