Almost all minors under the age of 18 are subject to California's child labor protections. In general, the legal working age in California is 14 years old.Minors under this age are generally not allowed to work. Children ages 12 and 13 can only work on days when there is no school. The law allows them to work up to eight hours a day and no more than 40 hours a week. Child labor laws are intended to ensure that employment of persons under 18 is compatible with their age, education, and health and safety. The general rule is that the legal working age in California is 14-years-old, but anybody under the age of 18 must have a work permit. Once you are offered work, you must obtain a work permit. The application for a work permit can be picked up at your school. A California State Department of Education Form B 1-4 (Application for Work Permit and Statement of Intent to Employ Minors) must be filled out.