One of the most important events in any teenagers’ life is the birthday when he reaches adulthood. The actual age of this legal change has become confused over the years so much so that many teens don’t know what rights they have and when they get them.
Much of the confusion centers around the many different state laws and local regulations, some only partially enforced that govern the young adult’s life. The most confused rights generally are drinking, marriage, driving, contract laws, voting and public office requirements.
The drinking age is set on the state level and generally isn’t a source of mystery for the teenager. He usually knows when it is and eagerly awaits its meeting. Local communities within the state can use the powers of home rule and either raise or lower the mandatory age set by the state.
Some communities vote to be dry, or not allow liquor stores or bars in the town. Others will raise the drinking age to 21 years of age. Still others will lower the age to increase tax revenues and decrease enforcement problems. Usually the best way to find the local liquor rule is to ask in a liquor store before you buy to avoid any trouble or embarrassment.
Marriage age requirements are another example of the state setting the age limit on marriages without parental consent. In the majority of states anyone over 18 can marry without parental consent. There are a few states with higher age requirements, but none over 21. There are also a few states where the age drops to 17. Some states also require court permission if these marrying are under 18. A state bureau of records should be able to provide the most accurate information on this matter.
Driving is another event that teenagers anticipate. The laws in most states allow those over 16 to get a license with parental consent, until the age of 18 when anyone may get a license. There are a few states that allow restricted licenses as early as 14, but these are always with parental consent.
The legal age for entering into contracts is 18 in all states except, for Alabama, Nebraska and Wyoming where it is 19. This is important in many school requirements for housing and payment plans. Often if a student is under 18 when he enters a college his parents must sign, the agreements and contracts in order for them to be valid.
Legal age for voting has been established nation wide by the Federal government at 18. All states must follow this law in their voting procedures for state and local officials. This means all American citizens over the age of 18 are eligible to register and vote.
Holding public office is a different story however. To hold Federal office the minimum age is 25, to be a U.S. representative. To hold a state or local office it is best to check the specific rules established in the government’s Constitution because eligibility requirements vary greatly.