63 Things You Can Do When You Turn 18

Turning 18 is a watershed moment for every young adult, as it paves a world of possibilities and responsibility. It is more than a celebration, as your choices hereafter will profoundly shape your future. So you must be wondering, what are some things you can do at 18? While it is undeniably an exciting moment in every person’s life, it is crucial to know what changes when you turn 18. Knowing this will set you up as a productive and competent member of society. When you turn 18, you can legally do everything from registering to vote to purchasing fireworks. Keep reading to find out more!

Trivia

In the past, a lot of states set the age of majority at 21. Upon the ratification of the 26th Amendment to the US Constitution in 1971, most states lowered it to 18 in order to allow this age group to vote in federal elections.

List Of Things You Can Do When You Turn 18

The age of 18 is a major milestone in everyone’s life as it comes with various opportunities. Turning 18 gives you different rights and responsibilities, helping you experience the perks and challenges of adulthood. You can make important financial, health, and career decisions once you step into the 18th year of your life.  Here, we have highlighted the list of new rights and responsibilities at age 18. Check them out.  

Civic Responsibilities & Legal Rights

Once you reach adulthood, you acquire several legal rights and can fulfill certain civic duties as citizens. These rights give you a voice of your own and help you to contribute largely to your country’s growth. Therefore, turning 18 is an important step in becoming a responsible citizen who actively participates in the country’s development. Scroll down to explore the civic milestones for 18-year-olds. 

1. Voting.

Note: The legal voting age varies by country. For example, in Austria, Brazil, and Argentina, 16-year-olds can vote in regional elections. In North Korea, Indonesia, and Greece, the legal voting age is 19 while in countries like Singapore and Lebanon, the voting age is set at 21 (1). 

2. Register for the Selective Service (mandatory for males).
3. File a lawsuit.
4. Sign a contract.
5. Sue someone.
6. Be called for jury duty.

Next, explore the financial decisions and employment rights that one can obtain after 18 years of age. 

Employment & Financial Independence 

As you step into the age of 18, the doors for career growth open up, welcoming you with various opportunities. Once you start working and earning money, you gain essential financial rights. These rights let you manage your money and earn credit. This stage helps you achieve self-sufficiency. Keep reading to explore the financial and employment rights. 

7. Working full time.
8. Start your own business.
9. Get a savings and checking account.

10. Become a realtor.
11. Become a notary publici.
12. Apply for loans.
13. Apply for credit cards.
14. Open a brokerage account and buy stock.

Following up, check out the personal decisions and medical choices that you can make after reaching the age of 18. 

Medical & Personal Decisions 

Once you become 18, the government empowers you to make important decisions about your health. You can finally take control of your life the way you want and attain self-reliance. Check out the rights below. 

15. Donate blood.
16. Become an organ donor.
17. Draft your will.
18. Give consent to own medical care.
19. Go to the ER alone and get treatment.

Continue reading to learn about the rights that excite adolescents the most — driving! Check out what rights they gain after turning 18. 

Driving & Transportation Rights

Adulthood offers you the opportunity to drive a motor vehicle and gain transportation rights. This autonomy offers you freedom on the road but also makes you responsible for your and others’ safety. Scroll down to learn about basic driving rights.  

20. Obtaining driving permits.

Note: The minimum age for applying for a driving license varies in certain countries. For example, in Ghana, people can drive once they reach the age of 21, while in countries like Indonesia, UK, Malaysia, and Greenland, 17-year-olds can drive. In Zimbabwe, Barbados, and Australia, 16 is considered the minimum age to access a driving license (2).

21. Drive late at night.

Next, find out what ownership rights you get after completing the 18th revolution around the sun. 

Ownership Rights

Adulthood unlocks various ownership rights for you, allowing you the freedom to make purchases and own something of your own. It enables you to invest in your well-being and ensure a stable future. Read on to find the fundamental ownership rights. 

22. Buying a lottery ticket.
23. Buy tobacco products for smoking (in some states only).

Note: Although most countries set 18 as the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products, certain countries allow consumption at a lower age. For example, in Egypt and Malawi, 14 is the minimum age, while in Austria and Belgium, 16 is considered the right age. On the other hand, in Japan, the minimum legal age for tobacco consumption is 20, while in Guam and Kuwait, people can buy these products when they turn 21 (3) 

24. Use a meat or deli slicer at a grocery store job.
25. Buy medicines like cough suppressants.
26. Get a Costco card.
27. Buy real estate.
28. Apply for a mortgage.

Next, find what rights people get related to military service at the age of 18. 

Rights Related To Military Service

Upon turning 18, you have the right to enroll in military service and serve the country. In many countries, notably the USA, Canada, India, and Australia, people can voluntarily join the military at 18. 

29. Joining the military

Note: There are variations regarding the minimum age required for joining military services. For example, in Bangladesh and Brunei, people can voluntarily join military service at the age of 17, while in Australia, 17-year-olds can join with parental consent. In North Korea, both men and women are required to serve at 17 years of age. However, in Japan, voluntary enlistment starts at 19 while this service is compulsory for 19-year-old Greek men (4).

In the next section, check out the basic family rights that people attain after joining the 18 Club. 

Adoption & Family Rights

Once you reach the age of 18, the government entitles you to important rights like building a family and adopting a baby. These rights let you attain greater control over your decisions regarding your family. Scroll down. 

30. Adopt.
31. Apply to find your biological parents if you are adopted.

Trivia

After turning 17, you can register to vote at any time. However, your registration won’t take effect until you turn 18.

In the next section, we have detailed the rights and privileges that adulthood shower you with. These let you fully explore and enjoy your independence. Read on to find them. 

Fun Things To Do When You Turn 18

Things that were out of reach earlier are now within your grasp. Turning 18 is a significant milestone in everyone’s life as it opens up a world of possibilities. This stage allows you to live your life to the fullest, offering you the liberty to make personal decisions. From going on thrilling adventure trips and getting quirky tattoos to marrying and pledging a life of togetherness with someone — adulthood offers uncountable perks. Discover all these fun things that you can do after turning 18 below. 

Personal & Lifestyle Choices

Turning 18 gives you the freedom to explore unique things that are reserved for adults only. This new stage allows you to understand various aspects of your individuality and shape your life in your own way. Scroll down to find out about the lifestyle choices that you can have once you enter the 18th year of your life. 

32. Get piercings.
33. Getting a tattoo
34. Buy a pet.
35. Change your birth name.
36. Skydive.
37. Try bungee jumping.
38. Buy spray paint.
39. Buy fireworks.
40. Attend a concert.
41. Sign a check.

Next, let us move on to discover the travel and accommodation choices and rights that adulthood brings you. Read on

Travel & Housing Rights

Entering the age of 18 uncovers a world of travel and housing opportunities. You can tread on new locations and explore beautiful landscapes all by yourself once you turn 18. Discover the travel and accommodation rights below. 

42. Book a hotel room.
43. Book a cruise ship.
44. Rent an apartment.
45. Travel.

46. Rent an Airbnb.
47. Use a ride-sharing scooter (Lime or Bird).

The age of 18 also allows you to make one of the most fulfilling and life-changing decisions for yourself. You can choose your legal life partner.  

Relationship Decisions

You can now tie the knot with your romantic partner. So…

48. Get married.

Along with newfound liberty, turning 18 also allows one to change their relationship status and make personal connections official and legal (which comes with a good set of couple rights too).

Lastly, dive into the various financial, legal, and health rights and choices that the government empowers an individual with upon reaching the age of 18. 

Financial, Legal, & Health Rights

From managing your resources and signing legal documents to making important decisions about your health, you can make significant decisions that shape your future once you make it to the 18th year of your life.  Scroll down to check out these rights. 

49. Buy a house.
50. Buy a vehicle.
51. Open a bank account.
52. Buy a car.
53. Pawn your belongings.
54. Bet on a racehorse.
55. Work in a bar.
56. Sign yourself out of high school.
57. Drive a taxi.
58. Get a license to drive a truck.
59. Be the only one present at home when a service repair guy needs to enter your home.
60. Enter an adults-only store.
61. Give consent for your own vaccines.
62. Move out of your parents’ house.
63. Get a 10-year passport.

In her blog, Calla shares a funny story from her 18th birthday, where they pretended to be fraternal twins with a friend to get free desserts at Applebee’s. She said, “My first birthday as a legal adult: I spent it with my friends, scamming Applebee’s out of a cheap brownie. And it was the best birthday ever (i).”

What Are Your Responsibilities Once You Turn 18?

Just like you get uncountable opportunities at 18, you are also entrusted with several responsibilities that shape your ability to manage and navigate adulthood like a pro. Scroll down to explore the common duties of an 18-year-old. 

1. As a legal adult, you are now responsible for your actions. If you violate any law, you will be charged as an adult.
2. If you are a guy, you will have to register with the Selective Service System within a month of turning 18. If you fail to do so, you can be prosecuted. If convicted, you may have to spend up to five years in jail and/or be fined up to $250,000.
3. You are legally bound to pay all or any debts you incur.
4. Your juvenile record will be sealed. When you turn 18, you can have a “fresh start” as an adult, so past misdemeanors won’t come back to haunt you legally.
5. You have to sign tax forms for employment. When you apply for work, you will have to sign a contract and a tax form. This is not legally binding until you become an adult. That is why you can get an apartment, hold a job, purchase real estate, and buy stocks after you turn 18.
6. You can now go to jail. No more “juvy”. If you commit a misdemeanor or crime as an 18-year-old, you will be tried as an adult. You may even have to spend time in prison or jail.

What Are The Things Still Restricted When You Turn 18?

While turning 18 can be exciting and comes with many new rights, responsibilities, and opportunities, there are still a few restrictions that have yet to be followed in some states:

1. Purchasing and drinking alcohol (21 years old).
2. Purchasing tobacco products in some states (21 years old).
3. Going to a casino (21 years old).
4. Renting a vehicle (20 to 25 years old).

As you pass through this transitional moment into adulthood, remember that you will have to learn about your new legal rights and obligations. You will have to face this new phase of life with maturity. While you should proceed with careful reasoning and thoughtful decision-making, the beauty of adulthood comes with the process of self-discovery and growth. Adulthood is full of great adventures and challenges that make you stronger and wiser. You now have the ability to make significant life decisions, like falling in love, committing yourself to someone, building partnerships together with someone special, or introducing yourself to financial independence. Your journey will surely be different from everyone else’s, and that’s okay. It is more about the ability to create the future you want and love.

Infographic: Legal Documents You Should Apply For When You Turn 18

Turning 18 is an important milestone in a person’s life. While it comes with freedom, it also has important roles and responsibilities. We have listed a few legal documents you should apply for as soon as you turn 18. This prepares you and your family members for unforeseeable emergencies. Check out the infographic below to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can your parents control you at 18?

It depends on your family dynamic and financial situation. In many legal and cultural systems across countries, individuals are considered to be of legal age at 18, and parents do not have legal control over their children from that point forward. However, in many other countries, due to traditional obligations, individuals are expected to live with their parents, according to their terms, even after turning 18.

Can I leave home at 18 without my parents’ consent?

Yes. You are free to leave your parents’ house and reside at any place of your choice once you turn 18.

Is turning 18 good?

Turning 18 comes with attractive privileges as well as serious legal implications. So, it is all about striking a balance.

Turning 18 is an exciting milestone! You’re finally an adult! Check out this video to learn what you can do when you reach this age!

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Damini GroverCounseling Psychologist & Life Coach

       

Damini Grover has over nine years of experience working with individuals from various walks of life and enabling them to resolve various mental and emotional health concerns to lead an empowered life. She is a Counseling Psychologist, a Master Practitioner of Cognitive Hypnotic Psychotherapy, an Internationally Certified Heal Your Life Teacher & Coach, a certified Psycho-Geometrics & Emotional Intelligence Facilitator, and the founder of I’M Powered Center For Counseling & Well-being in Delhi, India.

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Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha holds a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad and a professional Relationship Coach diploma. With over four years of experience in writing, she specializes in crafting insightful articles on relationships and lifestyle.

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Subhrojyoti MukherjeeAssociate Editor

Subhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

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Gazala Firdos AnsariBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Gazala Ansari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. She writes on relationships, makeup, and lifestyle and has bachelor's and master's degrees in English literature from the Central University of Jharkhand.

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