Minors aged 14 and 15 must have a work permit before they can begin employment. Work permits are not issued to minors under the age of 14 and not required for minors who have reached the age of 16.

Permit applications are filled out at the Boothbay Region High School office, 236 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor (207-633-2421).

When applying for a permit, the following is needed: The minor must have a promise of a job; the minor’s birth certificate and social security number; and a parent or legal guardian’s signature. Permits cannot leave the school office.

Summer residents who have not arrived to the region yet may fax a letter and birth certificate to the high school at 207-633-7129. The letter must contain the child’s name, birth date, address, place of employment, Social Security number, phone numbers, permission for their child to work, and parent’s signature.

The permit and any attachments are then sent to the Department of Labor for approval and the certified permit is returned to the high school within 7 to 10 days. The minor will be contacted to pick up the permit or it will be mailed to the minor to give to employer. There are specific laws regarding hotel and motel employment: minors 14 and up may do grounds work. No power tools such as mowers or trimmers; 14-year-olds cannot bus tables at restaurants with guest rooms attached; minors 15 and up may work in kitchens, dining rooms, lobbies and offices; 14 and 15-year-olds cannot clean rooms or work in hotel/motel laundries.

Minors are allowed only one active work permit during school time. During summer break minors are allowed two active permits.