Work permits for minors now will be filed online in Ohio.

Under the system, teenagers can download permit applications from the Internet. After completing the forms, students give them to school officials who will submit the information to the state electronically.

The switch to online filing “cuts down on the time the school needs to devote, the student needs to devote, and the employer needs to devote to the process,” said Thomas Ratcliff, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Commerce.

The new rules allow students at private, vocational, and parochial schools to apply for work permits through their own school administrations. Before, they were required to file through the public school district where they lived.

Electronic filing will save state workers time reviewing paper records, Mr. Ratcliff said.

State inspectors will have more time to conduct spot checks to make sure employers are following child labor laws.

Employers will no longer be required to keep a copy of permits for their teenage workers, but they must see copies of the permits before employing minors.

About 125,000 Ohio teenagers apply for work permits each year, Mr. Ratcliff said.

Work permit application forms are available at www.com.state.oh.us.

First Published October 28, 2002, 5:00 a.m.