New Jersey has long required minors to have working papers before they can start a job, but the current system and rules were modernized in 2023. As of June 1, 2023, a new law shifted the working‑papers process from local schools to the New Jersey Department of Labor and moved everything to an online portal. Since that date, every worker under age 18 in New Jersey must have electronic working papers on file before starting any job, including summer, part‑time, and seasonal positions.

The process now runs entirely through the state’s online system at MyWorkingPapers.NJ.gov. Instead of going to a school office, the teen first secures a job offer, and then the employer registers in the system and gives the teen a unique code. The teen uses that code to complete the online application, and a parent or caregiver uploads age‑verification documents through the portal. Once the application is approved, the teen receives an email confirming they are authorized to start work. A new application is required each time the teen changes jobs, changes roles, or returns to a seasonal position with the same employer.

The stakes for employers are real if they skip the working‑papers step. Under New Jersey’s child labor statutes, employing a minor without proper working papers is a violation that can be charged as a disorderly persons offense, and in knowing cases as a fourth‑degree crime. Monetary penalties can range from $100 to $2,000 per violation for a first offense and $200 to $4,000 for each subsequent offense, and each day and each minor can count as a separate offense. On top of that, the Department of Labor can assess administrative penalties of up to $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second, and $2,500 for each subsequent violation. For small businesses relying on teen help in the summer, a few days of noncompliance can become expensive very quickly.

If you’re a New Jersey employer planning to hire minors, it’s critical to build the working‑papers process into your onboarding checklist and confirm approval through the state portal before a teen’s first shift. If you want a one‑page checklist you can hand to your managers or HR staff that walks through the steps and documents to collect, I can draft that next.

Link NJ Dept of Labor – General information – Young workers 

Link NJ Dept of Labor – Working paper sign up or log in 

Link NJ Dept of Labor – Handout English – NJ Working paper process

Link NJ Dept of Labor – Handout Spanish – NJ Proceso de documento de trabajo