YES

Illinois Child Labor Law regulates the employment of minors under age 16. The law protects children by requiring employment certificates, prohibiting work in hazardous occupations, limiting work hours and ensuring that the job will not interfere with the minor’s education.

Additionally, in 2025, Illinois passed Section 250.302  Section 8.1(a) which, similar to California law, requires a studio teacher/welfare worker for all minors under the age of 16.

Minors employed as actors or performers in motion picture, theatrical, radio or television productions are required to obtain an Employment Certificate (work permit) from the Illinois Department of Education, Chicago office. Additionally a night waiver is required from the Illinois Department of Labor for the employment of minors beyond 7 PM from Labor Day to June 1, and after 9 PM during the summer months.

Click here for Illinois Law

YES

Minors under 16 employed as an actor or performer are required to obtain an “employment certificate” (work permit) from the Illinois Department of Education, Chicago office. Appointments can be made M-TH, 9 am to 3:30 pm. Parent or legal guardian must be present with:

• Letter of intent to employ from agency or production company

• Minor’s Birth Certificate

• Minor’s Social Security card

• Letter from Parent or Guardian giving permission for child to work

• A signed letter from a doctor stating child is healthy enough for work

• A signed letter from a school administrator stating the child is making satisfactory progress

If the minor is from out of state, it is possible to obtain a waiver to the requirement of personally appearing at the Department of Education. IL legislative code 820 ILCS 205/8 (c)

Click here for an Employment Certificate Application Form

Click here for the Principal’s Statement to Issuing Officer

Click here for Certificate of Physical Fitness Form

In certain cases the state will allow for a 15 day ONE TIME temporary permit to be issued.

Click here for the Temporary Permit Form

Additionally, if filming beyond 7 PM between Labor Day and June 1st, or beyond 9 PM during the summer months, a certificate for a waiver from work hours must be obtained. [Section 250.305]
Click here to apply for a Night Work Hours Waiver

YES

Permits in Illinois go with the employer, as opposed to each party.  Employment Certificates (see above) and Waivers must also be acknowledged by the producer.

YES

The person authorized to issue employment certificates must determine that a trust account, established by the child performer’s parent or guardian, that meets the requirements below has been established designating the minor as the beneficiary of the trust account before an employment  certificate for work as a child performer may be issued for a  minor under the age of 16 years.

A trust account must provide, at a minimum, the following: (1) that at least 15% of the gross earnings of the child performer shall be deposited into the account; (2) that the funds in the account shall be available only to the child performer; (3) that the account shall be held by a bank, corporate fiduciary, or trust company, as those terms are defined in the Corporate Fiduciary Act; (4) that the funds in the account shall become available to the child performer upon the child performer attaining the age of 18 years or until the child performer is declared emancipated; and (5) that the account meets the requirements of the 26 Illinois Uniform Transfers to Minors Act. (820 ILCS 206/90)

To learn more about Illinois Trust Account requirements, click here.

YES

The state of Illinois requires the presence of a teacher on set during the employment of a minor under the age of 16. Section 250.302  Section 8.1(b)

The teacher also serves as a welfare worker to ensure rest, recreation and hours compliance by the production. (820 ILCS 206/50) 4-5

YES

Illinois does not issue a separate Talent Agency License, but a Private Employment Agency License is required.

NO

Illinois does not recognize graduated minors as “legal 18”.

Acquanetta Hayes
Illinois Board of Education100 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
PH: (312) 814-2220
FAX: (312) 814.2282
ahayes@isbe.net
PH: (800) 645.5784 – Child Labor Hotline

Illinois Department of Labor
Child Labor Enforcement160 N. La Salle St. # 1300
Chicago, IL 30301-3150
PH: (312) 793-2804
FAX: (312) 814-1210

Illinois Department of Labor900 S. Spring Street
Springfield, IL 62704
PH: (217) 557-9109
FAX: (217) 557-0819
John Tribble
john.tribble@illinois.gov