Michigan

Discussion

REMINDER | Michigan: New Centralized Youth Employment Permit Portal

Effective October 2, 2026, HB 5594, which was passed in 2024, transitions youth employment permitting away from the existing school-based process to a new centralized online system called the Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP), administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). As of October 2, schools will no longer issue work permits; all new permits must be obtained through YEPP. Valid school-issued permits issued before October 2 will continue to be honored, but a new YEPP permit will be required if a minor changes employers or begins working at a different worksite. Employers that hire or anticipate hiring minors should register for YEPP, update onboarding procedures, and train appropriate personnel on the new process. The change in permitting does not affect employers’ existing obligations under Michigan’s youth employment laws, including hour restrictions and hazardous occupation limitations. LEO has published additional information on the transition through its Youth Employment Permit Portal webpage.

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