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

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

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