District of Columbia Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: District of Columbia Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on District of Columbia and <a href="/federal/child-labor-laws">Federal</a> levels exist to prevent the exploitation of minors for labor, and ensure that education is prioritized over work. Limitations on child labor vary by age, and may include restrictions on the types of work that can be done, maximum hours that may be worked, and limitations on late or overnight work.
Regulation of child labor may include the use of Employment Certificates issued by the minor's school or the state Labor Department, and/or an Age Certification document that verifies the minor's age for work purposes. This page details District of Columbia's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in District of Columbia
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are not required in order for minors to work under District of Columbia law. Employers are still responsible for ensuring that they comply with all District of Columbia child labor restrictions and regulations.
Age Certification in District of Columbia
While some states require working minors to provide their employers with an age certification document, this is not required for minors who wish to work in District of Columbia. Employers are expected to identify minors whom they employ and ensure that their employment is in compliance with all Federal and state child labor restrictions.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in District of Columbia
Minors who are authorized to work in District of Columbia are subject to restrictions on when they can work, and how many hours they can work. The exact restrictions in effect depend on the age of the minor, and are designed to ensure that work does not interfere with the minor's schooling.
Maximum Hours of Work for Minors
Working hour restrictions limit how many hours a minor may work per day, and per week.
For Minors Under 16:
8 hours of work per day, 48 hours per week up to 6 days a week.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
8 hours of work per day, 48 hours per week up to 6 days a week.
Nightwork Restrictions for Minors
Nightwork restrictions set limits on how late a minor can legally work.
For Minors Under 16:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Special Child Labor Laws in District of Columbia
In addition to laws requiring work certificates or age verification for general employment of minors, most states have special regulations governing the employment of minors in agriculture (such as farm work and harvesting), and the entertainment industry (including child actors, models, and performers).
To learn about these special child labor laws in District of Columbia, see the following pages.
- Entertainment Industry Child Labor Laws in District of Columbia
- Agricultural Child Labor Laws in District of Columbia
On a Federal level, child labor is regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Minors and students may additionally be subject to special labor law regulations regarding minimum wage, meal and break periods while working, and more.
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