Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Yes. Before your child starts employment in the entertainment industry, you must obtain a Theatrical Permit from NJDOL. 

The one-year permit application includes:

• The minor’s name, age, date of birth, address
• The parent/guardian’s name, age, date of birth, address
• Written verification from the child’s school district to confirm the minor’s school record, attendance, and compliance with the district’s standards for age, academic performance, attendance, and health
• Production details
• Any additional information as deemed necessary and appropriate by NJDOL

For minors who are not of age for mandatory school attendance (between the ages of 6 and 16 in New Jersey), NJDOL may require a physical examination to ensure that the minor is physically able to perform the work specified in the permit. 

Your child must be under the direct care and supervision of a parent, guardian, or a designated representative always during employment. This includes situations where your child needs to live away from home for the production. 

Yes, the law permits minors to work for multiple employers or on multiple productions, if all requirements of the law are met. However, the total combined hours must still comply with the applicable limits for your child's age group.

Your child cannot be employed for more than 6 days in any 7-day period, ensuring at least one day off per week for rest and personal time.

Working hours are regulated based on the minor's age:

• 15 days to under 6 months old: up to 20 minutes, maximum 2 hours on set
• 6 months to under 2 years old: up to 2 hours of work, maximum 4 hours on set
• 2 to under 6 years old: up to 3 hours of work, maximum 6 hours on set
• 6 to under 9 years old: up to 4 hours on school days (6 hours non-school days), maximum 8 hours on set
• 9 to under 16 years old: up to 5 hours on school days (7 hours non-school days), maximum 9 hours on set
• 16 to under 18 years old: up to 6 hours on school days (9 hours non-school days), maximum 10 hours on set

A minor can be employed for up to 6 days in a 7-day period. The minor may not work before 5:00 am and after 10:00 pm on any day preceding a school day. For days preceding non-school days, a minor may work between the hours of 5:00 am and 12:30 am.

Yes, you can request from the NJDOL in writing (including electronic communications) a waiver of a specific requirement(s) for issuance of a permit.  Such waiver of a specific permit requirement(s) may be issued by NJDOL in cases involving a significant contribution to the development of the motion picture industry in New Jersey as determined by the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, or for good cause shown, as determined by the NJDOL.

In such cases, the NJDOL may also alter or amend the hours of the day, but not the total hours in the day during which a minor may work.

Yes. A parent or guardian can request a temporary work permit from the NJDOL, valid for 15 days, to give them more time to produce all documentation required by NJDOL for the one-year permit.

No. New Jersey does not require trust accounts. However, if your child is a minor residing in a state that requires trust accounts, a trust account may be required.

No. You only need to apply for a Theatrical Permit, which is a separate process from the NJ Minor Working Papers application.

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