Law and Daily Life

Happy Birthday: Legal Benefits of Being 18

Congratulations on turning 18 — you have reached the age of majority! Officially, you are an adult who can go to war and get married without anyone’s consent, rent an apartment or be sentenced to prison, and other grown up privileges.

We’ll raise a glass to cheer that in a few years when you can legally drink alcohol. In the interim, let’s consider the many things you will now be responsible for and able to do because you are an adult.

What You Can Do

Turning 18 has much legal significance, although for teens it can seem like the big birthday is 21. Each state has its own statutes with specific laws, but generally speaking, this is the time in life when you can make important decisions with long-term significance.

According to the California State Bar Association, at age 18 you can do the following:

Enter into binding contracts.
Buy or sell property, including real estate and stock.
Marry without the written consent of a parent (or guardian) and a judge.
Sue or be sued in your own name.
Compromise, settle or arbitrate a claim.
Make or revoke a will.
Inherit property outright.
Vote in federal, state and local elections.
Consent to all types of medical treatment.
Join the military without parental consent.

What You Cannot Do

Reaching the age of majority confers numerous privileges and responsibilities on an individual. You may have felt restricted as a youth, but now you can start spreading your wings. Of course, you cannot have a drink for some time, as the legal age for consumption of alcohol in the US is 21 years old.

Increasingly smoking is a no-no for young adults, too. States and cities are banning cigarette sales to consumers under 21. For example, in California, Hawaii, New York City, and probably many more places soon, you cannot buy smokes at age 18.

But don’t worry — the time will pass fast even if you just spend it figuring out adult life, putting aside the vices. There is a lot to learn and plenty of time ahead.

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