Legal Ages in the US
The age you become an adult in the US, and the legal ages for voting, driving, drinking alcohol and marriage, with the exceptions that matter.
Age of majority in the US
18You are an adult at 18 in most states. The age is 19 in Alabama and Nebraska and 21 in Mississippi.
Voting age in the US
18US citizens can vote at 18 in federal, state and local elections. Many states let 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election.
Driving age in the US
16Each state sets its own rules. Most issue a learner’s permit at 15 or 16 and a provisional licence at 16, with a full licence at 17 or 18. Some rural states start at 14.
Drinking age in the US
21You must be 21 to buy alcohol or drink it in public in every state. Some states allow younger people to drink at home with a parent or for religious reasons.
Marriage age in the US
1817 states and Washington, DC ban marriage under 18 with no exceptions. Most others allow 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with a parent’s consent or a judge’s approval, and California, Mississippi and New Mexico set no minimum age.
Checked 22 October 2026 against national laws and government sites. Laws change and this is a summary, not legal advice; check with the authority that applies to you. Recent changes checked against: Stateline: More states ban child marriage (August 2026).
Age calculator
Your exact age today, and the date you turn 16, 18 or 21.
Emergency numbers in the US
Police, ambulance and fire numbers, plus helplines.
US federal holidays 2026
Every holiday with its date and long weekends.
Legal ages in the US: questions and answers
At what age are you an adult in the US?
You are an adult at 18 in most states. The age is 19 in Alabama and Nebraska and 21 in Mississippi.
What is the voting age in the US?
US citizens can vote at 18 in federal, state and local elections. Many states let 17-year-olds vote in a primary if they will be 18 by the general election.
What is the legal driving age in the US?
Each state sets its own rules. Most issue a learner’s permit at 15 or 16 and a provisional licence at 16, with a full licence at 17 or 18. Some rural states start at 14.
What is the legal drinking age in the US?
You must be 21 to buy alcohol or drink it in public in every state. Some states allow younger people to drink at home with a parent or for religious reasons.
What is the legal age for marriage in the US?
17 states and Washington, DC ban marriage under 18 with no exceptions. Most others allow 16- and 17-year-olds to marry with a parent’s consent or a judge’s approval, and California, Mississippi and New Mexico set no minimum age.
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