---
title: "Onboarding minor workers and child performers"
slug: "onboarding-minor-workers-and-child-performers"
updated: 2026-07-01T20:22:24Z
published: 2026-07-01T20:22:24Z
canonical: "help.wrapbook.com/onboarding-minor-workers-and-child-performers"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.wrapbook.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Onboarding minor workers and child performers

## 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](/v1/docs/how-to-get-help-using-wrapbook).
- 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](https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents))
- 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*](https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-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](https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlsechildlabor.htm) 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](https://dol.ny.gov/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.**

A Federal Employment Eligibility Verification form, required for proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

A form to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States