Child Actor Work Permits in California (How to Get One)

Every minor working in entertainment in California needs an Entertainment Work Permit from the Labor Commissioner. As of November 2026, the 6-month permit is free and renewed every six months until 18; first-timers can get a one-off 10-day permit online for $50. You apply online or by mail with proof of age or a school record.

Who needs an entertainment work permit in California?

Every minor working in entertainment in California. The Labor Commissioner says all minors working in the entertainment industry in California must register, from babies 15 days old up to 18. California's regulations define the industry broadly: film and TV of any kind, commercials, photography, modelling, recording, theatre and other performances.

The permit matters before the first job, too. Talent agencies in California must request and keep a copy of your child's permit before sending them to an audition, meeting or interview. The production company needs its own permit to employ minors; that one isn't your job.

What's the difference between the 6-month and 10-day permit?

There are two, as of November 2026 (Labor Commissioner):

The 10-day permit is a bridge for a job that comes up before your 6-month paperwork is ready. Babies between 15 days and one month old can't get it instantly, because a doctor's certificate must be checked first.

How do you apply for a child work permit?

Three ways, per the Labor Commissioner:

1. Online (dir.ca.gov). The parent or guardian creates the account in their own name and uploads the documents as legible PDFs.
2. By mail to the Entertainment Work Permit Unit in Van Nuys, with copies of the documents and a stamped, self-addressed envelope (mail instructions). No fax or email.
3. In person. Same-day service needs a letter from the production company (not your agent or manager) on its letterhead, with its permit number, your child's legal name and the work dates.

Applications with proof of an upcoming job are expedited and issued at least one to three business days before the work date. Others are processed in the order received, so apply well before you need it.

What documents do you need?

It depends on your child's age and schooling (required documents, as of November 2026):

• Infants to kindergarten: a copy of one proof of age, such as a certified birth certificate, passport, baptismal certificate or a letter from the hospital of birth.
• Babies under one month: also a certificate from a board-certified paediatrician or family doctor that the baby is at least 15 days old, was full term and normal birth weight, and is physically able to handle the work.
• Grades 1 to 12: a school official's certification, with the school's seal or stamp, that attendance, health and grades are satisfactory. Out of term, a recent report card or a letter on school letterhead can do.
• Homeschool, online or charter school: the program's main office completes the school record form, or homeschool families attach a private school affidavit or verification from the local district.

Grades matter: the permit depends on your child staying "satisfactory" at school.

Do teens need training before getting a permit?

Yes. Applicants aged 14 to 17 must complete the state's online sexual harassment prevention training before the permit is issued. A parent or guardian must be with them during the course and certify that it's done, and you submit the certificate with the application. Child acting expert Karen Workman raised this rule when she told us safety is becoming more and more important to the industry.

How many hours can a child actor work in California?

It depends on age. These limits are from California's regulations, as of November 2026. "At work" includes rest and, on school days, at least three hours of schooling.

There must be 12 hours between a minor's dismissal and their next call. Bonnie J Wallace points out what this means for casting: a child who looks younger than their age can work longer hours, which makes them easier to hire.

What does a studio teacher do?

Teaches, and protects. Productions must provide a studio teacher for every call involving minors from 15 days old to 16, and for 16 and 17 year olds when their schooling requires it: one teacher per 10 minors on school days, or per 20 on weekends, holidays and school vacations. The studio teacher is also responsible for the health, safety and morals of children under 16, and can remove a child from the set if conditions are unsafe.

Karen Workman's practical tip: the studio teacher oversees schoolwork but doesn't set it, so bring your child's own work from their school. She also told us studio teachers in California are registered teachers who have been background checked.

Do parents have to be on set?

For children under 16, yes. A parent or guardian must be present and within sight or sound of the child at all times. Both Karen Workman and Bonnie J Wallace told us parents aren't paid for that time; Karen adds that on union sets you can use your child's trailer and you're fed.

Do you need a Coogan account first?

Usually, yes. SAG-AFTRA says that in most instances you'll have to show proof of a trust account before you receive a work permit, and that employers must withhold 15% of a minor's gross wages for it in California. Open the account early. Our Coogan account guide explains how.

What about other states, and the adults around your child?

Other states set their own rules. New York, for example, issues one-year child performer permits online, with school, health and trust account forms. Karen Workman's advice: check the labour department for the state where the job is.

In California, adults who provide paid services to young performers, such as managers, photographers and acting teachers, need a Child Performer Services Permit with a fingerprint background check; licensed talent agents are covered by their agency licence instead. You can search current permit holders online.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the Labor Commissioner's site or ask the production, your union or a lawyer about your situation.

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All rates current from dir.ca.gov as of 10 November 2026.