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Can you work at 14 in District of Columbia?

In District of Columbia, you can start most non-farm jobs at 14. You need a work permit until you turn 18 (from school system (DC Code § 32-208 names the Board of Education)). At 14 and 15 you can work up to 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week. 16- and 17-year-olds also have hour limits.

State law · checked October 2026

No work permitPermit until 16Permit until 18Most jobs from 16

Work permit in District of Columbia

Minors under 18 need a work (or vacation) permit before starting; the employer must keep it on file. The permit is issued by the school authorities based on proof of age, the employer's statement of intent to employ and, where required, parent consent, and is valid only for that employer and job. Not needed for casual work in the employer's home outside school hours. Official permit page →

Hour limits for teens in District of Columbia

Ages 14–15Ages 16–17
School day3 h8 h
School week18 h48 h
Non-school day8 h—
Non-school week40 h—
Time of day7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. in summer (June 1–Labor Day)6 a.m.–10 p.m.

DC caps all minors at 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week, 6 days; the federal FLSA limits for 14–15 (3/18 in school periods, 40 in non-school weeks) are stricter and apply. Max 8 hours a day, 48 hours a week, 6 consecutive days a week (DC Code § 32-202).

Places that hire at 14 in District of Columbia

Places that hire at 15 in District of Columbia

Company minimums combined with District of Columbia law. Franchise locations can set a higher age. “✓ seen here” means we found a real posting in District of Columbia.

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Questions

What is the youngest age you can work in District of Columbia?

14 for most jobs. Under 14 may not be employed, except newspaper distribution; performers need a theatrical permit.

Do you need a work permit in District of Columbia?

Minors under 18 need a work (or vacation) permit before starting; the employer must keep it on file. The permit is issued by the school authorities based on proof of age, the employer's statement of intent to employ and, where required, parent consent, and is valid only for that employer and job. Not needed for casual work in the employer's home outside school hours.

How many hours can a 15-year-old work in District of Columbia?

Up to 3 h on a school day, 18 h in a school week, 40 h in a summer week, between 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; 9 p.m. in summer (June 1–Labor Day).

How many hours can a 16-year-old work in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia limits 16- and 17-year-olds: 8 h on a school day, 48 h in a school week, 6 a.m.–10 p.m..

Which jobs hire at 14 in District of Columbia?

McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Publix, Culver's, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Hy-Vee, Fareway and others hire at 14 at some locations.

Sources

State agency: DC Department of Employment Services – Office of Wage-Hour Compliance

  1. DC Code § 32-202: Hours of work (2026)
  2. DC Code § 32-207: Work permit required (2026)
  3. DC Code § 32-208: Work or vacation permit – issue by Board of Education (2026)
  4. DC DOES: Office of Wage-Hour Compliance (2026)
  5. US DOL WHD: Selected State Child Labor Standards Affecting Minors Under 18 in Non-farm Employment (hours/nightwork) (2025-07-15)
  6. US DOL WHD: State Child Labor Laws Applicable to Employment/Age Certification (2024-01-01)

Federal rules (the Fair Labor Standards Act) apply too; where they differ, the stricter rule wins. General information, not legal advice.