Adapted from the San Francisco Youth Employment Resource Directory, 2nd Edition, put out by the
Department of Children, Youth & Their Families
In order to get a job or get into a job training program, youth need to have the following documentation:
Social Security Card
In order to get a social security number, you must go to a Social Security Administration office.
Hours: Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm
Downtown/SOMA: 90 7th Street, Annex 1st Floor
Chinatown: 560 Kearny St. (at Sacramento St.)
Mission: 1098 Valencia St. (at 22nd Ave.)
Toll free number: (800) 772-1213 has 24-hour recorded information
To talk to a representative, call Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm
California ID
Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
1377 Fell Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
Call (800) 777-0133 to make an appointment
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8am to 5pm, Wednesday 9am to 5pm
Work Permits
All youth under age 18 must have a Work Permit in order to be employed. Persons age 18 years or older, or anyone regardless of age who has graduated from high school or passed the California High School Proficiency Examination do not need Work Permits. Also, minors working at newspaper delivery, babysitting, or agricultural workers working on premises owned or operated by the parent or guardian, are exempt from permit regulations. Work Permits must be renewed at the start of each school year and at the start of the summer.
How to Get a Work Permit
All youth under age 18 must have a Work Permit in order to be employed, unless the minor has graduated from high school or has passed the California High School Proficiency Examination. Work permits must be renewed at the start of each school year and at the start of the summer. Youth get a work permit after an employer offers a job, but before they actually start working they need to take the following steps:
1. Obtain a Work Permit Application
You can get a Work permit application several ways:
- Check with your school counselor
- Call Pearl Allen at the Work Permit Office 415 695-5504 to have an application sent directly to you or your school
- Pick up a “Request for Work Permit” form at:
Work Permit Office
Pupil Services Department
555 Portola Drive, Room 380
San Francisco, CA 94131
(415) 695-5504
Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
2. Complete the Work Permit Application
Once you receive your application, make sure to complete all sections. Your prospective employer and your parents will have to complete a section.
3. Collect the following documents:
- Social Security card (original or copy)
- Verification of birthday (birth certificate, medical card, driver’s license)
- Verification of current school enrollment (school ID, current report card, statement from counselor)
- Picture ID (copy)
4. Submit Work Permit Application and Documents in Person to:
Work Permit Office
Pupil Services Department
555 Portola Drive, Room 380
San Francisco, CA 94131
(415) 695-5504
Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
If you are unable to submit the application yourself, you can ask a relative to submit the documents for you. Processing the Work Permit may take 1 to 2 days after you submit.
Questions? Call: (415) 695-5504.