Working Papers

Overview

Students who are 14 to 18 years of age and seeking employment in Pennsylvania must have valid working papers (also known as a work permit) issued by the school district in which they reside. These permits are a legal requirement under Pennsylvania law. Without them, minors may not be employed, and employers could face penalties or insurance complications in the event of a workplace incident.

Upper Darby High School may only issue work permits for jobs located within the state of Pennsylvania. Applications are processed through the UDHS Attendance Office, and a copy of the student’s birth certificate must be submitted for age verification. Because these are official legal documents, original signatures are required.

To obtain working papers through Upper Darby High School, the following steps must be completed:

1. The student must reside within the Upper Darby School District, which includes Upper Darby Township and the boroughs of Clifton Heights and Millbourne.
2. The parent or guardian must accompany the student in person to request the application.
3. The parent/guardian must sign the application at that time (signatures cannot be provided in advance or electronically).
4. A copy of the student’s birth certificate must be provided with the completed application.
5. The school principal is required to verify the student’s academic status before issuing the official "blue" transferable work permit.
6. Once approved, the student will be contacted and must report to the UDHS Attendance Office to sign the permit in the presence of the issuing officer.

These requirements align with Pennsylvania’s Child Labor Law (January 2013), which mandates both age and academic verification before work permits may be issued.