Labor Law and Work Permits for Delaware.

Do you know the child actor labor laws for your state? If you’re looking to pursue a career in entertainment for your child or if you are an entertainment industry professional looking to employ a child in your production, it is important that you know the child actor labor laws in both your home state and any state in which you intend to work.

  • YES

    Minors under the age of 16 may be employed in Delaware as a model, performer or entertainer with a special Limited Theatrical Exemption  granted by the Department of Labor at least 14 days in advance.

    Click here for Delaware Law

    Click here for Child Labor Law Booklet

  • YES

    A special Theatrical Exemption permit must be issued by the Department of Labor for minors under 16 to work in entertainment in Delaware.   The permit is valid for the duration of the job only.  

  • YES

    It is the responsibility of the employer to obtain an exemption permit to employ a minor in entertainment in Delaware.  Permits are issued on a per job basis and in order to obtain the permit, the employer must submit in writing a letter of intent to employ a minor along with a completed Theatrical Permit Exemption application.

    The letter must contain the dates of production, duration of employment for minor and what the minor will be doing in the production. Once the application is completed by the parents or legal guardians of the minor and the employer, it may be submitted for final approval to the Delaware Department of Labor.

    Click here to review the process to apply for a Limited Theatrical Exemption

  • NO

    We can find no evidence of any blocked trust account requirements in Delaware.

  • MAYBE

    Delaware does not require the presence of a teacher on set during the employment of a minor by law.  However, it is the responsibility of the employer to contact the minor’s local school district if the minor is going to miss a significant amount of school.

    The employer should provide a tutor or teacher if the minor’s local school district decides the length of absence will neglect the minor’s education.

  • NO

    The state of Delaware does not require a professional license, but a city Business License may be required. Click here for more information.

  • NO

    Delaware does not appear recognize graduated minors as “legal 18”.   

  • PierAngeli Bronson
    Department of Labor
    4425 N. Market Street
    Wilmington, DE 19802
    PH: (302) 761-8318