Please find an overview of the working papers application process below:

Eligibility Check & Proof of Age

Before applying for Working Papers, students must be enrolled in school and meet the minimum age requirement set by Pennsylvania, which is 14 years old. Since working papers are legal documents, students must provide proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, to confirm they meet the state’s age requirements.

Parent/Guardian Consent

The state of Pennsylvania requires the signature of a parent or guardian to confirm their permission for the student to work. The student's parent or legal guardian electronically signs the PDF or signs the paper application. Please note that not all students need approval from a parent or guardian to apply for a work permit. For example, no signature is required if the minor provides official proof that they have graduated from high school. If the parent or legal guardian is not able to sign the application, then the minor applicant may execute a statement before a notary public attesting to the accuracy of the facts on the application. The statement must be attached to the application. More information about these exceptions is available on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website under Pennsylvania Child Labor Law.

Obtain the Application

The Working Papers application can be obtained in the following ways:

1. Students can get the Working Papers application from the Upper Darby High School Attendance Office.
2. Students can access the form electronicaly by downloading it.

Complete the Application

Complete each section of the application and review the application for accuracy prior to submitting it. Once submitted, the application becomes a PDF and cannot be altered. The application will need to be completed and submitted again for any needed changes.

Attach Required Documents to the Application

Required Documents:

1. Proof of Age Document — The issuing officer ensures that all papers required by law have been examined, approved and filed and all conditions and requirements for issuing a permit have been fulfilled.

Ways to Attach Documents If Not Applying In-Person:

1. If applying electronically, the student may submit scanned or digital/photo copies of the required documents with the signed application. Note: If an applicant is unable to provide a required document with their application, they can present it to the school district issuing officer at the next stage of the process.

Submit Application

Once all forms are filled out and documents are gathered, students submit their application to the issuing officer in the Attendance Office at the Upper Darby High School between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Questions should be directed to the Attendance Office at (610) 622-7000, ext. 2223 or ext. 2306.

Application Review Appointment

Upon receipt of the application and documentation, the issuing officer at the school district schedules an appointment with the student. The purpose of the appointment is to enable the applicant to "appear before" the issuing officer, in accordance with the Child Labor Act, while following social distancing guidelines. It also enables the issuing officer to verify a proof of age document if one is required and the student was not able to submit a copy with the application.

The school district issuing officer ensures that all the documents required by law have been examined, approved and filed, and all conditions and requirements for issuing a permit have been fulfilled. A wallet-sized, paperwork permit bearing a number, the date of issuance, and signature of the issuing officer is issued. The applicant must come to the school to sign the permit.

If a parent/guardian is not able to attend the appointment in-person, the issuing officer may provide a video-conference link to the email address provided by the applicant. The applicant will need to confirm the appointment no less than 24 hours prior to the appointment time.

Issuance of Work Permit

Job Restrictions: After processing, students are issued a work permit, often categorized by job type (e.g., general employment, agriculture, etc.), and specific hours of work are typically outlined based on age restrictions.  The Working Papers will specify the hours and type of work allowed based on the student’s age, ensuring compliance with child labor laws. For example, younger workers may be restricted from late-night or hazardous jobs.

The work permit shall bear a number, the date of issuance and the signature of the issuing officer.

The student will show the work permit to the employer, who will make a copy for their records. The student must retain the original work permit.

Each school district is responsible for issuing work permits to all minors who reside in the district, including those who attend non-public schools, cyber charter schools, or are participating in a home education program.  Please follow the same application process for student residents not attending Upper Darby High School.