When it comes to adulthood, turning 18 is a milestone birthday that can bring about meaningful change. Becoming 18 years old is a rite of passage that comes with many new legal rights and responsibilities, giving you a newfound sense of freedom and independence. While this age can be exciting and full of new experiences, it’s important to understand all the changes that happen once you turn 18.

Whether you’re excited about being an adult in the eyes of the law or just want to know what to expect, there are several things you can do at 18. Some teens will want to join the military or vote in the next election, while others may want to get a tattoo, buy fireworks, change their name, rent an apartment or get a full-time job. What you can legally do when you turn 18 also depends on the state you live in since you can run for public office in California, Texas and Massachusetts but not in Florida or Illinois. With so much stuff to consider, it can be a challenge keeping track of all the stuff 18-year-olds can do.

To inspire you with ideas, we’ve compiled a list of things you can do when you turn 18. From drinking internationally to buying and selling real estate, explore what to do at 18 to learn about cool activities and unique experiences as well as your rights and responsibilities under the law.

Contents

• 1 What Can You Do At 18 Legally?
  • 1.1 Buy An Alcoholic Drink Internationally
  • 1.2 Get A Tattoo or Body Piercing
  • 1.3 Create A Will
  • 1.4 Buy A Pet
  • 1.5 Buy Fireworks
  • 1.6 Sign A Contract
  • 1.7 Vote
  • 1.8 Buy A Lottery Ticket
  • 1.9 Change Your Birth Name
  • 1.10 Open An Investment Account and Start Investing
  • 1.11 Join The Military
  • 1.12 Buy A Car
  • 1.13 Rent An Apartment
  • 1.14 Register For The Selective Service
  • 1.15 Become A Real Estate Agent
  • 1.16 Enter An Adults-Only Store
  • 1.17 Skydive
  • 1.18 Buy and Use Tobacco Products
  • 1.19 Work In A Bar and Serve Drinks
  • 1.20 Sign Yourself Out of High School
  • 1.21 Get Summoned For Jury Duty
  • 1.22 Open A Bank Account
  • 1.23 Have Sex Legally with Someone Over 18
  • 1.24 Get Married Without Parental Permission
  • 1.25 Run For State Office (In Most States)
  • 1.26 Be Tried As An Adult For A Crime You Commit
  • 1.27 Get A 10 Year Passport
  • 1.28 Drive Late At Night
  • 1.29 Buy Real Estate
  • 1.30 Apply For A Mortgage
  • 1.31 Become An Uber or Lyft Driver
  • 1.32 Apply For A License To Drive A Commercial Truck
  • 1.33 Go To The Emergency Room and Get Treatment
  • 1.34 Work Full Time
  • 1.35 Register To Donate Blood
  • 1.36 Become A Notary Public
  • 1.37 Book A Hotel Room
  • 1.38 Apply For Credit Cards
  • 1.39 File A Lawsuit
  • 1.40 Adopt A Child
  • 1.41 Get A Costco Card
  • 1.42 Pawn Your Property
  • 1.43 Rent An Airbnb
  • 1.44 Buy Spray Paint
  • 1.45 Move Out of Your Parents’ Home
  • 1.46 Bet On A Horse Race
  • 1.47 Buy Cough Suppressants
  • 1.48 Rent A Ride-Sharing Scooter
  • 1.49 Give Consent and Get Vaccinated
  • 1.50 Apply To Find Your Biological Parents If You Are Adopted

What Can You Do At 18 Legally?

Buy An Alcoholic Drink Internationally

While you still can’t legally drink in the United States, you can buy an alcoholic beverage internationally to celebrate becoming an adult. Although teenagers are prohibited from drinking alcohol in America, the minimum legal drinking age in most European countries is 18. Some countries around the world will even allow kids to start drinking at 16. If you’re excited to travel abroad for your birthday, grab your closest friends and book an international trip. While you enjoy the food, culture and sights, you can responsibly have some alcohol at local bars and clubs.