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EMPLOYER ALERT | OCTOBER 2, 2026

Michigan employers that hire workers under age 18 should take action now. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) launched the Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP) today, October 2, 2026. Beginning today, youth employment permits are processed through the statewide online system rather than issued by local school districts or nonpublic schools.

The launch does not change Michigan’s youth employment laws or requirements. It changes how work permits are obtained and managed by moving the permitting process to an online platform.

Source: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, “What You Need to Know: Michigan’s New Youth Employment Permit Portal.” View the state YEPP resources.

What Employers Need to Know

• Employers that hire workers under age 18 must register with LEO through YEPP.
• New youth employment permits must be processed through YEPP beginning October 2, 2026.
• Local school districts and nonpublic schools no longer issue new youth employment permits.
• Existing permits issued by a Michigan school before October 2, 2026, remain valid and do not need to be reissued solely because Michigan transitioned to YEPP. Employers should continue to maintain those permits in their records. However, a new permit may be required upon certain qualifying events. Examples of qualifying events included a minor turning 16 years old or changing employers.
• Employers must notify LEO through YEPP when a minor’s employment ends.

How the Online Process Works

The minor begins the process by completing an application in YEPP and identifying the employer and worksite. The employer then receives notice and completes the employer portion of the application, including information about the job duties, tools and equipment, proposed work schedule, and pay. Employers can review application status and issued permits through the YEPP dashboard and receive both email and in-platform notifications.

Action Items for Employers

1. Create or confirm MiLogin access. Employers need a MiLogin business account to access YEPP.
2. Add YEPP to the MiLogin account. From MiLogin, select “Discover Online Services,” search for “Youth Employment Permit Portal,” accept the terms and conditions, and request the service.
3. Register the business in YEPP. Complete registration before hiring additional workers under age 18.
4. Identify responsible personnel. Determine who will monitor YEPP and email notifications and complete the employer portion of permit applications.
5. Retain existing permits. Keep valid school-issued permits on file for minors whose permits were issued before October 2, 2026.
6. Review youth-employment compliance. The move to YEPP does not change the requirements governing minors’ work hours, wages, job duties, or workplace safety.

Resources

LEO provides login instructions, a recorded demonstration, user guides, FAQs, troubleshooting information, and support resources on the YEPP webpage. Employers can also access the recorded YEPP webinar and sign up for youth employment email updates.

If you have questions regarding youth employment compliance or the new YEPP registration process, please contact a member of FSBR’s Employment Law Practice Group.

Sources: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Youth Employment Permit Portal and Youth Employment Standards Act guidance, accessed October 2, 2026.

This publication is intended for educational purposes only. This communication highlights specific areas of law and is not legal advice. The reader should consult an attorney to determine how the information applies to any specific situation.

By: Hannah Morgan Smith