Short answer: In many cities you can busk under 18, but usually with a parent or guardian's written consent, and younger children often need an adult with them. Some places set a minimum age (13 in Vancouver, 14 in Liverpool and on the Montreal metro), some ban busking by school-age children, and some permits are for adults only.
The common patterns
Age rules for buskers fall into a few groups:
- Parent or guardian consent on the application, usually for under-16s or under-18s.
- An adult present while you perform, usually for younger children.
- School hours and daylight only for under-16s in some Australian cities.
- A minimum age, below which you cannot busk at all.
- Adults only for some permits and programmes.
Where a city has no permit at all, there may still be a code of conduct or a general law about children working, so check before you start. The world busking map shows the permit status for about 150 cities.
Age rules city by city
| City | Under-18 rules |
|---|---|
| Sydney | Under 18: parent or guardian signs the application. Under 15: an adult must be with you. |
| Melbourne | Under 16: consent from a parent or legal guardian. |
| Brisbane malls | Under 18: parent or guardian's letter of consent. Under 16: accompanied at every performance. |
| Perth | Under 16: outside school hours and in daylight only. Under 12: supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. |
| Adelaide | Under 16: outside school hours, in daylight, with written parental permission. Under 12: supervised. |
| Auckland | Under 14: parental consent to apply. |
| Wellington | Under 12: consent from a parent or guardian. |
| Toronto | 18 or over, or 16 to 17 with a signed consent letter from a parent or caregiver. |
| Vancouver | At least 13. Aged 13 to 15: a parent must be with you. |
| Calgary | 18 to busk alone. 16 and 17: parental consent. Under 16: accompanied by an adult. |
| Ottawa ByWard Market | 18, or 15 to 17 with a signed consent letter from a parent or guardian. |
| Liverpool | Under 14 may not busk. Over 14: with a parent or guardian and not in school term time. |
| Birmingham | Children of compulsory school age are not allowed to busk. |
| Manchester | Minors should be accompanied by a responsible adult. |
| Cork | Under 16: only with a legal guardian present. |
| Santa Monica | Under 16: also need a California Entertainment Work Permit. |
Places that are adults only
Some permits and programmes are closed to under-18s:
- Chicago's Street Performer License: applicants must be at least 18.
- San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf programme: performers must be 18 or over.
- Toronto's TTC subway licences: 18 or over, as well as Ontario residents.
- Barcelona's Música al Carrer: applicants must be over 18.
On the Montreal metro, players must be 14 or older. If you are interested in transit programmes, see our guide to busking auditions.
What a consent letter usually covers
Where a city asks for parent or guardian consent, follow its own form if it has one. Launceston, for example, has a parental consent form for under-18s. If the city simply asks for a signed letter, it usually helps to include:
- Your full name and date of birth.
- Your parent or guardian's full name, relationship to you, phone number and signature.
- A clear statement that they consent to you busking under the city's permit.
- The date.
Bring ID for both of you if the application is made in person, as some cities, such as Sydney, require.
School hours, daylight and supervision
Even with a permit, younger buskers often have extra limits. Perth and Adelaide allow under-16s to busk only outside school hours and in daylight. Liverpool asks over-14s not to busk in term time. And several cities require an adult nearby: under 15 in Sydney, under 16 in the Brisbane malls and Cork, and 13 to 15 in Vancouver.
Even where it is not required, having an adult with you is sensible. They can watch your gear and tips, deal with anyone difficult and help you pack up quickly.
Fees and discounts for young buskers
Some places make it cheaper to start young. Byron Bay's busking permit is free for under-18s, and Cork waives its annual permit fee for under-25s. Many other permits are free for everyone, such as those in Perth, Auckland and Wellington.
Staying safe as a young busker
- Busk in busy, well-lit places during the day.
- Keep your phone charged and tell a parent where you are.
- Empty your case regularly so there is little cash on show.
- Leave if anyone makes you uncomfortable, and go to a shop or staff member for help.
Our busking safety guide has more.
Taking tips by QR code
Many people have no coins on them, and a QR code sign lets them tip by card or phone. If you are under 18, ask a parent or guardian to set up any payment app with you, because payment services usually have their own age and identity checks.
World busking map: Permit rules for 131 cities on one map.
Common questions
Can you busk under 18?
In many cities, yes, usually with written consent from a parent or guardian. Some permits, such as Chicago's street performer licence, are only for people 18 or over.
What age can you start busking?
It depends on the city. Vancouver sets a minimum of 13, Liverpool and the Montreal metro 14, and Birmingham does not allow children of compulsory school age to busk.
Do I need a parent with me to busk?
Often, if you are younger. Sydney requires an adult with under-15s, the Brisbane malls and Cork with under-16s, and Vancouver with 13 to 15 year olds.
Can kids busk during school hours?
Some cities say no. Perth and Adelaide allow under-16s to busk only outside school hours and in daylight, and Liverpool asks young buskers not to busk in term time.
Do young buskers pay for a permit?
Sometimes not. Byron Bay's permit is free for under-18s, Cork waives its annual fee for under-25s, and several cities charge nothing for anyone.
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