New Mexico Rules on Employing Minors

In New Mexico, no minor between 14 and 16 may be employed or permitted to labor at any gainful employment during the school term unless the minor has been issued an employment certificate. No minor under 14 may be employed during the hours school is not in session unless issued an employment certificate.

Permit certificates will be issued only by school superintendents, school principals, designated issuing school officers or the director of the labor and industrial division of the labor department of the director's designee.

The application for a certificate must show that the minor is in good physical health and that the work to be performed would not result in injury to the health, morals or mental development of the minor. Satisfactory proof of age of the minor must be furnished. Minors between 14 and 16 applying to work during the school year must also provide information regarding the necessity to the family, the dependents of the minor or the minor of the income to be derived from the employment. Permits are good for only one year from the date of issuance.