If you are 16 to 17 years old and are not in school or are leaving school for full time employment, you will need these working papers. 16 and 17 year-olds may not work more than 48 hours a week.All students between 14 - 17 years of age must get an employment certificate in order to work. How do I get working papers? All minors between the ages of 1417 must provide "working papers" prior to their first day of work. NiGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR MINORS AGE 16-17. Minors 16 and 17 years old may not work between midnight and 6 a.m. Working Papers for minors are now digital. Older teens are allowed to work for up to 48 hours over the course of the week. 16 and 17-year-olds are allowed to work between 5 a.m.