63 Things You Can Do When You Turn 18

Now be aware of the boundaries and responsibilities of a young adult.

Reviewed by Damini Grover, Counseling Psychologist & Life Coach Damini Grover Damini GroverCounseling Psychologist & Life Coach facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by , Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach Sneha Tete Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by , MA (English) Subhrojyoti Mukherjee MA (English) linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Fact-checked by , Integrated MA (English) Gazala Firdos Ansari Integrated MA (English) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
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Turning 18 is a watershed moment for every young adult. You obtain certain legal rights and a sense of maturity and independence. 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!

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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

Things that become possible at eighteen
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  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.
One of the things you can do at 18 is getting a bank account
Image: Shutterstock
  1. Become a realtor.
  2. 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. .
  3. Apply for loans.
  4. Apply for credit cards.
  5. Use a meat or deli slicer at a grocery store job.
  6. Buy medicines like cough suppressants.
  7. File a lawsuit.
  8. Sign a contract.
  9. Sue someone.
  10. Be called for jury duty.
  11. Open a brokerage account and buy stock.
  12. Adopt.
  13. Get a Costco card.
  14. Buy real estate.
  15. Apply for a mortgage.
  16. Apply to find your biological parents if you are adopted.
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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

One of the things you can do at 18 is getting a tattoo
Image: Shutterstock
  1. Get piercings.
  2. Book a hotel room.
  3. Getting a tattoo
  4. Buy a pet.
  5. Change your birth name.
  6. Work in a bar.
  7. Book a cruise ship.
  8. Enter an adults-only store.
  9. Skydive.
  10. Give consent for your own vaccines.
  11. Get married.
  12. Buy spray paint.
  13. Buy fireworks.
  14. Attend a concert.
  15. Sign a check.
One of the things you can do at 18 is drinking alcohol
Image: Shutterstock
  1. Try bungee jumping.
  2. Buy a house.
  3. Buy a vehicle.
  4. Move out of your parents’ house.
  5. Sign yourself out of high school.
  6. Open a bank account.
  7. Get a 10-year passport.
  8. Travel.
Young woman checking directions on the map while traveling
Image: Shutterstock
  1. Drive a taxi.
  2. Get a license to drive a truck.
  3. Be the only one present at home when a service repair guy needs to enter your home.
  4. Buy a car.
  5. Rent an apartment.
  6. Pawn your belongings.
  7. Bet on a racehorse.
  8. Rent an Airbnb.
  9. 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).

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!

legal documents you should apply for when you turn 18 (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Turning 18 is a big moment in every teen’s life! The moment you realize your big day is coming you start thinking of 18th birthday party ideas to celebrate in the best way possible. Why shouldn’t you get excited, you get the legal right to do several things once you reach the age. And, the excitement can be quite intoxicating as well, for instance, signing a lease, attending college, applying for a passport, and many more. However, the perks come with a set of adult responsibilities. For example, you are legally bound to pay your debts and be persecuted as an adult. Thus, it helps to be aware of these things to enjoy your adulthood responsibly.

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.

Key Takeaways

  • Turning 18 is a special moment that heralds the beginning of adult responsibilities and challenges.
  • When you turn 18, you can not only vote but also participate in many other activities.
  • The prospect of getting married, opening a bank account, or even buying a house or a car makes turning 18 even more exciting.

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!

Personal Experience: Source

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Damini Grover
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 Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha has a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, a professional Relationship Coach diploma, and over four years of experience in writing. She writes about relationships and lifestyle.Sneha began her career as an instructional designer, shifted to freelance technical and research writing, and self-published a novella on the theme of adolescent mental health.

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Subhrojyoti Mukherjee
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 Ansari
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.

Read full bio of Gazala Firdos Ansari