E-Verify Requirements in Maryland: 2026 Employer Guide

Maryland has no state E-Verify mandate. Participation is voluntary. All employers must comply with federal I-9 requirements.

Voluntary — No State Mandate

Researched by the I9AuditReady Research Team

Last Updated: April 2026

Maryland E-Verify at a Glance

Requirement Level: Voluntary — No State Mandate
Applies To: No state mandate — voluntary participation only
Employee Threshold: No state mandate
Key Statute: No applicable state statute
Effective Date: No mandate in effect

Does Maryland Require E-Verify?

Maryland has no state E-Verify mandate. Employers may participate voluntarily.

Maryland has no state E-Verify mandate. Participation is voluntary. All employers must comply with federal I-9 requirements.

Even without a state mandate, all Maryland employers must complete Form I-9 for every new hire under federal law (INA § 274A). Federal contractors with contracts over $100,000 must use E-Verify under FAR 22.1803. Employers may also voluntarily enroll in E-Verify through USCIS at no cost.

Key Facts: E-Verify in Maryland

Maryland has no state E-Verify mandate as of 2026.
Maryland's proximity to federal government offices means a high proportion of Maryland employers are federal contractors required to use E-Verify under FAR 22.1803.
Federal I-9 penalties range from $252 to $2,507 per form for paperwork violations and up to $27,894 per unauthorized worker for knowing employment violations under 2026 adjusted rates.

Maryland E-Verify: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maryland require E-Verify?

No. Maryland has no state law requiring employers to use E-Verify. Participation is voluntary. All Maryland employers must complete Form I-9 for every new hire under federal law.

Do Maryland government contractors need to use E-Verify?

Maryland does not have a state law requiring contractors to use E-Verify. However, federal contractors in Maryland with contracts over $100,000 must use E-Verify under FAR 22.1803.

What are the consequences of I-9 violations in Maryland?

Maryland employers who fail to properly complete or retain I-9 forms face federal civil penalties ranging from $252 to $2,507 per form for paperwork violations. Knowingly hiring unauthorized workers carries penalties of $698 to $5,579 per worker for a first offense.

Can Maryland employers voluntarily use E-Verify?

Yes. Maryland employers may enroll in E-Verify through USCIS. Voluntary use must be applied consistently to all new hires and cannot be used to discriminate based on citizenship status or national origin.

Nearby State Requirements

Virginia(Public only)West Virginia(Public only)Pennsylvania(Public only)Delaware(Voluntary)

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