LS 561 at a glance
What it is: The Application for a Child Performer Permit is to obtain or renew a Child Performer Permit.
Who signs: In 15. Parent/Guardian Signature, sign and enter the Date.
What to bring and attach to LS 561
Attach the School Form (LS 560). It proves Satisfactory Academic Performance and is required with every application for school-aged performers age six (6) and up. It must be filled out and signed by a school official.
The School Form is valid only if it is submitted within 90 days from the date that the school representative signs the form.
Attach the Health Form (LS 562). It proves the minor is physically fit for employment and is required with every application. It must be filled out by a licensed physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner. The exam must be within 12 months of the application date.
Proof from a school health professional is accepted if it certifies physical fitness for employment.
Medical history or immunization records are not acceptable documents for proof of physical fitness for employment. DO NOT submit these documents.
Provide a copy of a document that shows the child's age, such as a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, naturalization papers or passport. This is required with the first application only, if not previously submitted. Do not send original documents.
Parent/Guardian Identification: Send a clear copy of government-issued photo identification of the person who signs the application, if not previously submitted. If the person signing the application has already sent a copy of their photo ID, then it is not necessary to send another copy.
The law requires that a trust account be established for child performers. Attach the Trust Account Form (LS 566). A representative from a financial institution must fill out this form. It is required with the first application.
If trust account documentation provided by your bank clearly displays all of the information required on the LS 566, you may attach that document and submit it instead of the LS 566.
A filled-in LS 561 example: renewing a permit for a nine-year-old performer
How to fill out LS 561, box by box
1. Child Performer name, 2. Professional name, 3. Permit use and 4. Permit Number
In Box 1, enter the Child Performer name: Last, First, Middle Initial.
In Box 2, enter the Child Performer Professional name (if different).
In Box 3, check the Permit use: Performance, Modeling or Both.
In Box 4, enter the Permit Number (if any).
5. Date of birth and 6. Social Security Number
In Box 5, enter the Date of birth and Age.
In Box 6, enter the child's Social Security Number. If the child does not yet have a Social Security Number, submit the number when it becomes available.
6 A. Other identification number (for non-US citizens)
In Box 6 A, enter the Other identification number (for non-U.S. citizens) and check the Other identification type: passport or other.
Non-U.S. citizens may provide a passport number and country of origin, or a copy of some other document that authorizes the child to work in the United States.
7. Physical description
In Box 7, enter the Physical description: Hair color and Eye color.
8. Parent/Guardian name, 9. Primary phone and 11. Email and Address
In Box 8, enter the Parent/Guardian name: Last, First, Middle Initial.
In Box 9, enter the Primary phone.
In Box 11, enter the Email.
In Box 11, enter the Address, City, State and Zip code.
11A. Mail permit to (if different)
In Box 11A, enter Mail permit to (if different), then the City, State and Zip code.
12. Updated Trust Account Form (LS 566) questions
The Updated Trust Account Form (LS 566) is required when renewing a permit only if you answer NO to any of the following three questions: 1. Is the trust account established to obtain the original Permit currently open? 2. Are the account holder names, type of account, account number, financial institution, and local branch address all the same for the account established to obtain the original permit? 3. Is the current balance less than $250,000? (checked October 20, 2026)
Updated Trust Account Information (LS 566): this form must be sent with any application if any trust account information has changed since the first application. This form is also required when the trust account balance reaches $250,000 (checked October 20, 2026). When the balance has reached $250,000, the form must show that you have appointed a trust company as the account custodian (checked October 20, 2026).
14. Acknowledgement and Declaration, 15. Parent/Guardian Signature and 16. Parent/Guardian Name (print)
Submit a copy of guardian photo identification (ID) and notarized statement of guardianship (if guardian signing application). Guardians must also attach a copy of a certified court document or notarized statement from the parent naming the Guardian.
You affirm that you are the parent or legal guardian of the Child Performer named in the Child Performer name box and you consent and request that an Employment Permit for a Child Performer be issued to that child.
You agree to abide by all laws, rules and regulations covering the employment of child performers including the responsibilities listed in 13. Advisory for Parent/s Guardians.
You affirm that the information in this application and all attachments is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
You have reviewed the educational materials on eating disorders posted on the Labor Department's website pursuant to Section 154 of the Labor Law.
You understand that the Labor Department may suspend or revoke a Child Performer Permit for good cause per Part 186- 9.2 of the regulations.
In 15. Parent/Guardian Signature, sign and enter the Date.
In 16. Parent/Guardian Name (print), print your name.
Sign and date the application. This application is unable to be processed without your signature.
More rules for LS 561
Failure to complete all questions and attach all required documents will result in processing delays.
New York State law requires 15% of a child performer's earnings to be placed in trust in accordance with Part 7 of Article 7 of the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law.
The child performer's parent or guardian must establish the child performer trust account to comply with this requirement. The child's parent or guardian must provide the child performer's employer with the information necessary to transfer these monies to the account.
Failure to comply with this requirement will prevent the Department of Labor from renewing the child's permit to work as a child performer.
Common questions about LS 561
Is there a deadline?
Permits are valid for 12 months. To avoid delays, permits should be renewed before they expire.
Where do I file it?
Mail the completed application and required attachments to the License and Certificate Unit, 1220 Washington Ave. Building 12, Room 436, Albany, NY 12226.
Sources
[1] LS 561 (12/25), Application for a Child Performer Permit, New York State Department of Labor (the Official source link on this page).