How To Get A Work Permit In Md

How to Get a Work Permit in Maryland

Getting a work permit in Maryland is much easier than most teens think, but the entire process can be pretty confusing if you've never done it before. Because of this, we've created this page which outlines everything you need to know about getting a work permit in Maryland. If you're under the age of 16, a work permit is required to work part-time at any company, so follow what we've outlined here and you can get a job in no time.

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Minimum Working Age in Maryland

Maryland was the first state to enact Workmen's compensation laws in 1902, showing its concern for the worker. The state is also interested in taking care of its minors; while minors as young as 14 may seek employment in Maryland, all youth under the age of 18 require a work permit in order to be employed. The work permit is issued through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and can be downloaded and printed from the application website. Click here for more information on teen labor laws in Maryland.

Applying For a Work Permit in Maryland

It is not difficult to obtain a work permit in Maryland, however there are a few steps that youth under the age of 18 are required to follow. The main thing is that the minor must find an employer who is interested in hiring them. Minors in Maryland who are seeking to work should take the following steps to obtain a work permit:

First, the minor must find a job. Once they have found an employer who is willing to hire them, they can begin the work permit process.
The minor will apply for the work permit online, submit it and then print it. The form can be accessed here.
The minor aged 14-17 will complete the section "Minor's Personal Information" which includes their name, address, phone number and date of birth.
The minor will also complete the information of their potential employer, to include the name and address of the employer, the supervisor's name and job responsibilities.
The minor will then download and print the form and sign it. The minor will also have their parent or guardian sign the form.
The minor will bring the printed work permit form to the employer, who will sign the form as well.
The minor cannot begin work until the employer has a copy of the work permit signed by the minor, their parent/guardian and the employer.

Transferring Work Permits in Maryland

The work permit is employer-specific and cannot be transferred from one employer to another. Should a minor ages 14-17 in Maryland decide to change jobs, they will need to obtain a new work permit.

Employer Responsibility With Work Permits in Maryland

All minors seeking employment in Maryland must have a work permit in order to begin working. The first step for the minor is to find an employer who is willing to hire them. The minor will then go online and complete the online work permit application. In regards to work permits, employers in Maryland have the following responsibilities:

The employer must let the minor know the work duties they will be expected to perform so that they may enter that information on the work permit application.
Once the minor has completed the work permit, printed it and signed it, the employer must also sign the work permit.
The employer is not able to allow the minor to work until they have received the signed work permit.
All child labor laws must be followed.
The employer must keep the work permit on file for three years.

Employers in Maryland who choose to hire minors aged 14-17 should not find it challenging to do so. The process that the employer needs to follow is not difficult and their role in the minor obtaining a work permit is minimal. The employer will want to be sure they follow child labor laws and refrain from putting the minor to work prior to their having a work permit on file.