As you approach the age of 18, you`ve probably seen the meme on social media that says, “Don`t grow up, it`s a trap.” You may have rolled your eyes or been overwhelmed by fear, but adulthood is inevitable either way. And while most 18-year-olds in the U.S. still live with their parents, they are legally allowed to do a lot of new things as they enter adulthood. It is important to remember that the responsibilities and consequences of the age of 18 are much more serious than as a minor. You are legally responsible for all your actions, assets and decisions. Bravo to 18 years old! 4. You are required by law to pay all debts you incur. The 18th birthday is a turning point for every young adult. You get certain legal rights and a sense of maturity and independence.

So you have to ask yourself what you can do at 18? While this is undeniably an exciting time in every person`s life, it`s important to know what will change at the age of 18. Knowing this, you will become a productive and competent member of society. When you turn 18, you can legally do anything from registering to voting to buying fireworks. Read on to learn more! If you are not applying for emancipation, you must legally live at home with your parents until you are of legal age to move. The federal government has set 18 as the age of consent for sexual activity with another person 18 or older. The age of consent may be younger or higher depending on your state law. One of the most important things about legal adulthood is taking responsibility for your actions. You are in control of your life. So, make wise decisions and steer your life in the direction you want it to go. The 18th anniversary is an important milestone for every young adult, from obtaining legal rights and duties to a new sense of freedom and maturity. While this is an exciting time in everyone`s life, it`s important to understand exactly what factors change when you reach the age of 18 to establish yourself as a respected and valued member of your community.

From buying fireworks to registering to vote, you can legally do the following when you`re 18: The age of 18 is considered “major” in the United States and is an important milestone. 2. As an adult, you are now responsible for your actions. If you break a law, you will be charged as an adult. Legally, you can adopt both a puppy and a child at the age of 18. However, your likelihood of being approved for both is another story. The legal age to purchase tobacco products has recently been raised from 18 to 21 in some U.S. states, but the majority of states have maintained it at 18. States that have changed the age to 21 include Hawaii, California, New Jersey, Oregon, Maine, Massachusetts, as well as 350 cities. You can play the lottery at the age of 18 in most states (except Iowa and Louisiana – partygoer).

At age 18, you can donate blood in California without parental consent (written parental consent is required for 16- and 17-year-olds). You can play charity bingo at the age of 18 in California. Having a job can be a prerequisite for loan approval. You can get tattooed at the age of 18 and do so without parental consent. You can`t get a tattoo until you`re 18 – it`s illegal. Have more serious consequences in case of violation of the law. The following is a summary of these rights and responsibilities from “When You Turn 18: A Survival Guide for Teenagers.” (PDF link – note that it dates back to 2014; the Bar Association no longer offers this particular guide to my knowledge): Anyone 18 years of age or older and mentally competent can take legal action. Apply for a loan on your own, but you`ll likely need to provide proof of income or have a co-signer.

This is just a friendly reminder that just because you can doesn`t mean you should. Are you over 18 years old? What wise or less intelligent decisions did you make at the age of 18? What advice would you give to someone who will be 18? Let us know in the comments! So what changes when you`re 18? The California State Bar Association has already published an interesting guide for teens to better understand how their rights and responsibilities change at age 18. To learn more about your rights and obligations as an adult, see Privileges related to the age of 18. Of course, there are many more professionals to grow up, but it`s the privileges of being 18 that will affect your daily life the most.