Booking child models in United States: New York.
What the official sources say about permits, hours, school, supervision and earnings for models under 18. Checked October 2026.
Who decides
New York State Department of Labor (Division of Labor Standards).
Permit or licence
Child models are child performers under New York law. 'Artistic or creative services' includes runway or print model. A child performer is under 18 and lives in New York or works there (Labor Law § 150). A Child Performer Permit from the Department of Labor is needed before work begins. It is valid for 1 year and is free. The parent or guardian applies and gives a copy to each employer. The application needs school, health, trust account and emergency contact forms. Allow 15 days for processing. A one time 15 day online permit is available for first time applicants. The employer needs a Certificate of Eligibility (valid 3 years) and must notify the Department at least 2 days before employing a child model (DOL Child Model FAQ). No permit is needed for modelling at a church, school or academy as part of regular activities, in a private home, or under Department of Education supervision.
Age bands
Under 18. Hour bands: 15 days to 5 months, 6 months to 1 year, 2 to 5 years, 6 to 8, 9 to 15, 16 to 17 (LS559).
Working hours
Infants under 15 days may not work. Ages 15 days to 5 years, not before 05:00 and no later than 00:30: 15 days to 5 months, 2 hours on set and 20 minutes work; 6 months to 1 year, 4 hours on set and 2 hours work; 2 to 5 years, 6 hours on set, 3 hours work and 3 hours rest. Non live work, ages 6 to 17, not before 05:00, no later than 22:00 before school days and 00:30 on non school day mornings. School in session (hours on set / work): 6 to 8, 8 / 4; 9 to 15, 9 / 5; 16 to 17, 10 / 6. School not in session: 6 to 8, 8 / 6; 9 to 15, 9 / 7; 16 to 17, 10 / 9. Meals, rest and instruction count in time on set. 12 hours rest between workdays. From 6 months, one day jobs may add 2 hours, but no work the next day. If the child works after school, time at the workplace is cut by 3 hours (LS559).
School
The child must keep satisfactory school performance. The employer must give time during the workday, a space used only for teaching and a NYS certified teacher, unless the child is homeschooled or in distance education. Teaching must average at least 3 hours per school day each week, with at least 1 hour each school day. No more than 10 consecutive school days without instruction (DOL; LS559). Ages 14 to 17 may work up to 8 hours during school hours for no more than 2 consecutive days with school permission (LS559).
Chaperone and supervision
A child model under 16 may not be alone on a set or runway. A responsible person named by the parent or guardian must be at work with the child (DOL Child Model FAQ).
Earnings
The parent or guardian must set up a trust account before the first day of paid work. The temporary permit allows up to 15 days. At least 15% of gross earnings must go into it, and the employer must ensure this. Once the fund exceeds $250,000 a trust company must be custodian (DOL).
Good to know
Parents must review information on eating disorders before applying. A medical professional must certify the child can model without harm (DOL Child Model FAQ). Employer penalties are up to $1,000, $2,000 and $3,000 for first, second and third violations. The certificate can be suspended or revoked.