When you turn 18, a whole new world of possibilities opens up. At 18, you're considered a legal adult in the eyes of the law and you're able to make your own decisions without your parents having to sign off on them. This can be a liberating feeling, but it can also be overwhelming. There are a lot of options available to you, but it can be hard to figure out what you can do when you're 18.
When You Turn 18: Legal Rights and Responsibilities
When you turn 18, you gain a variety of legal rights and responsibilities, including the ability to enter into legally binding contracts, vote in elections, serve on a jury, get married without parental consent and even open your own bank account. You also gain the legal responsibility to pay taxes, sign up for the military draft, and even be sued in a court of law.
What Can I Do When I'm 18?
At 18, you have a lot of freedom to do what you want but there are also some restrictions. You are allowed to purchase and consume alcohol in most states, but you may not be able to buy it in certain areas. You can also legally purchase tobacco products, but you may not be able to smoke them in certain places. You can get a tattoo or a piercing without parental consent, but you may be required to show proof of age. You can also get a driver's license and register to vote.
When you turn 18, you can legally buy lottery tickets and participate in gambling activities, such as playing at a casino or betting on sports. You can also purchase firearms, although there are often age limits on certain types of guns. In most states, you can also buy fireworks, but you may not be able to use them in certain cities or counties.
What Jobs Can I Get When I'm 18?
At 18, you can get a variety of jobs, including those in the retail and hospitality industries. You can also get jobs in the service industry, such as a waiter or a barista. You can also get jobs in the entertainment industry, such as being a musician or an actor. You can also get jobs in the medical field, such as being a nurse or an EMT. You can even get jobs in the tech industry, such as being a web developer or a software engineer.
Can I Move Out When I'm 18?
Yes, you can move out when you turn 18, although there may be restrictions depending on where you live. For example, some states have laws that require people under the age of 21 to have a co-signer or a guarantor before they can move out. It's important to check with your local laws before moving out.
Can I Travel When I'm 18?
Yes, you can travel when you turn 18. However, if you are traveling internationally, you will need a passport. You may also need to meet certain age requirements for certain countries. It's also important to check the laws and customs of the country you're visiting before traveling there.
Can I Go to College When I'm 18?
Yes, you can go to college when you turn 18, although you may need to take the SAT or ACT tests to get accepted. You may also need to meet certain academic requirements, such as completing high school or obtaining a GED. The cost of college can vary greatly depending on the school and program, so it's important to do your research before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rights do I have when I turn 18?
When you turn 18, you gain a variety of legal rights and responsibilities, including the ability to enter into legally binding contracts, vote in elections, serve on a jury, get married without parental consent, open your own bank account, pay taxes, sign up for the military draft, and even be sued in a court of law.
Can I buy alcohol when I'm 18?
Yes, you can purchase and consume alcohol in most states when you turn 18, although there may be restrictions in certain areas.
Can I get a job when I'm 18?
Yes, you can get a variety of jobs when you turn 18, including those in the retail and hospitality industries, the service industry, the entertainment industry, the medical field, and the tech industry.
Can I move out when I'm 18?
Yes, you can move out when you turn 18, although there may be restrictions depending on where you live.
Can I travel when I'm 18?
Yes, you can travel when you turn 18, although you may need to meet certain age requirements for certain countries and check the laws and customs of the country you're visiting.
Can I go to college when I'm 18?
Yes, you can go to college when you turn 18, although you may need to take the SAT or ACT tests to get accepted and meet certain academic requirements, such as completing high school or obtaining a GED.
Can I buy lottery tickets when I'm 18?
Yes, you can legally buy lottery tickets when you turn 18.
Can I buy fireworks when I'm 18?
Yes, you can buy fireworks when you turn 18, although there may be restrictions depending on where you live.
Can I buy a gun when I'm 18?
Yes, you can buy a gun when you turn 18, although there may be age limits on certain types of guns.
Can I get a tattoo or piercing when I'm 18?
Yes, you can get a tattoo or piercing without parental consent when you turn 18, although you may be required to show proof of age.
Can I sign up for the military draft when I'm 18?
Yes, you can sign up for the military draft when you turn 18.
Can I get sued in a court of law when I'm 18?
Yes, you can be sued in a court of law when you turn 18.
Can I vote when I'm 18?
Yes, you can vote when you turn 18.
Can I enter into legally binding contracts when I'm 18?
Yes, you can enter into legally binding contracts when you turn 18.
Can I get married without parental consent when I'm 18?
Yes, you can get married without parental consent when you turn 18.
Can I open my own bank account when I'm 18?
Yes, you can open your own bank account when you turn 18.
Do I have to pay taxes when I'm 18?
Yes, you have the legal responsibility to pay taxes when you turn 18.