Work permits and age certificates verify that you are old enough to be employed. Their purpose is to protect the employer from being prosecuted for employing an underage worker, as the employer can use the certificate to show that it attempted in good faith effort to comply with legal minimum age requirements. Work permits and age certificates are not required by the FLSA, but are required by the laws of some states. Most of the age certificates issued to young workers are issued by states. Some states will fine employers who violate the requirement to obtain work permits and age certificates from their young workers. You can find your state's requirements for work permits and age certificates summarized in the following chart: Employment/Age Certificates, or you can contact your state's labor standards office. Your school guidance counselors might also know if work permits or age certificates are required in your state. The federal Department of Labor will issue you an age certificate if either your state does not issue them, or if you are requested by your employer to provide one.