New Jersey Child Labor Laws for Entertainment
New Jersey does have a permit system and it is free! The State discourages the use of services to get a permit. If you are new to the process, they advise that you contact The New Jersey Motion Picture Commission at 973-648-6279 and speak with a staff member before you begin to fill out any paperwork.
New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission Website
Child Labor Website
PERMITS
New Jersey has two kinds of permits: Formal Theatrical Permits and Emergent Theatrical Permits.
Formal Theatrical Permits: The permits are done jointly by the production and the parent of the minor. Out-of-state minors under the age of 16 must procure a Formal Theatrical Permit from the local issuing officer in the school district in which a production is being filmed. In-state minors must procure a Formal Theatrical Permit from the local issuing officer in the school district where they live. A physical, birth certificate and other items are required for this permit, so don’t wait until the last minute! Instructions for the Formal Theatrical Permit are here.
Emergent Permits: Minors working for two days or less may obtain an Emergent Theatrical Permit by application to the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. Click here for a PDF with information on how to obtain an EMERGENT Theatrical Permit.
WORK HOURS
Minors can work no longer than 5 hours daily, 24 hours weekly, 6 days a week. Combined hours of school and work must not exceed 8 hours daily. Minors under 16 are prohibited from working before 7 a.m. or after 11:30 p.m. unless special permission has been granted by the Department of Labor, at the request of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. Minors under 16 must be accompanied at all times by an adult who is a parent, guardian or representative of the employer.
Minors between the ages of 16 and 18 can work as long as 8 hours daily, 40 hours weekly, 6 days a week. They must obtain an Employment Certificate from the local issuing officer in the district in which a production is being filmed. Minors between the ages of 16 and 18 are prohibited from working before 6 a.m. or after 11:30 p.m. unless special permission has been granted by the Department of Labor, at the request of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission.
Pro Tip: Click this box to Download a chart of the NJ Child Labor Law.