working papers

plural noun

1. legal papers often required for employment, as by an immigrant worker or temporary employee.
2. legal papers enabling a minor in the United States to work under certain conditions.

working papers

plural noun

1. papers or notes showing the intermediate stages of a proposal, solution, etc, arrived at or being worked on
2. legal documents that certain people in some countries must possess to be allowed to work

Word History and Origins

Origin of working papers¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

For the time being, the hoods and punks were having a tough time of it, with working papers demanded as constant identification.

From Project Gutenberg

The Commission is now asking for working papers of an attorney.

From Project Gutenberg

I am not going to discuss any working papers in my possession.

From Project Gutenberg

All of the officers listed above attended and prepared "working papers."

From Project Gutenberg

As soon as she finished grammar school she was served, so to speak, with her working papers.

From Project Gutenberg