In Wisconsin, before a minor under 18 years of age is permitted to work, a work permit must be on file with each employer, except those in agriculture, domestic service, apprenticeships, volunteer work, public entertainment and nonprofit fund raising. If a minor pays the $5 fee to the permit officer for the work permit, the employer must reimburse the minor not later than the first paycheck.
Under Wisconsin's workers' compensation law, when a minor without a work permit is injured, the employer may be assessed double compensation.
To obtain a work permit the minor must present: (1) proof of age; (2) a letter from the employer stating the intent to employ the minor along with the job duties, hours of work and time of day the minor will be working; (3) a letter from the minor's parent, guardian or court-ordered foster parent consenting to the employment (or the parent, guardian or foster parent may countersign the employer's letter); (4) the minor's Social Security number; (5) the statutory permit fee of $5; and (6) the address of the school the minor attends.
Conditions for issuance. Except in public exhibitions, radio and television broadcasts and modeling, a permit may not be issued authorizing any minor 14 to 18 to be employed during the hours the minor is required to attend school unless the minor has completed high school.
Street trade permits. Street trade permits are required for minors engaging in selling or offering for sale, soliciting or collecting, displaying or distributing: newspapers, magazines, articles, goods, merchandise, circulars, posters, commercial service or shoe shining. Minors engaged in fund raising for nonprofit organizations are exempt from the required street trade permits if an employer-employee relationship does not exist.