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

1. Joining the military
2. Voting.
3. Register for the Selective Service (mandatory for males).
4. Donate blood.
5. Become an organ donor.
6. Draft your will.
7. Working full time.
8. Buying a lottery ticket.
9. Obtaining driving permits.
10. Buy tobacco products for smoking (in some states only).
11. Drive late at night.
12. Start your own business.
13. Give consent to own medical care.
14. Go to the ER alone and get treatment.
15. Get a savings and checking account.

16. Become a realtor.
17. Become a notary publicⁱ  A legal practitioner who serves the public in non-controversial matters such as a power of attorney, sale of property, and financial services. .
18. Apply for loans.
19. Apply for credit cards.
20. Use a meat or deli slicer at a grocery store job.
21. Buy medicines like cough suppressants.
22. File a lawsuit.
23. Sign a contract.
24. Sue someone.
25. Be called for jury duty.
26. Open a brokerage account and buy stock.
27. Adopt.
28. Get a Costco card.
29. Buy real estate.
30. Apply for a mortgage.
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.

Fun Things To Do When You Turn 18

32. Get piercings.
33. Book a hotel room.
34. Getting a tattoo
35. Buy a pet.
36. Change your birth name.
37. Work in a bar.
38. Book a cruise ship.
39. Enter an adults-only store.
40. Skydive.
41. Give consent for your own vaccines.
42. Get married.
43. Buy spray paint.
44. Buy fireworks.
45. Attend a concert.
46. Sign a check.

47. Try bungee jumping.
48. Buy a house.
49. Buy a vehicle.
50. Move out of your parents’ house.
51. Sign yourself out of high school.
52. Open a bank account.
53. Get a 10-year passport.
54. Travel.

55. Drive a taxi.
56. Get a license to drive a truck.
57. Be the only one present at home when a service repair guy needs to enter your home.
58. Buy a car.
59. Rent an apartment.
60. Pawn your belongings.
61. Bet on a racehorse.
62. Rent an Airbnb.
63. Use a ride-sharing scooter (Lime or Bird).

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?

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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