// Age Certificates vs. Work Permits

There is a common misunderstanding between Age Certificates and Work Permits.  The State of Colorado does not recognize the Work Permit.  If you live in the State of Colorado your local school will be able to provide you with an Age Certificate.  For more information on where to get an Age Certificate, please read the law below.

Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 (8-12-111. Age certificates)
(1) Any employer desiring proof of the age of any minor employee or prospective employee may require the minor to submit an age certificate. Upon request of a minor, an age certificate shall be issued by or under the authority of the school superintendent of the district or county in which the applicant resides. The superintendents, principals, or headmasters of independent or parochial schools shall issue age certificates to minors who attend such schools.

(2) The age certificate shall show the age of the minor, the date of his birth, the date of issuance of the certificate, the name and position of the issuing officer, the name, address, and description of the minor, and what evidence was accepted as proof of age. The age certificate shall also show the school hours applicable and shall state that a separate school release permit is required for minors under sixteen to work on regular school days during such school hours. It shall be signed by the issuing officer and by the minor in his presence.

(3) An age certificate shall not be issued unless the minor's birth certificate or a photocopy or extract thereof is exhibited to the issuing officer, or unless such evidence was previously examined by the school authorities and the information is shown on the school records. If a birth certificate is not available, other documentary evidence such as a baptismal certificate or a passport may be accepted. If such evidence is not available, the parent or guardian shall appear with the minor and shall make an oath before the judge or other officer of the juvenile or county court as to the age of the minor.
 

(4) The employer shall keep an age certificate received by him for the duration of the minor's employment and shall keep on file all age certificates where they may be readily examined by an agent of the division. Upon termination of employment and upon request, the certificate shall be returned to the minor.

Click here to read the entire Youth Employment Opportunity Act, TITLE 8, ARTICLE 12, CRS.

School Listings by District

As the law states "...an age certificate shall be issued by or under the authority of the school superintendent of the district or county in which the applicant resides." 

Ask your counselor for assistance, or if you need the contact information for your school, click here for a statewide listing of Schools (by district).

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