Turning 18 makes you a legal adult with many new rights: vote, sign contracts, move out, get tattoos, and more. See what you can do now and what still waits until 21.
Disclaimer:
This guide is for general information only. It does not give legal, financial, or medical advice. Laws and rules vary by state and can change. For personal questions, please ask a qualified lawyer, financial advisor, or healthcare professional.
Turning 18: Quick Reference
| Category | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Civic | Vote, jury duty, sign contracts |
| Money | Open bank & brokerage accounts, get credit cards, loans |
| Health | Consent to care, donate blood, make a will |
| Work | Become a notary, realtor, serve alcohol |
| Fun | Tattoos, lottery, buy pets, book hotels |
| Family | Marry, move out, adopt (some states) |
| At 21+ | Drink, smoke, gamble, rent car/hotel in some places |
What Happens at 18
Turning 18 makes you a legal adult. You get many new rights and some duties too.
But some things still wait till 21.
Civic & Legal
Vote
Register and vote in elections.
Sign legal contracts
Like leases, agreements, and more.
Jury duty
You can be called to serve.
Change your name
Do it without parent consent.
Sue or be sued
File lawsuits yourself.
Make a will
Use online tools or see a lawyer.
Money & Finance
Open your own bank account
No parent needed.
Get a credit card
Apply on your own.
Buy stocks
Open a brokerage account.
Take out loans
For cars, school, or anything else.
Rent an apartment or buy property
Sign the lease or mortgage.
File for bankruptcy
If needed.
Health & Medical
Consent to your care
Doctors talk to you, not parents.
Donate blood or be an organ donor
In some states, even at 17.
Get a passport
Valid for 10 years (minors get 5).
Go alone to the ER
Get treatment without parent permission.
Work & Jobs
Work in bars
Serve alcohol (but not drink).
Drive a taxi or truck
Extra licenses needed.
Become a notary or realtor
Use certain equipment
Like a deli meat slicer.
Fun & Lifestyle
Tattoos & piercings
No parent sign-off.
Buy a lottery ticket or fireworks
Book hotel rooms & Airbnbs
Some chains require 21+.
Skydive
Age 18 is the limit.
Buy pets or spray paint
Bet on horse races
Depends on state.
Family & Living
Move out
Live on your own.
Get married
Without parent approval.
Adopt a child
In some states or as a guardian.
Find birth parents
If adopted.
What Still Waits Until 21
- Drink alcohol or buy cigarettes
- Gamble in casinos
- Rent most cars & some hotels
- Adopt in many states
- Some IDs change at 21
Final Note
Turning 18 = freedom + responsibility.
Tip: Keep learning your rights. It helps you stay safe, smart, and legal.