Oklahoma Work Permit Instruction Guide for Schools

As per Oklahoma law (Title 40, Section 79), the responsibility of issuing work permits falls to the principal, headmaster, or the equivalent administrative officer of the school. If a minor is home-schooled, this responsibility shifts to the parent or guardian. Home-schooling parents can find the necessary work permit forms by visiting the Oklahoma State Department of Education website.

Please note:

• Minors under 14 years old are not eligible for a work permit.
• Minors who do not meet compulsory school attendance requirements are also ineligible for a work permit (Title 70, Section 10).

According to Title 40, Section 80 of the Oklahoma Statutes, work permit forms are provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Education—not the Oklahoma Department of Labor. These forms should be distributed by the school’s administrative officer or, for home-schooled children, by the parent, as instructed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Before employing minors aged 14 or 15, employers must ensure these young workers obtain an Employment Certificate of Age and Schooling (Form 601, commonly known as a work permit) from their school’s issuing officer. Minors aged 16 and older are not required by state law to obtain a work permit.

Forms You’ll Need:

• Form 600: Application to Secure Certificate of Age and Schooling for Employment
• Form 601: Employment Certificate of Age and Schooling (Work Permit)

Steps for Schools:

1. Accessing Forms: Principals should log in to the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s portal and navigate to Links and Docs.
2. Form 600: Print and complete Form 600 to certify the student’s age and school attendance. Give this form to the student.
3. Completion of Form 600: The student, parent/guardian, and employer must fill out their respective sections.
4. Returning the Form: The student returns the completed Form 600 to the principal.
5. Issuing the Work Permit: The principal will then complete Form 601, print it, sign it, and provide one copy to the student for their employer.
6. Record Keeping: Fax a copy of Form 601 to the Oklahoma Department of Labor at (405) 521-6015 and retain a copy with Form 600 in the school district’s records for five years.

Summer Months: If the school is closed, the district superintendent is available year-round to issue both Form 600 and Form 601.

Download a PDF of these instructions here. (Updated 7/18/2022)

Oklahoma State Department of Education
School Personnel Records
Phone: (405) 521-3311

Oklahoma Department of Labor
Child Labor Unit
Phone: (405) 521-6591