Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, and a few other states will allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they will be 18 by the general election. [2] X Research source

Before you make plans to bet on the ponies or wipe the floor with Grandma at bingo for your 18th, check to make sure it’s legal in your state. A few states allow gambling before 18 (for example, Ohio permits 16-year-olds to gamble online). But some don’t permit it until 21, like Iowa, and a couple, like Utah, don’t allow it at all.

Remember, just because you can legally get Pee-wee Herman’s face tattooed overtop your own face, it doesn’t mean you should.

If you plan on moving out once you’re 18, start preparing ahead of time. Go grocery shopping on your own and do your own laundry while you’re still living in your parents’ home to get used to the independence.

Statutory rape laws vary by age and state. For instance, in Alabama, sex between a 12-year-old and a person under 16 may not be considered rape, while sex between a 12-year-old and anyone over 16 automatically is. [14] X Research source Refer to your specific state’s laws for more specific information. [15] X Research source

Depending on your state, there may be rules about what you can change your name to. For instance, in New York, it is unlikely a petition to change your name to a well known person’s name (like “Beyoncé Knowles”) would be approved. [23] X Research source

While enlisting in the military is optional, most men ages 18 to 25 must register with the Selective Service. [27] X Research source www. usa. gov/selective-service

All states have some form of a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system in place, with some offering full driving privileges to people at 16 or 17. Be sure to check your specific state’s laws. [29] X Research source For instance, Arkansas and Connecticut restrict driving at night for people under 18, while Idaho gives full driving privileges at 16, and Louisiana at 17. [30] X Research source

The above rule applies to non-agricultural work. Minors working in agriculture may be able to work full-time, depending on the state. [33] X Trustworthy Source US Department of Labor Federal department responsible for promoting the wellbeing of workers Go to source For instance, in Arkansas, 16- and 17-year-olds working in agriculture may work 48 and 54 hours a week, respectively.

Once you’ve got your checking and savings accounts rolling, you can work on building your credit.

You’ll have to provide proof of independent income until you’re 21. (Maybe now’s the time to apply for that full-time job…. )

While you can get your CDL at 18, until you turn 21, you are only allowed to drive commercially in your home state.

Some states will allow a minor to adopt a child, as long as the minor is the spouse of the child’s parent.

In some states, like Alabama, children are free to make their own medical decisions by 14. [44] X Research source

You can register as an organ donor on your license, or make an immediate impact by becoming a live organ donor. Organs such as kidneys, lungs, and part of your pancreas may be donated while you are alive. [47] X Research source

Nebraska requires parental consent until 19, while some cities, including Philadelphia and San Francisco, made special accommodations for Covid-19, allowing minors aged 12 and up to consent to their own Covid vaccines. [49] X Research source

Lots of people pawn jewelry or electronics, but feel free to think beyond that—people have pawned dinosaur eggs, buoys autographed by David Hasselhoff, and giant Mario figurines. [52] X Research source

In a couple of states, 18 is still too young. You must be 19 in Alaska and Nebraska, for instance. [58] X Research source [59] X Research source