Film Locations Glossary

Minor work permit

What is a minor work permit?

Also called child work permit, or minor's permit.

A minor work permit is the authorization required to have a child performer working at a location, governed by state or national child labor rules rather than by the film permit.

It brings limits on hours, mandatory schooling and rest, and a studio teacher or welfare officer on site. For locations the practical consequences are a dedicated schoolroom space, separate holding, and a hard stop that no schedule pressure can move.

Example

A ten-year-old on a location day brings limited working hours, mandatory schooling in a dedicated space, a studio teacher, rest breaks, and a hard stop. Locations has to find a schoolroom and separate holding on a site already short of space.

Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.

Where you'll see it

Governed by child labor rules rather than the film permit, arranged before the day is scheduled.

Common mistake

Scheduling a child's day like an adult's and finding a schoolroom afterwards. The hour limits and the schooling space are fixed, and no schedule pressure moves them.

Related questions

What does filming with a minor require on location?
A work permit under child labor rules, limited hours, mandatory schooling and rest, a studio teacher or welfare officer, and dedicated space for both.
Who enforces child work rules on set?
The studio teacher or welfare officer, with authority independent of the schedule, backed by state or national labor regulators.

Official sources

Related terms

Written and maintained by the team at Revolution Picture Cars, who work with location and transportation departments on productions. General explanation of industry practice, not legal advice. Permit rules, fees, and consent requirements are set locally and change; confirm the current requirements with the relevant film office or permitting authority before relying on them.

Last updated August 2026.