Maryland Childcare Licensing
Maryland Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)
Before you can legally care for children for pay in Maryland, you must know the license-exemption threshold — the point at which a child care license, registration, or certificate becomes mandatory. In Maryland, any program that cares for one or more unrelated children younger than 13 for less than 24 hours a day on a regular basis, in a residence other than the child's residence and for pay, must obtain a child care center license or a family child care home registration, so there is no multi-child "free" threshold; the only license-exempt arrangements are informal babysitting by a relative, friend, or neighbor for less than 20 hours per month and relative/informal care, per Family Law Article §§5-501 and 5-550 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland (implemented at COMAR 13A.15 and 13A.16).
Licensing Agency
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Childhood, Office of Child Care (OCC), Licensing Branch →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMaryland License Exemption Threshold: The Specifics
In Maryland, any program that cares for one or more unrelated children younger than 13 for less than 24 hours a day on a regular basis, in a residence other than the child's residence and for pay, must obtain a child care center license or a family child care home registration, so there is no multi-child "free" threshold
implemented at COMAR 13A.15 and 13A.16
the only license-exempt arrangements are informal babysitting by a relative, friend, or neighbor for less than 20 hours per month and relative/informal care, per Family Law Article §§5-501 and 5-550 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland (implemented at COMAR 13A.15 and 13A.16).
implemented at COMAR 13A.15 and 13A.16
A Maryland family child care home may serve a maximum total of 8 children, of whom no more than 4 may be younger than 2 years old, and care may not be provided at any one time to more than 2 children younger than 2 years old unless approved by the office, per COMAR 13A.15.04.03.
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Maryland License Exemption Threshold: Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can I care for in Maryland without a license?
In Maryland, any program that cares for one or more unrelated children younger than 13 for less than 24 hours a day on a regular basis, in a residence other than the child's residence and for pay, must obtain a child care center license or a family child care home registration, so there is no multi-child "free" threshold; the only license-exempt arrangements are informal babysitting by a relative, friend, or neighbor for less than 20 hours per month and relative/informal care, per Family Law Article §§5-501 and 5-550 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland (implemented at COMAR 13A.15 and 13A.16).
What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in Maryland?
Operating above the Maryland exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Childhood, Office of Child Care (OCC), Licensing Branch about the correct credential before you begin.
Does Maryland offer a voluntary registration for small providers?
Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether Maryland offers a voluntary registry with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Childhood, Office of Child Care (OCC), Licensing Branch.
Maryland childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Maryland administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Early Childhood, Office of Child Care (OCC), Licensing Branch before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.