Student Work Permit

Michigan Youth Work Permit Process Changing October 2, 2026

Lawton Community Schools would like to share important information about upcoming changes to the State of Michigan’s youth work permit process that will impact students under the age of 18 seeking employment during the school year or summer months.

What Is Changing?

  • Michigan recently enacted legislation that will transition the state’s youth work permit system from the current school-based process to a centralized system administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).

Beginning October 2, 2026:

  • Students will no longer obtain work permits through LHS or the LCS District Office.

  • Instead, minors and employers will use the State of Michigan’s free centralized online system to apply for and process youth work permits.

  • New Online System: Students and employers must use LEO’s Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP) to apply for and process work permits.

  • Schools May No Longer Issue Permits: LCS will no longer issue or approve youth work permits.

How to Apply for a New Work Permit:

  1. Create a YEPP Account

    • Students will enter information including:

      • Personal and parent/guardian information

      • School information, including school start and end times

      • Employer information, including the employer’s address and manager’s name

  2. Employer Completes Their Section

    • YEPP will notify the employer, who will provide information about the student’s job duties, wage, work hours, and shifts.

  3. State Review

    • The State of Michigan will review the information submitted by the student and employer.

    • Schools do not approve the permit.

  4. Permit Approved

    • Once the permit is approved, the student and employer will be notified. The work permit will be active in YEPP.

More Information:

Direct link: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/initiatives/youth-employment