Overview
Wrapbook supports hiring minor workers (under 18) including child performers. When you invite a minor to a project, Wrapbook automatically detects their age based on their date of birth and adjusts the onboarding flow accordingly, including triggering Coogan account requirements in states where it applies.
This article covers:
How Wrapbook handles minor onboarding automatically
How to complete Form I-9 for a minor worker
Coogan account requirements
State employment permit requirements (California and New York)
For legal questions about employing minors, consult a licensed employment attorney or your state's labor department.
How Wrapbook handles minor onboarding
When a worker enters a date of birth under 18 during onboarding:
Wrapbook automatically detects the worker is a minor and adjusts onboarding accordingly
In most states where Coogan accounts are required (including California), the onboarding flow will automatically prompt the minor worker (or their parent/guardian) to enter Coogan account information before payment can be issued. If you believe you need to do this, but don't see this step, contact Wrapbook Support for help.
No additional setup is required by the production administrator to trigger these steps — they happen automatically
Completing Form I-9 for a minor worker
Minors may not have a driver's license or state ID, but they can still satisfy I-9 requirements. Common acceptable documents for minors include:
List A (single document, establishes both identity and employment authorization):
U.S. Passport or Passport Card
Permanent Resident Card (if applicable)
List B + List C (two documents, one from each list):
List B (identity): School ID with photo, or in some cases a List B document that doesn't require a photo for workers under 18 (see USCIS guidance)
List C (employment authorization): U.S.-issued birth certificate (not foreign birth certificates), unrestricted Social Security card, or other eligible List C documents
Note: For a full list of acceptable documents, refer to USCIS I-9 Acceptable Documents or page 3 of the Form I-9.
Coogan account requirements
In states where Coogan Law applies — most commonly California, New York, New Mexico, and Louisiana, though other states may also require it — a portion of a minor's earnings must be set aside in a blocked trust account (Coogan account).
How it works in Wrapbook
When a minor worker enters their date of birth during onboarding, Wrapbook automatically detects this and prompts for Coogan account information in states where it's required
Once a Coogan account is linked, Wrapbook automatically remits the required percentage of earnings directly to the Coogan account when payment is issued
The production company does not need to track or calculate Coogan contributions manually
What the production company needs to do
When opening a Coogan account, the parent/guardian will typically need a letter on company letterhead confirming the minor's employment. Requirements may vary by financial institution — contact your bank or credit union directly for what they require.
The production company should ensure they have a valid Permit to Employ Minors (see state requirements below) before beginning work
State employment permit requirements
Requirements vary by state. At minimum, be aware of the following:
California
Minor's Entertainment Work Permit: Required for all minors working in the entertainment industry in California. Minors must obtain a work permit from their school district (during the school year) or from the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). Permits are typically valid for a limited period.
Employer's Permit to Employ Minors: The production company must also obtain a permit. To apply, you'll need proof of workers' compensation coverage — Wrapbook can provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) upon request.
Hours restrictions: California law limits the hours minors can work based on age and school schedule. Review the California DLSE Minor Employment page for current requirements.
New York
Certificate of Eligibility: Minor performers in New York must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the New York State Department of Labor before working. Applications are submitted through the New York State Child Performer Registry.
Employer requirements: Employers hiring child performers in New York must be registered with the state. Review the New York State Child Performer Registry for current requirements.
Other states
Requirements for minor employment vary widely. Always check your state's labor department for applicable laws before hiring minors.