Ohio requires that all minors who do not have a high school diploma or have not passed general educational development testing have a work permit on file with their employer. Certain requirements must be met before a minor can work or receive a work permit from the state of Ohio. These requirements protect the minor from unfair work practices and ensure that the minor can continue their education by putting work hour restrictions on the employers.

Age Requirements

Any minor 16 or 17 years of age must have a permit to work during the school year. The work permit for 16- or 17-year-old minors is not required during the months when school is not in session, as long as the employer maintains a proof of age and signed authorization from the parents. Minors 14 or 15 years of age must have a work permit issued throughout the entire year, including when school is not is session. A new work permit must be issued each time a minor changes employers.

Health Requirements

Each minor who applies for a work permit must pass a physical examination conducted by a licensed physician or doctor. The physician must also sign, date and approve the work permit. The doctor can still approve a work permit for a minor who has health problems, but he will limit the work the minor can perform.

Parent or Guardian Authorization

Minors must have authorization from their parent or guardian to receive a work permit. The parent or guardian must sign the work permit.

Employer's Authorization

The work permit must be signed by the minor's employer before being issued. The employer must provide the number of hours per week and days the minor will work, as well as the start time and end time for the job. The minor cannot work before 7 a.m. and no later than 7 p.m. during the school year. Summer work is restricted to between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. for minors who are 14 or 15 years old. A 14- or 15-year-old employee cannot work more than eight hours a day and no more than 40 hours a week. There are no limitations on the number of hours 16- or 17-year-old employees can work per day. During the summer months, a 16-or 17-year-old employee does not have any start and end time limitations or restrictions on the number of hours worked per day or per week.

School Authorization

The Ohio Department of Education authorizes the minor to work for certain employers. This authorization comes from the superintendent of each school district. Once the work permit has been signed by all the authorizing individuals, it is submitted to the board of education for approval from the respective superintendents.