Legal Ages by State — All 50 States

The US is not one-size-fits-all when it comes to legal ages. Browse each milestone for a complete state-by-state comparison.

Driving

Learner's permit starts at 14 in some states, 16 in others. Full license ages vary too.

Federal minimum is 21, but states have different exceptions for parental consent situations.

18 federally. Several states allow 17-year-olds to pre-register or vote in primaries.

Major reform since 2016 — many states now ban under-18 marriage entirely.

Age of majority is 18 in most states, but 19 in AL & NE, and 21 in Mississippi.

Lottery age is 18 in most states. Casino gambling requires 21 in most, 18 in a few.

Legal for recreational use at 21 in 24 states. Medical programs vary. Illegal in ~13 states.

Federal law set the minimum at 21 in December 2019. Applies to all states.

Social Security early retirement at 62, full retirement at 67 — federal, same in all states.

Not sure if you can legally do something at your age in your state? Our instant checker gives you an answer in seconds.