Child Labor Law
Child Labor Law regulates employment of workers under 16 years of age. The law protects children by:
- requiring employment certificates. The certificate confirms that a minor is old enough to work, physically capable to perform the job, and that the job will not interfere with the minor's education;
- prohibiting work in hazardous occupations; and
- limiting working hours. All work before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. is prohibited. However, work until 9 p.m. is allowed from June 1 through Labor Day.
- Requiring that a child performer in an artistic or creative service have a trust fund set up in their name where 15% of their gross earnings will be deposited.
Special Note (Posted 5/15/18): URL access to the Child Labor Certificate has changed to: Employment Certificates Minor
Contact Numbers
- Child Labor Information: (312) 793-5570
- Child Labor HOTLINE: (800) 645-5784 (toll-free)
Contact E-Mail:
- For general questions about child employment, e-mail:
dol.childlaborquestions@illinois.gov - To report possible child labor violations, e-mail:
dol.childlaborcomplaints@illinois.gov - To provide a copy of an approved child work certificate, e-mail to dol.childlaborlaw@illinois.gov
Forms/Links
- See the law, 820 ILCS 205/1-22 (Legislative Website)
- Administrative Code, 56 Ill. Adm Code 250 (Legislative Website)
- Age Certificate Form
- Child Temporary Employment Certificate Form
- Employment Certificate Form
- Child Labor Complaint Form
- Certificate Of Physical Fitness
- Principal’s Statement To Issuing Officer
- Child Labor Hours and Restrictions
- Required Posters
- Child Labor Law Work Hours Waiver Fillable Application
- 2021 Child Labor Annual Report
- 2020 Child Labor Annual Report
- 2019 Child Labor Annual Report
- 2018 Child Labor Annual Report
- 2017 Child Labor Annual Report
- 2016 Child Labor Annual Report
- 2015 Child Labor Annual Report
- 2014 Child Labor Annual Report
- 2012 Child Labor Annual Report
- 2011 Child Labor Annual Report
- 2010 Child Labor Annual Report
- 2009 Child Labor Annual Report