63 Things You Can Do When You Turn 18

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

Reviewed by Damini GroverDamini Grover, Counseling Psychologist & Life Coach
By Sneha TeteSneha Tete  • 
63 Things You Can Do When You Turn 18

Image: Shutterstock

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!

protip_icon 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

One of the things you can do at 18 is voting

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Join the military.
  2. Vote.
  3. Register for the Selective Service (mandatory for males).
  4. Donate blood.
  5. Become an organ donor.
  6. Draft your will.
  7. Work full time.
  8. Buy a lottery ticket.
  9. Obtain special driving permits.
  10. Buy and use tobacco products (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  XA 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.
protip_icon 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

One of the things you can do at 18 is getting a tattoo

Image: Shutterstock

  1. Get piercings.
  2. Book a hotel room.
  3. Get tattoos.
  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).

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)
Save

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

It is not for nothing that teenagers eagerly wait to turn 18! You get the legal right to do several things once you reach the age and the excitement of all that can be quite intoxicating. For instance, you can vote, join the military, obtain driving permits, buy real estate, get tattoos, apply 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.


The following two tabs change content below.

LATEST ARTICLES