Maryland Rules on Employing Minors

In Maryland, unless an employer possesses a work permit or special permit for a minor, the minor may not work for the employer. Employment certificates will be issued by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, a county superintendent of schools or a designee of a superintendent of schools upon confirmation of the age of the minor requesting the work permit. The commissioner may issue a special permit to a minor of any age to be employed as a model, performer or entertainer.

Effective October 1, 2005, a minor who is 17 years of age and who is too young to be a registered voter may serve as an election judge if the minor demonstrates to the satisfaction of the local county Board of Elections that the minor meets all of the other qualifications for registration in the county he or she resides in. The minor may then work more than 12 hours on election day only, subject to consent from at least one parent or guardian.